On The 11th Day of Christmas . . .
On The 11th Day of Christmas
We’re all about Chia Seeds…
a buzzword in the super food category of the health world right now. I’m sure you’ve heard of them, but do you know about the powerful punch of nutrients these tiny seeds deliver?
In just one ounce, chia seeds contain:
Fiber: 11 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3’s)
Calcium: 18% of the recommended daily amount
Manganese: 30% of the RDA
Magnesium: 30% of the RDA
Phosporus: 27% of the RDA
They also contain a substantial amount of Zinc, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and Potassium.
Did I mention that all of those nutrients come at only around 101 calories, are naturally gluten free, and non-GMO? Pretty impressive, right?! These fascinating seeds are also chock full of antioxidants, which are free-radical fighters; Meaning they help to fight off the production of unstable molecules in cells that are known to contribute to aging and cancer.
Now you’re probably wondering how you can incorporate this super food into your every day diet? The seeds themselves are almost flavorless, making them easy to add to just about anything. You can enjoy them raw, soaked in juices, or add them to your daily protein shake, yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal! They also are great on top of vegetables and rice dishes. They can easily be mixed with water to create a gel that some people use to thicken sauces, substitute eggs with, or to create puddings with!
Here is a fun chia seed pudding to try out over the holidays! Enjoy!
Ingredients:
¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
2-3 tsp maple syrup or honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3-4 tbs chia seeds
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a Mason jar or any container with a tight lid. Give a good shake or stir, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. When ready to eat, stir and top with favorite toppings: nuts, berries, fruit, coconut flakes, etc. Adjust the thickness of the pudding with extra milk if desired. Also, the amount of sweetener is up to a personal taste.
