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Chia Pudding

We lead a busy life in the Files home. As my kiddos grow into their teen years we have lots of school, meetings and activities, yes, even homeschooling. Aside from weekends, we often don’t have time to cook and clean a big hearty breakfast like I desire. If I don’t have time to clean it, I do not start it. Can’t recover. Nor am I organized, or energetic, enough to prepare something real involved the night before. I truly admire people like that. I am not one. It is easy to get into a rut with quick and easy on-the-go breakfast ideas, I mean you can only eat so much fruit, and protein bars are not exactly healthy on the regular. Enter ch-ch-chia! Yes, I say it like that in my head. Every time. Can you tell how old I am?

Chia seeds are high in quality protein, fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Up to 75% of the fats found in chia are omega-3, a nutrient must, especially for athletes. Better yet while researching I found that the word chia originates form an ancient Mayan word for strength. Moreover, it is said Aztec warriors prized chia seeds for their ability to help with energy and endurance.  Maybe it’s true, maybe not, but I like it. Fast and easy + nutrient dense + strength + SO yummy = breakfast from heaven.

Chia seeds have the ability to absorb water easily giving it a gel like consistency, hence the “pudding”. Once you mix up your chia pudding base you can add all kinds of different topping and flavours. This helps me from getting bored. Also, it keeps well so it’s great for batch prep. Basic chia pudding only takes about 5 mins to make. Now, that’s something I can handle the night before.

BASIC CHIA PUDDING RECIPE:

Mix ingredients, allow it to sit in a glass dish in the fridge overnight.

In the morning, stir, sweeten if desired (a drizzle of honey or pure maple is all we need), serve and top if you have the time.

Sometimes chia can become really thick. We have noticed different brand seeds absorb liquid differently. If the consistency is too thick just add some more milk and stir.

This recipes serves about 3. I double it for my family of 6.

CHOOSE A VARIETY OF TOPPINGS:

  • Blueberries + Maple + Cardamom + Cashews
  • Mango + Dark Chocolate + Mint
  • Coconut Milk + Strawberries + Wildway Granola (our favourite!)
  • Vanilla + Pumpkin Pie Spice + Coconut Flakes
  • Pomegranate + Dark Chocolate
  • Orange + Vanilla + Walnuts
  • Banana + Cinnamon
  • Be creative and make your own

 

OTHER WAYS TO USE CHIA SEEDS:

  • Sprinkle in or on smoothies
  • Sprinkle on fruit bowls
  • Top a fresh salad with them
  • Add them to quinoa or rice dishes
  • Use to thicken sauces
  • Add to breads, muffins and crackers
  • Sprinkle in coconut water with a dash of sea salt, and a splash of lemon for an electrolyte drink
  • Some people even use them as an egg substitute

 

READ MORE THAN YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT CHIA:

Have you tried Chia Pudding before? What’s your favourite topping?

 

Kristen Files is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner dedicated to helping people achieve optimal health through diet and lifestyle changes. For more recipes and lifestyle hacks visit her site at Hearts for Health.