Chia Seeds for the Win!
We all know the reasons to eat a balanced diet — more energy, improved immunity and less risk of chronic illnesses, to name only a few — but when life gets hectic, the convenience of grabbing processed snacks or stopping at a drive-thru window can be hard to resist.
As a busy wife and mom committed to clean living, I’m always looking for quick, filling, tasty, whole foods that are easy to prep in advance. Today, I’m sharing a chia seed pudding recipe that is sure to become your new go-to convenience breakfast or anytime snack.
Chia Seeds — Small, but Mighty
Chia seeds may be tiny, but they pack a powerful nutritional punch. The nutrients they contain can promote skin and heart health, while supporting strong bones.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and various micronutrients. For example, one ounce of chia seeds contains 4.7 grams of protein, 9.8 grams of fiber and 14% of your recommended daily value of iron — that’s pretty impressive for a single two-tablespoon serving!
My Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Chia seeds are highly versatile. You can stir a couple of spoonfuls into almost anything you might want to add extra nutrients to, like your favorite smoothie or cereal. Still, this chia pudding recipe is one of my favorites because you can make it in advance. It stays good in the fridge for up to seven days and it’s easy to grab for an on-the-go snack! Try whipping up a batch over the weekend for your family to enjoy throughout the week.
Chia seed pudding is an excellent source of fiber, protein, antioxidants and healthy fats. It’s low in sugar and super filling! Plus, you can easily adapt it to fit your family’s dietary preferences. Depending on the mix-ins, you can make your chia pudding vegan, gluten-free, paleo and keto.
Chia seed pudding looks like tapioca and has a similar texture. Mixing chia seeds with the milk of your choice will create a gel-like consistency. Once you have the basic chia seed/liquid formula, you can add anything you like, such as sweetener, flavoring and toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of chia seeds
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, honey or agave
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine chia seeds, coconut milk, sweetener, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Once you have thoroughly mixed the pudding, let it sit for five minutes, then give it another stir to break up any clumps of seeds. Cover and put the mixture in the fridge to set for one to two hours or overnight.
- Your chia pudding should be thick, not soupy. If it’s too thin, stir in another tablespoon of seeds and refrigerate for about 30 additional minutes.
Toppings
When you’re ready to serve chia seed pudding, feel free to add your favorite flair and make it uniquely yours. I prefer these toppings that boost the chia pudding’s nutritional value.
- Berries: Blueberries and goji berries are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune system function.
- Walnuts: Walnuts are rich inhealthy omega-3 fats and may help lower your cholesterol. They are also one of the best mood-boosting foods you can eat.
Healthy Snack for All Ages
One of the best things about this chia pudding recipe is that it’s fun and easy to make. You can bring your kids into the kitchen with you and assign them age-appropriate tasks like stirring or measuring. Teaching little ones to make and eat healthy foods can help them appreciate nutrition from an early age.
Have you tried chia pudding? What variations do you use to add pizzazz? Let me know!
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