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This recipe packs some intense protein that fills you up and tastes great with your morning cup of coffee.
Chia seeds are a staple in my diet. I put them everything - yogurt, stir fry, even roasted with some tempeh. But I started to think- what is chia? Am I eating the same stuff that I used to grow on Pikachu’s head? Well.. Kind of.
"Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. "Chia" means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white seeds as an energy booster. That makes sense, as chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium.
Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds (unlike flaxseeds). One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals.
The mild, nutty flavor of chia seeds makes them easy to add to foods and beverages. They are most often sprinkled on cereal, sauces, vegetables, rice dishes, or yogurt or mixed into drinks and baked goods. They can also be mixed with water and made into a gel.” ( www.WebMD.com )
So they have Vitamins, Omga-3, fiber, antioxidants and protein? Energy?? If I didn’t put them on everything before, I’m literally about to now.
On my quest of Chia takeover, I’ve decided to try something new ( and exciting ). This Lemon Raspberry Chia Pudding is chia HEAVY, thus full of protein with natural burst of flavor in the form of fruit. Plus it's vegan. I added vanilla flavored protein powder in mine for some extra benefits.
Here’s what you’ll need -
- 6 tbsp chia seed
- Zest and Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup Almond / Coconut Milk , unsweetened
- 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Here’s what you have to do-
In a lidded container, mix together almond / coconut milk, yogurt, lemon, vanilla, and chia (in that order). Slice strawberries and fold in. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours (overnight). Serve with fresh raspberries and enjoy your filling, sweet treat! Makes 2 servings.
