Healthy Endeavors

A few weeks ago I was on Good Morning Connecticut on WTNH8 discussing healthy, clean eating back-to-school breakfasts that both kids and adults will enjoy.  The first item I featured was chia seed pudding (aka breakfast cereal) as you’ll see in the video here:

Simply put, I think chia seeds are divine! So simple, so healthy, so good for you and they require minimal work, making them the perfect on-the-go breakfast for both kids and adults.

I tasted my first chia seed pudding sometime last year when I was doing a 5-day raw food cleanse that my friend Ruth organized.  I had heard of chia seeds before but have never actually tasted them, and what a surprise was I in for!  Each day my friend Ruth provides freshly made green smoothies, juices and soups that are super healthy for the body and soul.

So I was thrilled when chia seed pudding was on the menu for one of the breakfasts, replacing the smoothie.  I took one bite and it was instant heaven — creamy (made with fresh almond milk), silky, slightly sweet with a richness to the flavor. Chia seeds are high in protein, antioxidants and omega 3s and they’re so easy to use – bake with them, add a tablespoon or two to smoothies, or sprinkle on your favorite dessert.

Here’s how I like to make my chia seed pudding but you can easily adapt the recipe:

Ingredients:

2/3 cup almond milk (you can substitute your favorite milk – soy, rice, etc.)

2 tbsp. chia seeds

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon (or to taste)

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (or to taste)

3-5 drops liquid stevia (or other natural sweetener)

Fresh fruit

Directions:

1. Whisk chia seeds into milk (I like a thicker pudding so I use less milk but experiment with what works for you).

2. Add cinnamon, vanilla extract and sweetener.  Mix well.

3. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

4. Add fresh fruit (I’m partial to blueberries) and nuts if desired.

This is definitely the type of recipe that is fun to experiment with and see what best suits your tastes.  Play around and make it your own!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy chia seed pudding?  Do you eat it just for breakfast or do you branch out and enjoy it for a snack or dessert as well? Do tell!

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Filed under: Antioxidants, Chia seeds, clean eating, Fiber, Protein, Recipes