Superfood Made Simple: Nutrient-Packed Chia Seed Pudding

01 Jan Superfood Made Simple: Nutrient-Packed Chia Seed Pudding

Amazing! Chia seeds were first cultivated and eaten in central Mexico dating back at least 2000 years ago. Chia seeds were one of the nutritional pillars along with corn, beans, and squash (what is commonly referred to as “the three sisters”). When European colonizers arrived they were surprised to see the overall healthy state of the population—in large part due to their highly nutritious diets of which chia seeds played a key role. These little, mighty seeds have reemerged in grocery stores and are growing in availability because of their nourishing, digestible, and low-caloric properties. They are easily added to dishes—both savory and sweet—and pack in a mighty portion of protein, healthy fat, soluble and insoluble fiber, and beneficial minerals (i.e. calcium, magnesium, and iron).

The chia plant itself resembles a basil or mint plant. It derives from the Salvia or sage family of plants. The crop is allowed to mature and dry by the sun in the fields. Then, the “seed” is traditionally harvested by “beating” the lavender-like flowers into sieves to separate the tiny seeds (similar to wheat) from the full plant. Chia seeds themselves are bland. When combined with liquids such as water or different types of milk (almond, coconut, hemp, hazelnut, cashew, etc.), the seeds activate to create a jelly-like consistency that offers additional benefits to digestive functions and liberates nutrients from the seed. They can be incorporated in a myriad of ways to your diet to receive their perks. Below, a very simple, yet totally delicious recipe from my SuperLife kitchen to yours! Enjoy!

KITCHEN UTENSILS

Medium glass bowl

Blender

WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS

Serves 4

1/3 Cup raw, organic chia seeds

1 ½ Cup organic coconut milk (or nut milk of choice)

½ Cup berries or banana

3-4 Tablespoon Grade B Maple Syrup or Raw Honey

Pinch of salt (preferably Celtic Sea Salt or Pink Himalayan crystal salt)

STEPS TO SOMETHING DELICIOUS

In a bowl, mix organic milk, maple syrup, sea salt, and blended fruit together. Whisk in raw, organic chia seeds. Cover tightly and let chill in the fridge for two hours. The chia seed’s mucilage is activated by moisture, and will create a jelly-like texture when soaked with the coconut milk to create that silky pudding texture that is so delicious.

SUPERLIFE GUIDE

Added tips you can choose to SuperCharge this recipe.

1. Instead of coconut milk, you could also try homemade yogurt. For a more drinkable consistency, fresh fruit juice or homemade lemonade will do.
2. Watery fruits, like watermelon and apples for example, do not work as well blended, but are good sliced toppings instead.
3. Another variation: In a bowl, you can mix a favorite unique blend of lucuma powder and coconut butter along with dried inca (golden) berries, chopped almonds, and cacao nibs to add the perfect superfood balance to the pudding for extra energy. Because chia seeds themselves are bland, they will take on the flavor of whatever you add into the mixture.

What do you think of chia seeds? I would love to hear your opinion by sharing with me in a COMMENT below.

Love How You Live,

Darin Olien