Chia Berry Pudding
This raw vegan berry chia pudding is super simple to make, and is the perfect for a breakfast or snack recipe. Chia pudding is also filling. It will leave you feeling satisfied longer than other foods. Chia is also loaded with health benefits which I will discuss later in this post.
PREP TIME: 3 mins
SOAK TIME: 15 mins
TOTAL TIME: 18 mins
SERVINGS: 1
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup water or plant-based milk (see notes below)
Recommended Ingredients (to enhance flavor)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Toppings
- fruit (e.g. blueberries, raspberries, banana slices, coconut flakes, etc.)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place chia seeds in water. Add the optional ingredients listed above if desired (taste may be bland otherwise)
- Stir vigorously (or shake in a sealed container).
- Store in the fridge for at least 15 minutes (or for several hours overnight).
- Add toppings and enjoy!
NOTES
- My favorite way to make this is with oat milk (click here for recipe). It makes the texture more creamy and filling, and also gives a nice breakfast-y flavor.
- You can make this recipe with plain water, however, just be sure to add the optional ingredients listed to enhance the flavor to your liking
CHIA’S ANCIENT ROOTS & WHY IT’S STILL AROUND
Chia plant in my flower garden
Chia has been around since at least 3500 B.C. There is documentation on the Aztecs using chia seeds as one of the main foods in their diet.
“The ancient civilizations believed that the chia seed provided supernatural powers.
In Mayan, “chia” means “strength.” This probably has to do with the large amounts of energy provided by chia seeds. Ancient warriors attributed their stamina to this tiny seed.
This still holds true for certain groups of people today. The Mexican Tarahumara tribe is famous for their runners. These runners drink a mixture of chia seeds, lemon, and water called Iskiate. After drinking this, they are said to be able to run hundreds of miles. Something with that kind of track record deserves our attention.”
–Ancient Grains LLC
CHIA HYDRATION
Chia seeds can grow 12 times their weight after soaking in water. Think about how much hydration that is!
Soaking the chia seeds also is key to increasing bioavailability of its nutrition. In other words, the body can more easily absorb and assimilate the nutrients of hydrated seeds.
Soaked chia helps to decrease cholesterol, prolong hydration, retain electrolytes, and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Chia seeds are also a great source of Omega-3 (ALA) (The three main Omega-3 chains are EPA, DHA, and ALA.)
– Dr. Andrea Pennington, MD
“Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is associated with a significant reduction of various symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including pain, paraesthesias (burning and tingling) and numbness. Every cell in your body needs ALA to turn glucose into energy, an essential part of your metabolic machinery, and usually your body makes enough.”
SIMPLE, YET POWERFUL CHIA PUDDING RECIPE
In conclusion, vegan chia pudding is a super easy recipe to make and it is a powerful superfood! It is even great as a ‘lazy’ breakfast recipe. If you want to prepare some for the next day, simply toss some of these seeds in water and set them in the fridge. The next day, cut up some fruit and place on top. Easy, yet sooo delicious and satisfying.
Also, don’t forget to try out the recipe for raw vegan oat milk. This plant-based milk pairs perfectly with the chia as the medium to soak the seeds in.
Comment below to let me know what you think!
[Original article I wrote on my website]
For more information on why I went R.A.W. feel free to check out my other article.
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