I was recently invitied to a friend’s house for a homemade breakfast. While calming acoustic guitar music played and a mixture of the sweet smell of hand-poured coffee and aromatherapy oil diffusion wafted into the air, we sat down to her creative concoction. (This is a friend who knows how to set a mood and treat her guests right!) In the base of the bowl she had carefully crafted was a delightful surprise- Chia Seeds!
After this lovely breakfast experience I have made Chia seeds a regular part of my morning routine and wanted to share with you the wonders of this power-food! They’re unexpectedly easy to prepare and a great gluten-free, plant based alternative to oatmeal or cereal in the morning.
Chia is the ancient Mayan word for “strength”, and these tiny seeds will give you just that. They are a great source of dense protein and essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and fiber (they help keep you regular!). They can stay fresh for long periods of time without being refrigerated. You can add them raw to smoothies , use them in bread or baked goods, but the way that I have been enjoying them is how my friend taught me- as a sort of pudding base to my breakfast.
In the morning I will pour about 1/3 cup Chia seeds in a bowl and add about 1 cup coconut milk and stir. (You can add any kind of liquid- even juice!)…I will then go about other morning prep and come back in about 5-10 minutes, stir them again- and then perhaps leave them a little longer till the desired consistency is met (I like it when they’re the consistency of tapioca)…stirring them once more before adding other ingredients.
This is where you can get creative and add all sorts of delicious energy-boosting goodness. I will add fresh fruit, walnuts, 1-2 tablespoons of hemp seeds and maybe a scoop of Greek yogurt.
I hope you love them as much as I do, and enjoy in good health!