Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Seeds

Most people that were around in the 80s and 90s can sing that little diddy in their head!

I never had a chia pet, but I can assure you I wanted one and thought they were ridiculously cool. Although many things have changed since then, such as my makeup, the fact that I discovered strapless bras, thongs, and frizz control, I still think chia seeds are ridiculously cool.

A few years ago, I got really into flax seeds and flax meal. I am still a huge fan of flax, and use it often, but I have to admit that I am a little obsessed with chia seeds right now. According to Dr. Oz “chia seeds are ‘super’ because, like a superfruit, they deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories. They have several of the same benefits as the more well-known “super seed” flax, but unlike flax seed, you don’t need to grind them to reap the health benefits. The nutritional benefits of chia include fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and much more – even protein!”

It is crazy to think that the chia seeds we eat are the very same ones that grow a carpet of grass onto terracotta figurines! Chia seeds make a great addition to oatmeal, pudding, smoothies, or even tea. The seeds turn gelatinous when they come into contact with liquid, giving them a consistency similar to baby tapioca. This only happens if they sit in liquid for a period of time longer than 10-20 minutes. If you add them to a smoothie and drink it right away you don’t even know they are there.

I have been enjoying the health and taste benefits of chia seeds in two ways lately. The first is in an overnight oatmeal recipe adapted from Oh She Glows. I usually double or triple the recipe so that I can make it for a few days. I have kept it up to three days in the fridge. It doesn’t last too long because even though my husband is not of a fan of some of my healthier recipes, he LOVES this, and actually told me I had to write a post about it!

Overnight Oats

• 1 cup vanilla almond milk (can use vanilla soy, or dairy, but if using dairy you may need to add a drop of vanilla extract or honey)
• 
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons raw chia seeds
• 
1 tablespoon flax meal (optional)
• 1/3 cup raw oats

Mix all in a covered container and refrigerate for two hours minimum. If you like, add in berries, slivered almonds, sliced bananas or sunflower seeds when you serve it.

I have also been making chocolate chia pudding with two simple ingredients, chocolate almond milk and chia seeds. All I do is mix one cup of sweetened chocolate almond milk with three tablespoons of the seeds, stir and let sit covered in the fridge for a few hours until it becomes a thick pudding. It lasts a few days, and I enjoy a few spoonfuls every day as an afternoon snack. Yum!

Dr. Oz wrote that he has been making chia pudding with fruit juice, and I may try that next.

By the way, did you know they sell chia pets in the shape of Barack Obama and Homer Simpson now?

Originally posted on Daughter In Law Diaries.