80's fashion and Chia Pudding

A few weeks ago, I introduced you to chia seeds.  If you don't remember, there are supposedly a lot of health benefits to consuming chia seeds.  


I agree though.  I still think it's weird to eat these babies.
However, here is why I think you should regularly consume chia.  If they do happen to be the super-food that recent studies are proposing them to be, then you will be glad you have been including them in your diet.  If, in the future, they end up being something that we all are laughing about haven eaten, you will be glad that you are in on the joke with the rest of us.  Chia seeds are sort of like tight rolling your jeans.  We all look back and think, "why did I ever do that?" but, yet, we are all glad that during those years we fit in the crowd with everyone else.  

Could you imagine today being that one person at a party that says, "I never tight rolled my jeans?"  It would be social suicide.


I already told you that you can eat chia in your breakfast oatmeal.  Another way you can try chia is in chia pudding.  


Chia Pudding

• 1/4 cup whole chia seeds
• 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1/2 scoop vanilla brown rice protein powder (I used plain protein powder, Tera's Whey)
• 1 T rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 drops of liquid stevia, or other natural sweetener
• 1/2 sliced banana
• 1/8 cup blueberries

1.  In a bowl, mix together all ingredients except the banana and blueberries.  Stir.  A lot.

2.  Let sit on the counter or in the fridge for 8-10 minutes. Stir in the banana, top with blueberries and enjoy!

Mix it up well.

Let sit for a bit.  Go tight roll your jeans.  For old times sake.

Combine with your mix-ins.

Eating chia is strange.  But, definitely not the strangest thing I've ever done.  I'll save that story for a later day.

Ch-ch-ch-chia

A couple of years ago, Mr. McGhee and I had a date night.  In our house, date night means we put the minis to bed early, pop some popcorn, rent a movie, and try to stay awake past the opening credits.  The movie we picked that night was the documentary called Food Matters.  The film is full of solid information (that has been supported by scientific research) about alternative diets, medicine, and lifestyles.  We were amazed by the astounding scientific information ranging from the advantages of raw diets and yoga to treating cancer holistically.

I watched the film and all I can remember is that people actually eat chia seeds.

My apologies to the film makers, because I do think your documentary was a wealth of information and I did love it.  But, seriously, I could not get over the fact that people actually eat chia seeds.  So, imagine my surprise when I was doing research the other day for easy breakfast options and came across a recipe that called for chia seeds.  Then, my inner nerd started doing some reading and discovered that chia seeds are, indeed, very healthy for you.  Like, way freaking healthy for you.  Here's some of the information I found about chia seeds.....

2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,

5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones

2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,

3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries

3 times more iron than spinach

copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids...

Chia seeds are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form. They are also a fabulous source of soluble fiber.  Like flax, chia is highly 'hydrophilic' - the seeds absorb water and create a mucilaginous gel. They can hold 9-12 times their weight in water and they absorb it very rapidly - in under 10 minutes.  This fills you up faster (hey...anyone trying to lose weight?!??!  Toss in some chia seeds!)   Chia seeds also have antioxidants!!!

Want to know more?  You should!!!  I know I sure do!  Start reading here and here.  Heard enough and want to try eating some chia?  I've got a super easy and convenient way for you to try, overnight refrigerator oatmeal.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup skim milk
• 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt (I used non-fat)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds

1.  Put all the ingredients in a jar.

2.  Add toppings to your preference.

**Suggested toppings:  fruit, honey, vanilla extract, applesauce, peanut butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup.

3.  Put in the refrigerator overnight.

4.  Shake.

5.  Serve.

I went with a little vanilla extract and frozen raspberries.  Next time I will do strawberries, this was a little tart for the minis.

These are a great way to start your day.  If you have a few extra minutes, I would suggest drinking an OJ smoothie as well.  

OJ smoothie

• 4-6 oranges, peeled (I used minelleo and clementine)
• 2 cups ice
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp agave or honey
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract 

1.  Put all ingredients in blender and blend.  

Start your day out right.  Start your day out with some chia seeds.  

And, if you have any leftover, rub them on this guy.