Chia Seeds? What and how do you use it and why?

Alright so you are thinking...Chia pet?

Well that is what I thought initially. My friend came to me a few weeks ago with a recipe for Chia seeds and almond milk. She of course went on Pinterest and when I saw it, I was HORRIFIED!!!

What is or what was that stuff?!?!?!

I said no way will I ever try that! EVER!

So after thinking about it and reading up the benefits of consuming chia seeds, I thought why not. I will just try it. I do still think it looks so weird. I do always try to eat a healthier version of whatever I like. I substitute apple sauce for oil in baking recipes and try to use egg whites instead of only whole eggs, whole grain bread instead of white . There are a bunch more. 

I looked up the nutritional information and I was SHOCKED!!!!

For only 1 serving/1 scoop (1 Tablespoon) of chia seeds you get:

5g carbs which all 5 are fiber

no sugar

3g of protein. 

80 calories

Umm ok That sold me. 

Also did you know they are actually testing out how chia seeds can help with diabetes? Yup! It slows the digestion which in turn can minimize the spike in your blood sugar. 

Another is that it full of Healthy Omega 3s too! 

There is so much fiber in the small amount of chia seeds and IT is really not that bad to swallow. If you are lacking in fiber and want an easy and natural way to get it, Chia is the way to do it. One serving is already 1/3 of your daily fiber allowance. I can tell you in my regular diet alone I was not consuming 1/3 of my fiber at all and now it is an easy and found a tasty way to have it and taste like dessert!

So here is my mix and how I eat my chia seeds.

I take 1 scoop of chia seeds to about 1/4 cup of Almond milk a splash of vanilla extract and a maple syrup flavoring for the taste. Umm it is just like pancakes, well without the pancake of course. It is a nice sweet treat. I mix it together and pop it in the fridge and stir every so often and when I am ready for something sweet it is there waiting for me.  The mix looks like the picture at the top of this post. 

My newest thing has been adding some Yacon syrup to it for the sweetening flavor. Yacon just helps minimize hunger as with the chia seeds and has a sweet, but unique flavor. It is a thick dark syrup and goes well with this sweet desert like treat.

herbalprovider.com

Product Description

• -Rich, natural source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (as ALA)
  -Rich source of plant protein providing a full-spectrum of all essential amino acids
  -Natural source of dietary fiber
  -Natural source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper

Chia, also known as Salvia hispanica, is a Latin American plant recognized as part of the mint family. Historically, chia seeds have been added to soups and beverages by ancient Native American civilizations such as the Aztecs to boost well-being. Chia seeds are becoming popular because they are a rich, vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Additionally, Chia seeds also contain large amounts of fiber and protein, and lesser amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants. Chia seeds are often described as having an agreeable crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Chia seeds can be added to a healthy diet in many ways, including sprinkling chia seeds on salads, soup, yogurt, or in smoothies.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.