With the arrival of spring, it comes a time of renewal and cleaning out not only our homes, pantries, wardrobes, and gardens, but those old eating habits as well. It is important to detox and to remove the impact of the cold winter weather, the less active lifestyle, and the accumulated toxins. As the days warm up my cravings start to turn away from rich, warm and decadent food toward more lighter and healthy dishes, more spring vegetables and fruits. Not to mention the fact that I desperately need to lose a few pounds. Last spring, I was obsessed with home sprouting. You can see how to germinate seeds at home here.
This spring, on my latest trip to Bulk Barn, the friendly seller brought to my attention a product that I hadn't heard of. He was even surprised that I know nothing about Chia Seeds. After a short lecture about this tiny speck of seeds, I bought the package. What is so special, I couldn't stop thinking. After a little research, yes, a little, you don't need to browse hours in the net to be convinced that this small chia seed is highly nutritious and rich in easily digestible protein, vitamins, soluble fiber, antioxidants, minerals, you name it. It contains more omega-3s than flax seeds, more calcium than milk and is a gluten-free whole grain. Known as Salvia hispanica, these "magical" seeds are an ancient food that belongs to the mint family and was originally grown in Mexico and Central America. In fact, "chia" is the Mayan word for "strength." But you might be familiar with them because of their mention in Christopher McDougall's bestselling book Born to Run (which is on my reading list now), or you might remember the kitschy Chia Pet with grass-like hair only that these seeds are grown organically and for human consumption. You can read more about the health benefits of chia seeds here.
Since chia seeds readily dissolve into the water as they create a cool gelatin-like substance, researchers suggest chia seeds can help you lose weight and they are very beneficial to your skin. Nutritionists recommend one tablespoon of chia each day. And because of its earthy taste or perhaps the absence of taste, chia can be combined with basically everything you like to eat, sweet or savory. You can toss the seeds in smoothies, sprinkle them on oatmeal and salads, or soak them directly in flavourful milk. You can eat them raw or bake bread and muffins with them, or make puddings. Whatever your imagination comes up with in terms of cooking, put chia in it. Some people even use it as a safe egg substitute and to thicken soups and sauces.
I have been using chia seeds for more than a week and have been experimenting with various recipes.
I love to have my yogurt in the morning packed with fruits and chia seeds. I also enjoy making healthy chia seed puddings. It is easy and no cooking is necessary. Click here to see some really interesting chia recipes.

After mentioning all this and much more if you look up sources, how would you not want to add chia seeds to your kitchen cupboard? Make sure when you buy them to look for good quality, certified organic product, not GMO since low-quality chia can be poor in nutrition value.









Berry Chia Pudding 


Ingredients: 

1/2 cup chia seeds
2 1/2 strawberry milk, or any other flavored milk (almond, coconut, banana)
1 cup fresh berries (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Blend milk, berries, vanilla, and syrup together in a blender on high till smooth.
Pour berry mixture over chia seeds and stir thoroughly with a whisk or a fork. Let the mixture rest for five minutes, and stir again. About ten minutes later, stir again. Refrigerate. If you desire, let the mixture sit overnight.
If the texture is too thick, simply add more milk. You can substitute berries with 3 tbsp cocoa powder for chocolate chia pudding.




Have you ever tried chia seeds? What is your favorite way to eat chia?



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