Chia Seed Pudding

I discovered chia seeds a couple years ago but wasn't quite sure what to do with them. From time to time I would put them in my smoothies but it seemed like a hassel and not worth what I assumed was a very minimal benefit.

However, after doing some research I've learned that chia seeds are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fabulous antioxidants that protect your body against free radicals and fight aging. They also contain significantly more protein than whole grains, and have an extremely high fiber content. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 11 grams of fiber (40% of your daily value!), which will keep you feeling full and satisfied while improving digestion. Just be sure to drink LOTS of water or they will have the opposite digestive effect ;)

Ingredients: (makes two)
4 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 cup coconut milk, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of salt
2 tablespoons honey/agave

In a small bowl or jar combine the first four ingredients. Give it a good stir and refrigerate for at least one hour. After the first thirty minutes give the mixture a stir, so it doesn't clump together. Once you're ready to eat, stir in the honey (add more if you don't think it's sweet enough) and top with your favorite fruit or chopped nuts.

Smoothies!!

I had smoothies for breakfast 100% of the time while I was losing weight (and have them about 50% now , the other 50% split between oatmeal and egg white scrambles.) They are the perfect way to ensure that you're consuming less than 300 calories in the morning...or that you're eating breakfast at all for "non-breakfast" people.

Besides being delicious and low cal you can pack them with all the nutrients your diet is lacking. I put magnesium and flax seed oil in every smoothie I make (great for digestion) and protein if I've worked out that morning. (You can save money by substituting silken tofu for protein powder.) You can even sneak things like spinach and kale into your smoothies. (Tone It Up has a delicious Kale smoothie!)

 Here is one of my favorite recipes, the cinnamon roll smoothie, courtesy of my friend Heidy:

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 cup nonfat greek yogurt
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 frozen banana
1 spoonful almond butter
1tbsp flaxseed
1 tbsp chia seed*
sprinkle of cinnamon
LOTS of ice

*Chia seed can be purchased at Whole Foods. It's pricey ($8.99/bag) but since you only use 1 tbsp at a time it lasts a long time. (It is also used to make "healthy" deserts like chocolate mousse and chocolate chip cookies.)