Classic Chia Pudding

Chia is a nutritional powerhouse

Incase you haven't heard, chia seeds are claimed as one of the most nutritious, powerful "superfoods" that you can eat.

They are an excellent source of omega-3's with 2 tablespoons a day providing 100% recommended intake for omega-3; they are full of protein with a whopping 18% of their calories attributed to protein, are loaded with antioxidants, and plentiful in fibre.

These tiny seeds are highly versatile. I add them to everything from my drinking water (to increase hydration further), overnight oats, in a smoothie, baked goods as a chia egg, sprinkled on top of yogurt or salads, and also made into a chia pudding.

Because of their ability to absorb liquid and form a gel, they are great to thicken sauces or as an egg replacement.



Hydration you can eat

Chia seeds are amazing for including in the mornings; this is because of the chia seed's ability to hydrate you. They do this as the gel they form, also known as "The 4th Phase," which is the newly identified form of water. 

Water is the only known substance found in 4 phases. In addition to liquid, solid, and vapor, structured water exists as gel water. Gel water can seem as thin as a liquid but slightly silkier, and it can also expand to become thick like the gelatinous chia seeds when fully soaked. 

When you soak chia seeds, you can actually witness the gel-forming. Another example of gel water would be cucumber seeds when they are immature within the cucumber fruit itself. This is why cucumbers are so hydrating and refreshing when consumed raw.

Chia seed powerful health-building benefits

What the main benefits of chia seeds are and why you should include them in your daily diet.

• Energizing for increased performance and sustainable energy
• High in unsaturated fats to keep you satiated between meals, it reduces snacking
• Improves heart health and reduces LDL cholesterol
• Stabilises blood sugar, helping to reduce diabetes
• Rich in plant-based omega-3's, suitable as an omega-3 dietary supplement
• Super hydrating and promotes electrolyte balance
• Reduces cravings for processed and sweet foods
• Improves mental focus
• Loaded with antioxidants vital to preserving good health
• High-quality protein great for building and sustaining lean muscle mass
• Naturally gluten-free
• High fibre supports healthy elimination and detoxification
• Rich in calcium with x5 more than cows milk
• Chia seeds help to support weight loss by absorbing 10 times their weight, increasing the feeling of fullness

Chia seed pudding is super versatile and packed full of health benefits. The chia seeds in this recipe are soaked in calcium-fortified plant-based milk to add additional calcium. This recipe will also provide you with a 100% recommended intake of omega-3's and enough fibre to keep you full until lunchtime. You can also add a plant-based yogurt for some probiotics. I chose vanilla essence and maple syrup to flavour mine before topping with more seeds and fresh fruit for extra nutrition!

Classic Chia Pudding Recipe