Recipe: Chia Seed Pudding

chia seed pudding, Jamie Falcon Wellness

Another recipe win over here!

I have been on the hunt for recipes that provide a good source of healthy fats. Working on that mindset that fat is bad that I learned growing up ???‍♀️#anyoneelse? You see, consuming a variety of healthy fatty acids- saturated, polyunsaturated (omega 3s/6s) and monounsaturated fats- is needed in our diet to achieve optimal health.

The fact is, fats play a variety of important roles in the body! Some include:

1. Provide a source of energy ??‍♀️
2. Building blocks for cell membranes and hormones
3. Aid in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins- A, D, E and K
4. Increase satiety- help you stay full longer ??
5. Play a role in the healing process. They help form prostaglandins that are important in the healing process. They help our body inflame/anti flame.
6. Make food taste good ?

Did you also know that the average person is deficient in fatty acids? Specifically, many do not consume enough Omega 3s due to the lack of variety in diet and the high rate of omega 6s in the form of processed seed oils (canola, soybean, safflower, peanut and corn oils) in their diet. ? I will share more processed seed oils in the near future, but basically this affects the balance in our body and processed seed oils should be avoided whenever possible. ?

Now back to that recipe… Chia seed pudding is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids! Omega 3 fatty acids are especially important in the healing process and help the body anti inflame. Chronic inflammation can contribute to diabetes, heart disease, obesity… and much more.

Now I have tried a few chia seed pudding recipes before and was not impressed- However, I not only approved this one, but 2/3 of the girls did too! (A win in this household ?)

This could be a great snack, dessert or incorporated into a meal. I love it topped with berries and cocoa nibs! I think it has the consistency similar to rice pudding!

Have you tried chia seed pudding before? What did you think? Want to try this one out?

Here is the recipe- it makes 1 serving.

Ingredients:
2 TB chia seeds
1 TB cocoa powder
1/2 cup of dairy-free milk (I used coconut)
1/2 teas vanilla
1/2 TB maple syrup (optional)

Toppings-
Fresh or frozen berries
Cocoa nips
Chopped nuts or seeds

Directions:
1. In a small bowl or mason jar, add ingredients and stir well.
2. Leave on the counter for 15 minutes
3. Stir one more time, cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours
4. Remove from fridge, stir and enjoy with your favorite toppings!