Thursday 30 October 2014

10 Fun Ways To Eat Chia Seeds!

BY DANA JAMES

 Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients. They're loaded with protein, Omega 3s, and fiber. Plus they're packed with calcium, magnesium and manganese. They are also gluten-free!
Here are 10 fun ways to eat chia seeds:
1. Chia pudding with kiwi fruit and pomegranate seeds
  • Place 3 tablespoons of chia seed in a mason jar and pour over 12 ounces of almond milk.
  • Shake the jar until the chia seeds are fully immersed in the liquid. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  • Once seeds have swelled to a tapioca consistency, stir in 1 tsp of coconut sugar.
  • Pour into a serving bowl and top with chopped kiwi fruit and pomegranate seeds.
2. Raspberry-coconut chia pops
  • Place 3 tablespoons of chia seed in a mason jar and pour over 12 ounces of coconut milk (from a can).
  • Shake the jar until the chia seeds are fully immersed in the liquid. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar and 3/4 cup of raspberries. Stir well.
  • Let chia pudding set for 2 hours then pour into ice-pop molds and freeze overnight.
3. Chocolate-chia mousse
  • Pour 1 can of coconut cream into a blender, add 1/4 cup of chia seeds, 1/4 cup of maple syrup and 1/2 cup of cacao powder.
  • Let it sit it blender for 10 minutes to allow chia seed to swell to 10 times their size.
  • Once it has formed a tapioca consistency, puree it for 30 seconds or until smooth.
  • Pour into serving cups and let it set for 4 hours.
  • Top with fresh cherries.
4. Raspberry lemonade chia drink
Add the following to a pitcher:
  • 2 cups of coconut water
  • Juice 1/2 lemon
  • 3/4 cup of blended raspberries
  • 2 teaspoons of coconut sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of chia seed
Let it sit for 30 minutes until it has formed a gel-like consistency. Enjoy the drink!
5. Raw cherry and chia bars
In a food processor, add the following:
  • 1 cup of raw pecans
  • 1/2 cup of dried cherries
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup of almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup of shredded coconut
Grind until a paste is formed, about 2 minutes. Add mixture to a baking try and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Slice into bars and serve.
6. Seeded granola with dried apricots
In a food processor, add the following:
  • 1/2 cup of raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup of raw sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
Pulse until seeds are in a chunky texture. Then add the following ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup and salt.
Pulse for another 20 seconds. Spread mixture out on to a baking dish.
Add to pre-heated oven at 300F for about 20 minutes, stirring half-way through to avoid burning. You could also use a dehydrator set to 118F for 4 to 5 hours. Allow the toasted granola to cool completely, then stir in the chopped dried apricots and store in an airtight container. Serve with almond milk.
7. Lemon and mango chia parfait
  • Place 3 tablespoons of ground white chia seed in a mason jar and pour over a can of coconut milk.
  • Add a pinch of vanilla bean, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup.
  • Let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight until thick.
  • Pour into serving glasses then top with freshly sliced mango.
8. Avocado on toast with chia seed.
Top gluten-free toast with avocado dusted in chia seeds, lemon zest, chili flakes and sea salt.
9. Cacao, chia cherry ice-cream
Add the following to a blender:
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1.5 cans of coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons of cacao powder
  • 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ounce melted unsweetened chocolate
  • 4 pitted dates
Let it sit for 15 minutes then blend for 60 seconds or until smooth. The mixture should be thick and creamy. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturers instructions. Freeze until firm enough to scoop.
10. Matcha chia smoothie
  • Blend 12 ounces of almond milk with 1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder, 2 pitted dates, 2 cardamon pods and a pinch of vanilla bean for 30 seconds.
  • Pour into a large mason jar.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of chia seed and shake it well.
  • Let it sit for at least 15 minutes until chia seeds starts to swell. Serve over ice.
  • http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15072/10-fun-ways-to-eat-chia-seeds.html

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