The 22 Worst Foods You Could Possibly Put In Your Body…

If you don’t love fried chicken, well, I just feel like this relationship just may not be working out. Same goes for fruit, vegetables, bread, dairy, and Coca-Cola. Take those away and what do we have left? Soy burgers? Pass!!

Maybe I’m being a little dramatic here, but not by much according to the ‘experts.’

Here is a list of the worst foods that you could possibly eat:

1. Soda.
If you like a tasty beverage, you might want to slow it down, jack. Soda is not only the primary culprit in the obesity epidemic, it is also linked to a million kinds of cancer not to mention memory loss, nerve disorders, and premature aging. Looks like we’d be better off smoking!

2. Hot Dogs.
Hams, sausages and hot-dogs are examples of processed meats that are harmful to your health. Regularly intake of these foods will eventually lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Plus with all the calories they make you a big boy.

3. High-Calorie Pastries.
The decadent pastries we sinfully sink our teeth into may be nice & tasty but the calories and fat in these foods are not only going to expand your waistline, it’s also going to lead you closer to heart disease.

4. Canned Fruit. 
While canned fruit is still fruit, the idea that it’s healthy is one big lie. The photo below shows someone who’s about to drink peach-flavored liquid sugar.

5. Artificial Sweeteners.
While a lot of artificial sweeteners are zero-calorie substitutes for sugar, studies have shown that they are linked to health issues like metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

6. Farmed Salmon. 
Studies show that farmed salmon can be loaded with carcinogenic chemicals, flame retardants, antibiotics and pesticides. These things are little cancer fillets.

7. Microwaveable Popcorn.
Filled with chemicals and flavoring agents that pose health risks, microwave popcorn poses respiratory risks and is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and certain cancers. The chemicals that line the popcorn bag is also another factor why you should leave microwave popcorn out of your menu.

8. Swordfish.
Grilled swordfish may be delicious but it also really high in mercury, harmful to brain development, especially with young children. Other high-mercury fish include albacore tuna, king mackerel, marlin, and different kinds of shark. In other words: shark taste lousy
.

9. Hydrogenated Oils. 
Processed foods rely on hydrogenated oils so they can be preserved for really long times. However, because they change the structure of cell membranes in the body, continued consumption, you got it: causes cancer. And they make you fat. But they do taste good!!

10. Condiments that Require No Refrigeration.
Sauces, dips, creamers and other condiments that remain stable at room temperature are drenched with food coloring, sweeteners, chemicals, salt and other preservatives that will keep them “fresh.” Unfortunately, this leads to premature heart disease.

11. Fried Foods.
When you fry foods at high temperatures, they form toxic chemical compounds that you then ingest. They lead to higher risk of breast, head, neck, esophageal, pancreatic and prostate cancers. Still, whatever that huge fried thing is looks AWESOME.

12. Genetically-Modified Foods.
Foods that have been genetically-modified lead to higher incidences of rapid tumor growth. Soybeans and corn are among the foods most often genetically-modified. Chickens are, too. bok BOK!

13. Dirty Fruits.
The so-called “dirty fruits” include apples, strawberries and grapes that have been grown with pesticides. Unless these foods are grown organically and not treated with pesticides, they can increase your, yep, cancer risk.

 

14. Refined white flours. 
The stuff that bagels are made of, refined white flour is harmful because they lead to increased blood sugar levels and feed cancer cells. There’s really no benefit to bagels EXCEPT they really make us happy.

15. Bacon.
Eating this tasty treat six days a week versus once a week increases your risk of stroke by 40%.

16. Milk. 
You may get calcium from dairy products but at the same time, you are also ingesting saturated fats which are linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, migraines and rheumatoid arthritis.
WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO NOW?

17. Junk Food. 
This term encompasses foodstuffs like chips, gum, candy and the like which have high fat, sugar, salt and calorie content. They are linked to obesity, diabetes, depression and nutritional deficiencies.

18. Regular Potato Chips.
This junk food deserves special mention because they are full of preservatives, trans fats, sodium, and artificial flavors. In addition, the high temperatures at which it is subjected for cooking brings forth the development of cancer-causing substances like acrylamide which is also found in cigarettes.

19. Canned Tomatoes.
 Bisphenol-A or BPA is found in the lining of canned foods. BPA is a chemical that is linked to intestinal damage, heart disease and other ailments. Canned tomatoes are vulnerable to BPA leaching because they are highly acidic.

20. Frozen Dinners.
Aside form the fact that they are stuffed with calories, they are also highly-processed and contain excessive amounts of sodium. And if there’s meat in there? Watch out!!

21. Donuts.
Trans fats, sugar and refined flour are the main staples of every doughnut you buy at the store. All these are linked to obesity and heart disease. If you eat 2 per day, you’ll be lucky to see Christmas.

22. “Low Fat” Foods.
 Tempting if you want to lose weight, however, in order to arrive at their “low-fat” version, these foods often substitute one rotten ingredient for another. These cookies here, I’ll say, look especially tasty.

I’m a little discouraged after all these. I feel like - this is what I eat. If you’re like me, let’s cut way, way back on the bad stuff, add in tons of good and tasty things, and enjoy the ride for a lot longer!!

Read more at http://www.likemuch.com/the-22-worst-foods-you-could-possibly-put-in-your-body-16-i-just-cant-believe/#RYuQZ8tZujqxjY63.99

20 Signs China's Pollution Has Reached Apocalyptic Levels - Video

20 Signs China's Pollution Has Reached Apocalyptic Levels

China Uncensored

How to Get Enough Nutrition on Plant-Based Diet

Heather McClees 

For whatever reason we decided years ago that we had to eat animals to get our nutrients, it’s time to put that nonsense idea to rest. We weren’t meant to survive off
other species to keep us strong and healthy. We also needn’t harm animals, the environment, or our bodies through mass productions of meat, dairy, eggs, and even processed foods that all just contribute even more to the problems at hand.

Our bodies don’t require us to eat animals to get enough nutrition. Period.

Just like animals get their nutrients from plants (which we end up eating them for), we can do the same. Why not cut straight to the source of our vitamins and minerals and save all those steps in the middle? Some of the biggest concerns when it comes to nutrition on a plant-based diet involve protein, iron, and zinc found in meat, along with some other nutrients found in foods like dairy, eggs and fish. Everyone knows where to get their vitamin C, fiber, and magnesium – plants – but what about other nutrients?

How to Get Enough Nutrition on Plant-Based Diet

Below are some nutrients found in meat that are also found in plants. If you’re worried whether you’ll be able to get enough, don’t be. It’s completely possible to get enough nutrients in a plant-based diet when you eat a variety of whole foods. There is also some information included about other nutrients found in animal foods, plus controversial nutrients you can also learn more about.

1. Protein

Why not start with the biggest issue first? The human body is incredible; let’s not undermine it so much that we believe we have to eat animals in order to keep it thriving. Before animals were even considered as a protein source, people ate plants. Why not do that now? Seeds are one of the easiest to digest sources of plant protein, but vegetables are also a great source, not to mention leafy greens, beans, legumes, and even whole grains. The key isn’t to look at just protein grams on a label, but to also consider if that food has amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Your body can use amino acids to form protein that you need to stay healthy and strong. Too much protein has actually been found to be harmful, specifically animal-based protein which is inflammatory. Plant-based foods (especially raw seeds, raw nuts, greens, veggies, and soaked whole grains) can actually reduce inflammation and keep the body alkaline.

Here are some options: hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, oats, almonds or almond butter, leafy greens, broccoli, green beans, lentils, black beans, chickpeas, green peas, and even raw plant-based protein powder if you enjoy smoothies. And of course, tofu and tempeh are also great choices if you tolerate soy.

See our Green Monster’s Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition: Protein for more information and to get some delicious recipes!

2. Iron

Iron is necessary by the body for energy, muscle mass preservation, red blood cell function, cognitive function, and it can even affect your digestion. Red meat is not the best choice, nor any animal protein for that matter. Iron is actually very easy to obtain enough of on a plant-based diet. One reason being that plant-based sources, despite being non-heme sources, seem to digest just fine in the body and are easy for the cells to use, though consuming iron-rich foods with vitamin C rich foods will help with absorption even more. Since vitamin C is abundant in a plant-based diet, this is easy to do without much thought if you eat enough fresh fruits, vegetables and leafy greens.

Here are some of the best sources: hemp seeds or hemp protein, raisins, cashews, kale, pumpkin seeds, kañiwa, spirulina, beans, prunes, legumes, oats, quinoa, amaranth, teff,chia seeds, blackstrap molasses, cacao, tempeh, and sunflower seeds.

3. Zinc

What about zinc? It keeps our immune systems running well, and yes, it is found abundantly in meat. However, it’s also found in many plant-based foods and requires no special food pairings for your body to absorb. Your best bet for obtaining enough zinc lies in nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, and whole grains (specifically oats and quinoa). Since these foods are also sources of iron and protein, it’s very easy to get enough nutrition.

Here are some specific foods high in zinc: pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds (or tahini),  cashews, hemp, pintos, lentils, almonds, oats, quinoa, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, cacao, tofu, chickpeas, kidney beans and green peas.

See our Green Monster’s Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition: Zinc here for more information and for zinc-filled, immune-boosting recipes!

What About …?

If you’re wondering about calcium,  B vitamins and even controversial items like Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D, here’s what you should know:

Calcium

While not found in meat, many people struggle with giving up dairy in order to get enough calcium, though people are starting to realize now that dairy is not the best source. Greens, seeds, some vegetables, and even some fruits are all great sources. These foods do not contribute to inflammation, interfere with magnesium absorption that puts stress on your joints,or cause calcification in the bones that can impair with good bone health like dairy. They’re also helpful for strengthening the body and very nutritious in other areas too.

Eat more: kale, collards, spinach, Swiss chard, oranges, dried figs, chia seeds, almonds, teff, navy beans, fortified non-dairy milk, most beans, and tofu.

See our Green Monster’s Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition: Calcium here for more information and recipes!

Vitamin B12

turion/Flickr

One exception to getting enough nutrition through our food on any diet (even those from animal-based sources) is Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is derived from the soil- not animals. While meat eaters may obtain more, supplements ensure everyone is getting enough and can even offer additional benefits. While it would be nice to depend on plants from the soil to get us there, that’s not a smart choice due to the way our soil quality has greatly changed. It’s also hard to tell how much of this crucial nutrient we’re consuming through our food. It’s incredibly important for vegans to take a supplement to get enough vitamin B12. Choose sublingual forms, which are easily absorbed in the bloodstream in minutes since they dissolve under the tongue. You can also use liquid forms (choose vegan options) or get a B12 patch from a trusted health professional.

Controversial Options: You may have heard that nutritional yeast, fortified non-dairy milk, and spirulina contain B12. This is true, but there is a great deal of controversy with these options  since they are a different form of vitamin B12 that your body may not absorb as easily.

Other B Vitamins

No need to worry here; though meat is packed with B vitamins, so are plants! They’re also very easy to absorb and you’ll never have to worry about obtaining enough if you eat whole foods. B vitamins provide energy, enhance mental function, help relieve stress, mild depression and anxiety, red blood cell function, and some also help with digestion.

Here are of the best options: greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, avocados, legumes, and whole grains.

Vitamin D

GeraintRowland/Flickr

This vitamin is so important for your health; do not disregard it. It acts like a hormone in the body, can greatly affect your mood, helps your body use calcium to build strong bones, and has even been shown to reduce the rates of colon cancer. It’s important to know what forms of vitamin D the body can use. It absorbs D3 the best, not D2 which is found in the form of yeast, mushrooms and fortified non-dairy milks. Meat does not contain vitamin D, and even milk is fortified with vitamin D, therefore it’s not a natural source either. Though fish may be a food source, the risks that come with eating fish are not worth it or necessary. Vitamin D3 comes from the sun, so your best option is to get 15-20 minutes of sunlight daily if possible or take a vitamin D3 supplement (no more than 10,000 I.U. a day). Of course, you can still use mushrooms and drink non-dairy fortified milk, but you shouldn’t rely on one (or even two) food sources alone.

We hope this will inspire all of you to choose vegan every time you eat. Be smart about your health; avoid processed foods, meat and meat products, dairy, eggs and other animal-based foods, and learn to prepare your meals from whole, plant-based foods. Don’t be afraid to supplement with vitamin B12 and vitamin D, get enough sunlight and exercise, and choose organic when you can. Though all these seem like a lot of tips, taking it meal by meal each day is really so easy and less stressful than you think.

What’s your next plant-based meal going to be?

Lead Image Source: Lentil Quinoa Burgers

This content provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/nutrients-found-in-meat-you-can-get-from-plants-instead/

Healthy Comfort Food Soup

Healthy Comfort Food Soup

A Recipe For Fat Flush Water

by Alanna Ketler.

You may have heard some of the hype about “Fat Flush Water.” But how exactly does a water flush fat out of your system? Clearly, water is not some kind of magic diet supplement. Your body needs enough water every day to keep hydrated and cleanse itself of unwanted materials. Fat deposits that form on the body can be tough to break down and eliminate, but proper nutrition and exercise can help greatly with this.

Fat is broken down when the body uses its fat deposits to produce energy, the triglycerides in the fat cells are removed. Then, these are broken down into fatty acids and glycerols and are then absorbed into your muscle tissue and internal organs where they are then broken down even further through various chemical processes. If the products leftover from these chemical processes is not used by the body as energy, they have then considered waste products and need to be removed from the body. This is where the role of water comes in.

The Role Of Water

Water is the vehicle used to remove these waste products from the body. The leftover materials from the fat breakdown are then filtered out of your organs by the water that you drink. The water carries the waste to your bladder where it is then expelled from your body through your urine! Our bodies truly are amazing! It is important to drink enough water each day to keep you hydrated and facilitate the breakdown and elimination of fat cells. Many sources claim that you should be consuming around 8 glasses of water per day, but this number can largely vary depending on your size, how often you are exercising and even how hot it is outside. Try and keep drinking water consistently throughout the day and consider water before soda, fruit juices or other sugary drinks as these can actually dehydrate your body even more. Often a lack of energy and even headaches throughout the day are simply caused by mild dehydration. It is a good idea to make a conscious effort to drink more water. A little extra is definitely better than not enough!

The Fat Flush Water Recipe -And How It Works

2 Litres (64 oz.) Purified Water

1 Tangerine, sectioned

1/2 Grapefruit, sliced

1 Cucumber, sliced

4 Peppermint or Spearmint Leaves

Ice, (made from purified water) optional

Mix in a pitcher before bed and drink throughout the entire next day. Please consider using organic produce for this, if it is unavailable to you, thoroughly wash the produce before adding it to the water.

• The tangerine increases your sensitivity to insulin, stabilizes blood sugar and because they are high in vitamin C, you increase the fat burning during exercise
  Tangerine increases your sensitivity to insulin, stabilizes blood sugar, and stimulates genes to burn fat. – See more at: http://rawforbeauty.com/blog/fat-flush-water.html#sthash.uB4BsHaw.dpuf
• The grapefruit will increase metabolic energy, burn fat and increase energy
• The cucumber helps you to feel more full and acts as a natural diuretic which means less bloating and water retention
• The mint leaves aid in digestion

There you have it! Please be advised that drinking water alone or even this recipe for the water provided above is unlikely to burn fat on its own. This is considered a fat flush, meaning that you will still need to do the exercise that is required to break down the fat, so that it can then be eliminated by the body. Proper nutrition also plays a huge role, it's not about restricting calories, but making sure to get enough calories for your body from healthy, lean, whole foods. At the very least, this tasty water recipe will give you some added nutrients throughout the day, and help to ensure that you are drinking enough water. Enjoy!

Much Love
For further reading visit: https://fitnessjockey.com/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day/

Sources

http://www.livestrong.com/article/545311-how-does-water-flush-fat-out-of-your-system/

http://rawforbeauty.com/blog/fat-flush-water.html

http://www.womenfitness.net/grapefruit_weightloss.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diuretics/HI00030

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/07/19/a-recipe-for-water-that-literally-flushes-fat/

5 Foods To Boost Your Mood

 By Cat Elliott
 

 

 I struggled with depression for a large majority of my life. In the past I used food as a means of coping with my feelings — and when I say "food" I mean processed sugary comfort type food.

During my emotional binges I felt good (while armed with deep fried chicken in one hand and a burger in the other) but immediately after I felt sicker, sadder, more miserable and in need of my next hit. So I continued to eat poorly and abuse my body for a few years in the hopes to feel better. After inevitably gaining over 100 pounds, I realized I had to cut the crap.
I made changes to my diet and began to notice that certain foods improved my mental clarity, boosted my mood, gave me more energy and removed my junk food cravings. Eventually these simple changes in what I ate allowed me to sort out both my physical and mental blockages. The top five foods I found, and what research has also shown, to be effective are outlined below.

1. Cacao
There's good reason why we often turn to chocolate when we are feeling down. But next time you find yourself in this state, reach for real chocolate in its natural state without the nasty hormone disruptive additives and chemicals: cacao.
Cacao is one of the highest food sources of antioxidants and magnesium, and it also contains iron, fiber, chromium and manganese. It has been shown to help with cardiovascular health, boost energy levels, promote longevity, increase libido and improve your mood. Add cacao powder or nibs to smoothies, baking, or keep some raw chocolate bars ready to go!

2. Healthy Fats
In particular those foods loaded with omega-3s, such as wild salmon, sardines and walnuts have been proven effective to help improve depressive symptoms. Omega-3 content helps maintain healthy chemical levels in the brain. You could even look to incorporate wild fish oil as part of your daily diet.

3. Chili
Chili is not just a tasty addition to a dish, it's actually been shown to increase the release of endorphins in the brain which boost symptoms of pleasure.

4. B Vitamins
By increasing the amount of B vitamins in your diet, you may begin to notice positive changes in your mood. Some excellent food sources that are rich in B vitamins are nutritional yeast, darky leafy greens, seafood, bananas, chicken, eggs, almonds, and avocados.

5. Real Food
The most dramatic change you can make to help ease your depressive symptoms and to lead a healthier life is by switching over to a diet of real food. By doing this you are removing processed junk, artificial flavours, colours and sweeteners from your diet.
It may seem dramatic to say, but changing what I ate changed my life and quite possibly saved it.
 No bull.
By making simple changes in my diet, I was able and willing to make bigger changes in my life, and in return, regain control of my life. I was able to admit my need for help, to nourish rather than to sicken myself, to get energy and motivation to exercise and get outdoors and become healthier and happier than I ever imagined. Just by starting with a few simple changes.
Photo Credit: Stocksy
 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17429/5-foods-to-boost-your-mood.html

Official Healthy Food Guide Hasn’t Changed In 20 Years: Five Things That Need Updating

 by Kremlin Wickram

The Eatwell plate is the UK government’s official food guide about which foods we should eat to achieve a healthy diet. It is essentially a pie-chart depicting the recommended intakes of five specified food groups: fruit and vegetables, dairy products, cereals, meat and processed foods. It was first published 20 years ago – and despite some two decades of nutritional research has not been changed since.

In some countries – notably Australia, the US and Brazil – the official food guide is revised on a regular basis. Some two decades since it was first published, Public Health England has announced that it will revise the Eatwell plate in the light of proposed new recommendations on sugar from the government’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition.

Then and Now

The types of food we eat and the challenges for a healthy diet have changed significantly over the past 20 years. In particular we now know that added sugar is much more harmful to our health than we thought back then. We are now much less convinced that fruit juice – consumption of which is 15 times that in the 1970s – is much healthier than sugary soft drinks. And the need to cut down on red meat in our diets has become clearer, as has our need to reduce saturated fat intake rather than total fat intake
.






Many people have rightly argued that the Eatwell plate is now out of date and some recent government publications, such as the new standards for school food published earlier this year, have not referred to it at all. Now is the opportunity to undertake a fully comprehensive review and here are some issues for Public Health England to consider.

What to Take Account Of

1. We need to redefine the food groups on the Eatwell plate. As Susan Jebb, the government’s adviser on obesity, also agrees: fruit juice should not be included in the fruit and vegetable group (and potatoes should be).
2. Healthier and less healthy foods within food groups should be identified. At the moment the cereals group includes salty and sugary breakfast cereals. We think that the guide should make it clear that, while current levels of cereal intake should be maintained, there are some cereals that are healthier than others.
3. The angles of the segments of the plate – showing how much of the five food groups we should eat – also needs to change. Over the last 20 years a reduction in red meat consumption has been recommended by most public health experts. But the guide doesn’t reflect this. The angle for the meat group needs to be made smaller.
4. A perennial and growing criticism of the guide is that – unlike its US equivalent – it gives a place to unhealthy processed foods and even depicts a can of cola. Cola (or other sugary drinks) should be replaced with a glass of water.
5. Some of the foods shown in the old guide have a greater impact on the environment than others. In particular, most of the foods in the meat group have higher associated greenhouse gas emissions than foods in other groups. Then there are less obvious issues such as air miles. Asparagus is shown in the guide but asparagus air freighted to the UK from South America, for example, will have a higher environmental impact than British carrots. One idea might be to design the plate in such a way that more sustainable food items can be found closer to the centre and unsustainable food items closer to the outer layer of the plate. So as you go from centre to outer circle within a group, the environmental burden of the food item increases.

How green is your asparagus? Goosegrease, CC BY-SA

Today we are not just concerned about our diets for health reasons; there are various other considerations that shape our choices, such as environmental sustainability in food production, animal welfare and Fair Trade – and the Eatwell plate needs to take account of these wider concerns. The guide already takes account of practicalities, for example it sensibly only shows foods that are readily available. But we now know that the ways in which we consume our food not only affects our health but that of the planet and therefore the health of future generations. It is unforgivable to ignore this fact when providing dietary advice.
All of these things need to be taken into account when revising things such as the angles of the segments and how and where in the guide foods are depicted. The World Wildlife Fund has produced its own version of the Eatwell plate called the Livewell plate, which shows how this can be done.
Much has been discovered and published during the past 20 years which has changed our understanding of food. Revision of the Eatwell plate – merely to take account of one government report – seems illogical. This rare opportunity should be used to develop a systematic and transparent approach to reviewing current evidence and to undertake a comprehensive review of the Eatwell plate to reflect all of the dietary challenges we face today.

 http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/official-healthy-food-guide-hasn-t-changed-20-years-five-things-need-updating

4 Surprising Pre-Workout Foods

We all have our go-to pre-race foods, from a simple bowl of oatmeal to a peanut butter and banana sandwich. But those meals can be a little too filling right before boot camp. That’s where these surprising foods and drinks can help when you’re pressed for time. Read on to find out which foods you should eat to ensure an all-star workout at the gym.

Watermelon Juice
Forget Gatorade—researchers suspect that an amino acid called L-citrulline found in watermelon can provide relief to sore muscles after an intense workout. A study published earlier this year found that athletes reported less muscle soreness on days they drank watermelon juice. The same has been found of drinking cherry juice, which contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

Chicken Noodle Soup
Some runners take salt tabs when running in the heat to prevent muscle cramping, but salty food works too, according to a study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Researchers found that men who ate chicken noodle soup containing 1,362 milligrams of sodium before cycling in the heat retained more water and thus stayed hydrated during their workout. But note: The average recommended sodium intake is 2,300 milligrams per day.

Coffee
That afternoon cup of joe may not be such a bad idea, especially if you plan on hitting the gym after work. A 1992 study published in the British Journal of Sports Science found that runners who drank a small amount of coffee before running 1,500 meters on the treadmill ran 4.2 seconds faster than those who took a placebo. The coffee drinkers also experienced enhanced oxygen intake.

Watercress
The leafy green that’s often just used as a garnish has some surprising muscle relief powers, too. The antioxidant-rich watercress has been proven to prevent DNA damage caused by high-intensity exercise. A British Journal of Nutrition study also found that eating watercress two hours before a workout provides the same benefits as consuming it for eight weeks.
http://www.healthdigezt.com/4-surprising-pre-workout-foods/

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