Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Most of us have heard that chia seeds are good for us, but many people don’t really know why. Some people like the idea of chia seeds, but aren’t really sure what to do with them besides throw them in a smoothie.
While I love adding them to smoothies and overnight oats, my favorite way to incorporate them into my diet is chocolate chia seed pudding. I have tried many versions of chia seed pudding, but this mix is my favorite. It’s simple and delicious.
Most days I eat it by itself for a quick chocolate fix and other days loaded with toppings like strawberries and coconut. :)
The five ingredients needed for this tasty chocolate pudding are: Chia seeds, almond milk, dates, cacao powder and vanilla.
Some quick nutrition facts on chia seeds
Chia seeds are flavorless little seeds where a little goes a long way. They are high in omega-3’s (ALA), antioxidants, key minerals and fiber. The main fiber in chia seeds is soluble fiber and mucilage, which gives chia seeds their gel-like texture when soaked in liquid. These fibers are the ones that help with satiety and fullness, keeping blood sugar levels stable, and also helping to lower LDL cholesterol. These are the same fibers that I talked about in my fiber blog. Fiber is also essential for bowel health and better elimination. Another reason chia seeds contribute to fullness is because they expand and absorb roughly 10x times their weight in liquid.
The main nutrient associated with chia seeds is Omega-3 fatty acids, and rightfully so! Omega-3 fatty acids are super important for brain health, and also help reduce and soothe inflammation, and help keep skin and hair radiant and healthy. Chia seeds are one of the easiest ways to get omega-3's into your diet. They are also a great food choice for bone health with their high magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus content.
Daily serving-
2 Tbsp of chia seeds contains 10 grams of fiber, 9 grams of healthy fat, and 5 grams of protein. You read that right! A serving of chia seeds provides you with nearly half of your daily fiber needs! So no need to be eating a half of a cup or anything. A little goes a long way for these nutrient packed seeds.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients-
¼ cup chia seeds
4 Dates (soaked in warm water a half hour before making)
2 Tbsp cacao powder
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp vanilla
Directions-
Moisten the dates by soaking them in a small bowl of warm water shortly before making (it will help them blend so much better). Add all ingredients except the chia seeds in a blender. Blend until dates are well blended (about 20-30 seconds with a good blender). Pour the liquid into a bowl then add the chia seeds. Whisk the whole chia seeds into the mixture. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Top with your favorite toppings or fruit or simply enjoy it by itself for a chocolate fix. :) Below is step by step pictures.
*I find a whisk necessary to break apart clumps that the chia seeds want to naturally form.
Gather your ingredients: Almond milk, dates, cacao, chia seeds and vanilla
Put all ingredients except chia seeds in blender and blend for about 20 seconds (until the dates are blended)
Place blended liquid in bowl and add chia seeds
Whisk chia seeds into liquid mixture, breaking up the clumps that naturally want to form
Place mixture in fridge for at least 4 hours
Chocolate chia seed pudding!
Add whatever topping you want, or eat it by itself. Strawberries are always a tasty choice!
Love,
Lina