Chia Pudding Parfait

Chia is an absolute powerhouse of nutrition all rolled into one tiny little seed…..

I’m always looking for new and different ways to get the most nutrition for something that actually tastes good.  Since I have the AG allergy I can’t really do gelatin unless it comes from fish or chicken which can be a little hard to find.  But chia seeds actually make a great pudding because they become gelatinous when added to liquid.  Not only that they are packed with good nutrition!

They are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids….

Omega-3 fatty acids can slow the risk for  cardiovascular issues  as well as causing an anti-inflammatory reaction in the body.  This can help support those that have Diabetes and Rheumatoid arthritis.

They are jam packed with fiber…..

Chia seeds are 40% fiber by weight.  Almost all of the carbohydrate in chia seeds are dietary fiber.  This makes them essentially a low carbohydrate food due to the way the body process the carbohydrate.

They contain protein……

About one ounce of chia seeds contains 4 grams of protein.  This is very comparable to other plant foods and may be a pretty descent source of protein especially for those that don’t eat much animal protein.

Because of their gelatinous property they can be used as an egg substitute…………

Here’s how:  Grind up one 1 Tablespoon of chia in a grinder  to make a meal then combine with 3 Tablespoons of room temperature water in a bowl.  Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then use it to substitute for one egg.

It makes great pudding……

Below is a really simple recipe for the chia pudding parfait.  I think this would be a really fun one for kids to help with.  I had it for my breakfast this morning but it would also make a great snack!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chia seeds

2 cups of milk ( I use coconut milk, you can use almond, hemp or regular organic milk)

vanilla to taste

raw honey, maple syrup or stevia

berries

Here’s what you do:

Combine chia seeds with milk.  You may blend them for a smoother consistency or just stir together as I did.

Allow to rest for several hours until it has reached the desired “pudding like” consistency.  Add vanilla and sweetener to taste.  I usually add 2 tsp of vanilla and about a Tablespoon of maple syrup. If you can’t have the added sugar try stevia drops.

Layer in parfait cup with fruit of your choice and enjoy!