Chia Seed Pudding for Breakfast

Have you ever eaten chia seeds?

I was wandering through a Mall Food Court the other day when I noticed that Booster Juice now carries Chia Seed Pudding on their menu -- YAY!!!  I always get excited when I find food that is:

1. Dairy-free
2. Wheat-free
3. High in fiber and healthy omega-3 fats

AND... (last but not least)

4. Tasty!

This Chia Seed Pudding met all four criteria.  In fact, it inspired me to go home and make some myself.  Guess what I had for breakfast this morning.  ;-)

If you've never made this delightful, tapioca-like pudding for yourself, why not give it a try?

Known as "the running food", chia's use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs.  And it is the perfect food for when you, too, are "on the run".  This pudding takes but a minute to whisk together. 

If you google "Chia Pudding", you'll find that there are a gazillion recipes out there.  So, let me make things simpler for you...

The "formula" goes something like this:

1.  Use a ratio of about 1:4 chia seeds to liquid.  (e.g.  2 tablespoons chia seeds to 1/2 cup of your choice of non-dairy beverage.  This is a standard one person serving. The consistency varies according to the type of liquid used so you may have to play around with the proportions.)

2. Optional additions:  vanilla, cacao powder, Berry Radical, cinnamon, or maple syrup to taste.  You can also add protein powder or hemp seeds to boost the protein value.

3. Whisk together and let sit 5 minutes. Whisk a second time to prevent clumping. (Unless you don't have time.  Or forget.  Don't worry, it'll still be fine.)

4. Cover, and refrigerate over night.  If you just can't wait that long, in about 30 minutes it'll be edible -- but all the liquid might not yet be absorbed.

5.Top with anything that strikes your fancy:  chopped nuts, hemp seeds, berries (fresh or frozen), or sliced fruit.  A sprinkling of (healthy) granola adds a very appealing texture contrast to the taste experience. 

Enjoy!

Live well...love well -- and EAT well!