Puddin’

Before I get to the ooey gooey stuff, I want to express my excitement and thanks to all of the crazy people who showed up to watch the sunrise and swim in the ocean with me at 5:45am today for Fun Friday.  You people inspire me!

Okay, here’s situation number 2 for today:  Chia Seed Pudding!

Have you had this stuff before?  I hadn’t, until my good friend Katie told me about her breakfast last week.  It’s so simple that I can make it before I go to bed, even when my eyes are about to close for the night.

All you really need is a package of chia seeds and a can of coconut milk…maybe some sweetener, too.  The rest is up to  your imagination.

To make this miracle breakfast (or anytime dessert-ish snack),  just combine:

1/3 c. chia seeds
1 can light coconut milk  *you can also use any other type of milk!
1/4 c. agave or honey
…in a mason jar or tupperware.  Refrigerate overnight, and add your mix-ins in the morning.  Shazam!

Some super duper chia puddin’ mix-in combos:

Coco-nut-Banana-Date
1/4 c. coconut flakes
1 whole banana (mashed or sliced)
3 medjool dates, pitted and chopped
1-2 T. cocoa powder
grated nutmeg (to taste)
cinnamon (to taste)

Peach Pie
1-2 t. vanilla extract
1 t. cinnamon
1 peach, sliced
1-2 T. peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)
sprinkle of granola/raw oats/cereal

Some interesting facts about Chia Seeds:

• Chia seeds have lots of good omega 3 oils, which are especially good for fighting inflammation.
• Chia seeds are the most omega-3 dense vegetable source.
• Chia seeds are also high in easily-digested protein.
• Gel formation with liquid is a result of the high soluble fiber content of chia seeds.
• Consuming chia seeds, which form gels in the stomach, slows carbohydrate digestion
• Carbohydrate-to-sugar conversion slows, which is beneficial for diabetics!