TaylorWalkerFIT.com
I love dishes that are quick, healthy and can be replicated in many ways. I cook meal after meal, but when I find something I love…I have the tendency to eat it on a daily basis. Boring! Lucky for me this recipe is just a vehicle for my favorite flavors and can be done in so many ways. You have probably seen something called Chia Seed Pudding. The base for it is relatively the same: Chia Seeds, Milk (Coconut, Almond or Cow) and some form of flavoring. I use this pudding as a wonderful vessle for tropical flavors, and the seeds give me the energy I need to jumpstart my day.
First, what is a Chia Seed? Yup! You guessed it, the exact seed that made the popular Cha-Cha-Cha Chia pet grow! When you place these superseeds in liquid, they emulsify and unleash boatloads of nutrition. Chia Seeds are a high source of fiber. They are a great source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and provide a low glycemic index by slowing the rate at which carbohydrates are digested. Which means chia pudding would be great for people who have strict dietary restraints due to diebetes.
Chia Seeds are super high in fiber and are great to consume pre and post workout because they are jam packed with Omega 3 fatty acids, 4.4 grams of Omega-3 Fatty Acids per serving as a matter of fact. Omegas help our muscles reboot and rebuild after we get our sweat on. Our bodies do not make them naturally, which is why we must consume them. Salmon, Nut Butters or seeds are great sources of Omegas. Click here for other great sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
The best part about chia seeds is that they have a very mild flavor, so you can add them to almost anything including: yogurt, smoothies, salads or oatmeal. People use them as egg replacements by creating a gel. They even act as a thickening agent. I haven’t tried that yet because I love a good organic dippy egg with sprouted toast a few times a week. I know what you are thinking, and no, you do not have to purchase a Chia Pet to find seeds these days. I find mine in TJ Maxx, Whole Foods, Fresh Market; even Wal-Mart carries a brand of Chia Seeds! There is a brand and price point out there for everyone! Just beware or red seeds or smaller than average seeds; they do not have the same benefit of the actual seeds and are simply package fillers.
Today, I have for you the chia seed pudding parfait….Made my way.
taylorwalkerfit.com
Ingredients:
1 Can low-fat Coconut Milk
¼ C Dark Chia Seeds (Add extra after 3 hours if pudding is not as thick as you like-No need to wait longer to consume)
1 tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
½ tsp. Almond Flavoring or Extract
1 Banana
2 Tbs. or drizzle of Organic Clover Honey per layer
3 tsp. Organic Coconut Shavings
¼ C chopped Almonds
Directions:
1- Wisk together Coconut Milk and Chia Seeds.
2-Add Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract and Almond flavor Wisk together.
I REPEAT YOU MUST WHISK TOGETHER! If you don’t you will get a great blob o’Chia!
3-Place in refrigerator until mixture becomes pudding-like. (3 hours)
4-In a short glass cup or bowl layer the following:
- 1 tbs Chia pudding
- 3-4 banana slices
- pinch of coconut shavings
- pinch of chopped almonds
- Drizzle of Honey
5-Layer until you reach top of the glass. Finish off with a banana slice, almonds and a drizzle of honey.
This recipe can be done with any fruit flavor combination. Let me know what you come up with below, or tag me in your Instagram/Twitter food pics (@taylorwalkerfit) !
Love and Chia,
Taylor