30 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Incorporate Chia Seeds into Your Daily Diet

Most of you have probably heard the catchy jingle “Cha Cha Cha Chia” used to advertise those

popular Chia pets.

I’ve even received one or two as grab bag gifts which I never actally used, I must admit.

Well, instead of growing your chia seeds into a pet, why not try eating them instead.

They are so healthy and nutritious, you’ll be glad you did!

More and more of us are finally beginning to rediscover what ancient Aztecs and Mayans have

known for centuries – chia seeds are a healthy, nutritious food.

Native to Mexico, chia seeds (salvia hispanica) are said to sustain the body through strenuous

exercise and physical stress.

While chia seeds have an impressive nutritional profile:

1 ounce of chia has:

*9 grams of fat

*11 grams of fiber

*4 grams of protein

*18% of the US RDA of calcium and Omega-3 fats

On top of that, there are many benefits that can’t be understood by simply studying

the nutrients.

For example, chia seeds, like flax seeds, form a thick, gelatinous substance in water.

This implies that they would be helpful for blood sugar imbalances.

In the stomach, this sort of thickening action can slow the conversion of carbohydrates

into sugar.

There are other benefits of chia seeds, indicated in a recent study.

Participants’ blood clotting factor was reduced, as was inflammation.

Body levels of Omega-3 fatty acids were greatly increased, and blood pressure

was reduced.

So how can you enjoy these healthful seeds?

They have very subtle flavor, making them palatable mixed with or sprinkled on other foods.

Here are some easy healthy and delicious ideas:

1. Make a traditional Mexican beverage by mixing chia seeds with water, then adding lemon
juice and sugar(or healthy sweetener of choice).

2. Sprinkle chia seeds – ground or whole – onto hot or cold cereal, yogurt, salads, or soup.

3. Ground or whole chia seeds can be mixed into baked goods.

4. Chia seeds can be sprouted very easily, and the sprouts can be eaten on sandwiches or soups.
Sprouts can also be mixed into salads or blended into a green smoothie.

5. Sprinkle some seeds on peanut butter that you spread on crackers, a sandwich, celery sticks,
and so forth.

6. Mix chia seeds into homemade or commercial granola.

7. Add a tablespoon or two to a smoothie.

8. Mix ground or whole seeds in to baby food for a brain-building food that is not prone to incite
allergies.

Can’t wait to chow on chia?

Enjoy these healthy and delicious recipes:

Got a Craving for Chocolate? Try this Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding from urbannaturale

Cherry Strawberry Jam from amaraorganics

Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding Pops from skinnytaste

Chia Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies from eatingbirdfood

Blueberry & Toasted Coconut Chia Pudding Parfait from kblog.lunchboxbunch

Grain-Free Chia Buckwheat Pizza from nyoutritious

Chai Spiced Chia Pudding with Pomegranate Sauce from wholeheartedeats

Chocolate Coconut Mango Superfood Smoothie from urbannaturale

Raspberry Lemonade Chia Drink from busy-mommy

Vanilla Chia & Berry Pudding from goodnessgreen

Spicy Pineapple & Pepper Chia Seed Jam from jjbegonia

Vegan Peach, Oat & Chia Smoothie from minimalistbaker

Vanilla-Almond Chia Breakfast Pudding from dailyburn

Raw Chia Falafel from peachypalate

Chia Seed Crispbread Crackers from nyoutritious

Crazy for Kiwifruit! Strawberry, Kiwi, Chia and Kale Green Smoothie from urbannaturale

Kale and Farro Salad with Lemon and Chia Dressing from conveganence

Banana-Peanut Butter Chia Seed Muffins from tablespoon

Honey Almond Chia Granola from makingthymeforhealth

Flourless pumpkin chia seed blondies from purelytwins

Raw Raspberry Vanilla Chia Pudding from thefirstmess

Coconut Chia Seed Pudding with Plum and Pear from rawfoodrecipes

Of course, these are just a few of the many healthy, flavorful and creative ways to incorporate chia

into your daily diet.

Are you getting enough chia in your diet?

What are your favorite ways to enjoy chia seeds?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

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