Chia Seeds: The “Super Food”
Chia seeds are super high in soluble fiber which, in addition to filling you up, has cholesterol-lowering properties and prevents the absorption of fat. Chia seeds are the must-have multitaskers that everyone should have in their pantry. Full of soluble fiber and omega-3s, chia seeds are easy to incorporate in your daily routine.
Here are ideas of how to use Chia seeds:
Use chia seeds as a topping.
Chia seeds have a very mild flavour that easily combines with sweet or savoury dishes. You can toss the seeds in smoothies, sprinkle them on yogurt or oatmeal or use them as a salad topper.
Make smoothies and beverages with chia gel.
Chia has cool uses in the kitchen beyond just being used as a nutritious topping. Like ground flaxseeds, chia seeds will turn gel-like when soaked in liquid. They can retain about eight to nine times their weight and this gel is a great way to use chia.
Try pudding recipes with chia seeds.
Search online for chia puddings and you’ll find plenty of recipes; whether it’s a pumpkin chia pudding appropriate for fall or a spring chia pudding that uses fresh strawberries and coconut milk.
Make your own recipes with chia gel.
For this try a one-to-eight ratio of chia seeds to liquid.
The gel can also be used as an egg substitute in vegan baking. It is recommended to replace one egg with a mixture of two tablespoons of ground chia seed powder with 1/3 cup water or nut milk that has been left to sit for five to 10 minutes. (this mixture is an excellent binder, but unlike eggs, it will not help a recipe rise).
Whether used as a thickener, a binder or just as a decorative sprinkle, chia can be incorporated into almost any recipe imaginable.
No single food, no matter how super, will solve all our culinary or nutritional challenges. But chia seeds might be the ingredient you’re looking for to add variety and new recipes to your diet.
Chia Energy Bars
Ingredients
- 6 large Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup Chia Seeds
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
Optional:
- 1/2 teaspoon natural vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon powder for taste
- Optional add ins: Dark Chocolate chips, shredded coconut, dried fruit (a couple tablespoons of any add-in)
Instructions
- remove pits from dates and pulse the dates in a food processor or blender until it forms a paste
- in a medium bowl mix the date paste, with the chia seeds and coconut oil. It will form a thick dough
- roll this dough into balls or press into the bottom of a glass or silicone baking dish and cut into squares
- can be eaten immediately or put into the freezer for a more chewy texture
Serves: 6
Seated Back Twist
- Bend your right knee and step your right foot over your left leg.
- Put your right hand on the floor, fingers pointing outward, for support.
- Bend your left elbow and turn to the right, placing the back of your arm against your right knee.
- Inhale as you sit tall.
- Breathe out as you twist, pressing your arm into your leg and looking over your right shoulder.
- Hold for five breaths, then slowly return to the center. Switch sides.
