Cha-cha-cha-chia….who else remembers this commercial

That late 80’s commercial must be so ingrained from my childhood that I can’t hear the word chia without hearing the “cha-cha-cha” first 🙂

What are chia seeds?

Chia seeds are tiny seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica, which is related to mint. Chia seeds were a staple for the Aztecs and Mayans. In fact, “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength.”

Like flax seeds, chia seeds have gained “superfood” status in recent years.

Chia seeds are rich in: 

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Fiber
  • Protein
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Zinc

People often ask if chia seeds should be eaten ground, instead of whole, to get the most nutritional benefit. The surface of chia seeds is delicate and easily breaks apart with moisture, therefore, they are absorbed and digested well in their whole form, unlike flax seeds.

This easy chia pudding is a perfect example of just that! Simply stir in the chia seeds and watch them enlarge and soak up the moisture, making them soft and easy to digest.


Peanut Butter & Banana Chia Pudding
by Debbie Steinbock

Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas, peeled and chunked
1 ½ cups Unsweetened Milkadamia (or other plant milk) 
½ cup creamy peanut butter
3 Tbsp white chia seeds 

Method:

  1. Add the banana, milk, and peanut butter to a Vitamix or high-speed blender and puree until smooth.
  2. Transfer the puree into a glass bowl with a lid; stir in the chia seeds.
  3. Cover and place in the refrigerator for six hours or overnight. The pudding will become thick and creamy and the chia seeds will enlarge and look translucent.

About Debbie Steinbock, HHC

After years of being told that she had an "incurable" chronic health condition, Debbie turned to her diet to help her understand her disease, restore her body, and regain control of her health. Her personal journey has given her the knowledge and compassion necessary to help her clients take an active role in their own healing. Since starting her practice in 2000, Debbie has successfully helped hundreds of people across the country to improve their diet, enhance their current state of health, and eliminate a variety of health conditions.

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