Everyone has a sweet tooth, so here is a chocolate pudding alternative that is nutritious and delicious! It uses Chia seeds to create the pudding.
Chia seeds are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. 1 ounce of Chia seeds has 10 grams of fiber. Men need a minimum of 35 grams of fiber a day, and women need a minimum of 25. Fiber is needed for regulating blood sugars, as well as keeping the intestines healthy. It also fills you faster and leaves you feeling satiated longer.
1 ounce of Chia seeds has 4 grams of protein. Protein also regulates blood sugar, keeps you feeling satiated and is the building blocks of cells. It is used for cellular repairs, and growth and development of the human body. It is recommended that men should get about 55 grams of protein and women about 45 grams per day.
1 ounce of Chia seeds has 9 grams of fat. 5 grams of which are Omega 3s, (ALA) only. Gram for gram, Chia seeds have more omega 3s than salmon. ALA, alpha-linolenic acid, helps reduce inflammation, prevent cardiovascular disease, and reduces high blood pressure. In fact, a study that was conducted over a 6 year period showed that a diet high in ALA reduced the chances of Heart Attack by 59%.
1 ounce of Chia seeds has 18% of the recommended daily allowance of calcium, 30% of magnesium, and 27% of phosphorus! These minerals are important in maintaining healthy bones, heart, kidneys, muscles, and nerves. They help reduce cardiovascular disease, constipation, osteoporosis, and heartburn and acid reflux. Magnesium is important for more than 300 chemical reactions in the body!
Chia seeds also contain zinc, potassium, and vitamin B1, B2, and B3. They are loaded with antioxidants, which remove free forming radicals that cause cellular damage. That’s pretty amazing in such tiny seeds!
So how about a healthy recipe that only takes a few ingredients to make? It’s Vegan and Gluten Free!
Ingredients: (serves 4)
1 ½ cups of unsweetened Almond Milk
⅓ cup of Chia Seeds
¼ cup of unsweetened Cocoa Powder
2-5 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup
½ Teaspoon of ground Cinnamon
¼ Teaspoon of ground Sea Salt
Optional: ½ Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
Directions:
- Add all ingredients except Maple Syrup in a blender, or into a mixing bowl and whisk vigorously to combine.
- Add Maple Syrup and sweeten to taste. If blending, you can sweeten later with maple syrup or dates.
- Let rest covered in the fridge overnight or at least 3-5 hours (or until it’s achieved a pudding-like consistency).
- If blending, add to a blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Sweeten to taste.
- Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 2-3 days, though best when fresh.
- Serve chilled with desired toppings, such as fruit, granola or coconut whipped cream.
Recipe courtesy of the minimalist baker.