The Power of Chia

Hello everyone I recently added a new superfood to my diet…the chia seed! It has created such a buzz all over the blogosphere and health and fitness world that I decided to give it a try. At first I was skeptical since this is virtually what you grow a Chia Pet with and I was afraid it might taste weird or feel icky in my mouth. After reading about it and researching differnt prices on the internet, I ventured out to my local health food store and picked up a small bag of Chia Power by Navitas Naturals ($5.99).  

My first experience with the chia seeds was with granola and milk…this was a BIG MISTAKE. The chia seeds actually plump up and absorb whatever you put them in so they turned my milk into sludge! It was pretty disgusting so I was afraid to try them in anything else. Then I read about putting them in oatmeal, which thankfully was a great way to eat them because they are truly tasteless but give the oatmeal a bit of a lift. Now I usually throw a teaspoon on some frozen yogurt as a sort of healthy “sprinkle”.

Besides the nice oomph and crunch they can give to oatmeal and yogurt, chia seeds are a very powerful Aztec superfood and offer omega-3’s, antioxidants, calcium, fiber and protein. Here is some useful info I found on the AMAZING benefits of this tasteless addition to a diet in need of some POWER!

Top 5 Reasons to Eat Chia Seeds

1.Chia Seeds Are Nutritious

On top of the fact that chia seeds have more omega-3 than any

other natural source, they are loaded with antioxidants, calcium,

protein, fiber, and many other vitamins & minerals.

2.Chia Seeds Are Energizing

Not only do chia seeds give you a boost of energy that lasts,

they also provide stamina and endurance. A single tablespoon

could sustain Aztec warriors for an entire day.

3.Chia Seeds Reduce Cravings

Because chia seeds absorb so much water and have high soluble

fiber levels, they help release natural, unrefined carbohydrate

energy slowly into the bloodstream.

4.Chia Seeds Are Easily Digestible

Unlike flax seed, chia seeds do not have to be ground up before

you ingest them. The human body can easily digest chia seeds,

and with about 7 grams of fiber per serving, they actually help.

5.Chia Seeds Are Convenient & Versatile

You can eat chia seeds straight from the bag, mix them with your

favorite drink, add them to your cereal or salad, and just about

anything else. Chia seeds last for years so stock up now!

Top 10 things to add Chia Seeds to:

• Ice Cream
• Yogurt
• Salad
  
  
• Muffin, Cookie, & Pancake Recipes
  
  
• Cottage Cheese
  
  
• Soup
  
  
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
  
  
• Oatmeal
  
  
• Salsa & Dips
  
  
• Smoothies

Go enjoy some CHIA!

-Katie

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