Mouth-water Monday: Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!

Chia seeds are great- I add a spoon of them to my oatmeal everyday. They’re great because they’re fiber-filled which makes you feel fuller longer so theoretically can help with weight loss (although this has not been proven) and they have some beneficial effects on inflammatory disorders, diabetes and heart disease. You can eat chia seeds raw or mix them in puddings, drinks, smoothies, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal or you can even add them to batter for desserts.

Here are two delicious recipes which incorporate chia seeds that I’ve tried:

Chia Vegetable Stir Fry: 2-4 servings, 180 calories per serving

Ingredients:                                              Directions:
1/2 tsp olive oil                                             In a large wok, saute garlic and onions with olive oil.
2 tbsp Chia Seeds                                         Add all vegetables, water and spices and cook until
4 garlic cloves minced                                 tender for 10 minutes. Add spices as needed to taste.
1 tsp sesame seeds                                        You can serve over brown rice or noodles with garlic,
3/4 cup water                                                 soy, peanut and/or sweet & sour sauces.
4 cups kale (optional)
2 carrots
1/2 onion sliced
1/2 bell pepper sliced red
1/2 bell pepper sliced green
3 ounces mushrooms
1 bunch broccoli chopped
1 handful snap peas
Cayenne pepper, tamarind, salt

Gluten-free Chocolate Truffles with Chia Seeds: ~10 servings, 60-80 calories per serving
Ingredients:                                                         Directions:
1 cup raw pecans chopped                                    Blend the dates and half of the pecans until
1/2 cup pitted dates                                                smooth. Mix in carob, coconut water, &
1/4 cup coconut water                                           chia seeds. Forum dough into small balls &
4 tbsp raw carob (or 4 tbsp any chocolate)       roll in rest of pecans. Chill for 2-3 hours
1 tbsp Chia Seeds                                                    before serving.