Tropical Chia Pudding

I haven't made chia pudding in years!  But, lately I have been craving a little sweetness after dinner, so I thought time to make some :).

Did you know chia means “strength” in the Mayan language?  They are also a popular superfood (although I don't like the word superfood.... instead we should eat superdiets filled with super nutritious foods ;)).  Chia seeds are full of fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, protein and other vitamins and minerals. They have a great crunch and a mild nutty flavor.  When mixed with liquid, they take on the flavor of it.  Hence, why they are great to make pudding with!

Chia pudding is also super easy to make and so versatile.  This is more of a sweet, fruity pudding.  But, you can make it with cocoa, nut butters, cinnamon, macha and more!

Tropical Chia Pudding

Ingredients

*serves 1-2

Pudding

• 3 tablespoons of chia seeds 
• 3/4 cup of almond milk
• 1 kiwi peeled
• 1 medjool date
• 1/3 packet of sambazon:smoothie packs the origional acai berry + guarana from costco link here (substitute with a few blue berries or any berries work too :) )
• a handful of spinach 

Toppings

• frozen tropical fruit
• granola
• coconut or almond yogurt 

Directions

1. In a blender mix the medjool date, kiwi, almond milk, part of the acai packet, and handful of spinach. 
2. After blenderized, add liquid mixture to a bowl or mason jar :) and then add chia seeds.
3. Stir the mixture every few minutes for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.  
5. Top with whatever you like :).  I added coconut yogurt, frozen fruit and granola.  
6. Enjoy :) 

Nutrition Facts

Just pudding without toppings :)

Calories: 385 kcal

Carbs: 56 g (mostly complex carbs)

Fat: 17 g (again full of omega 3 fatty acids)

Protein: 9 g

Sodium: 146 mg (which is amazing! everything has so much added salt now in days)

Sugar: 21 (al  natural sugars so don't worry)

Why are omega 3 fatty acids so good?  They have a huge role to play in preventing and decreasing our bodies inflammation.  Inflammation leads to heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and more.  I found a great picture showing some of the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids that have been backed by research.  Chia seeds are great because they are a plant based source of omega 3 fatty acids.  While oily fish such as salmon and mackerel are great sources too.  I did a post on which type of salmon to buy and the difference between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids if you want to learn more: https://dcdeatwelllivewell.blogspot.com/2018/03/lemon-dill-white-wine-salmon.html.


https://www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/10-science-backed-health-benefits-omega-3-fatty-acids.html

Lastly, I have a question:  Do you guys want the nutrition facts?  I am torn.  I usually do not like focusing on calories or specific macro/micronutrients.  Instead I like to focus on whole, yummy and delicious foods full of fruits and veggies. But, the nutrition facts also give me a place to talk more about nutrition.  So, let me know what you all want and I will do that :).