Coconut Chia Pudding
Coconut Chia Seed Pudding
Benefits: Good source of plant protein, rich in fiber, minerals and omega 3 fatty acids.
Prepare some in advance, and store in the fridge for up to a week! This low sugar, nutrient dense breakfast/snack/dessert relieves sugar cravings thanks to the natural sweetness of coconut. It improves digestion due to the fiber in chia seeds, and also keeps you satisfied longer thanks to the fatty acids in the coconut milk. Remember, the fat (aka: lipid molecules) in coconut milk will not make you “fat”. It is sugar and starchy carbs that get stored as fat most readily by the body, and coconut milk has very little sugar. I am recommending the use of coconut milk over nut or oat milks because these others will not keep you full as long (less fat).
Benefits
When consumed regularly, you’ll notice:
Improved bathroom experiences - trips to the bathroom may become more regular thanks to the fiber in chia seeds.
Less bloating around the belly - Eliminating waste helps your waist
Less puffiness in the face - Relieving constipation can help move lymph which moves stagnation from under the skin
Clearer complexion - fiber and minerals help to calm skin inflammation and detoxify the skin
Softer skin - omega 3 fatty acids nourish cell membranes to keep skin moisturized
Fewer wrinkles - protein and minerals boost collagen production
The best part about this recipe is that you can flavor it however you want because the coconut taste is subtle. Here’s the basic recipe:
1 can coconut milk
3-4 tablespoons of organic chia seeds
1 tablespoons maple syrup (titrate to desired taste)
1 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional and titratable)
4 shakes of cinnamon seasoning (optional and titratable)
Mix together and pour into jars. If you prefer, add the chia seeds into each jar after pouring in the coconut milk but make sure you stir it up so seeds are evenly distributed. Store in the fridge for at least 8 hours to allow the chia seeds to expand, stirring halfway if possible. Enjoy throughout the week as a breakfast, snack or dessert.
Customize your chia bowls! I recommend making each jar a different flavor, play around and see what you end up loving. Sometimes I’ll add a couple delicious flavors to each jar. For example, my favorite is adding cacao, goji berries, and chocolate chips! Just start slow and learn from each batch you make.
A few ideas:
Cacao powder
Maca powder
Matcha powder
Instant coffee
Hemp seeds
Bee pollen
Goji berries
Chocolate chips
Coconut flakes
Almond slices
Blueberries/strawberries/mangos/etc (frozen can go in overnight, fresh can be topped right before you consume)
