I recently joined the seemingly hipster wave of chia madness taking over the world.  Chia seeds have become one of the most popular superfoods in the health community and have been enjoying their moment in the spotlight for the last few years.  In truth, they really are among the healthiest foods on the planet, loaded with nutrients that can have important benefits to your body & brain.  Tiny as they are, they are a concentrated food containing omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium; plus they reduce food cravings because they expand in your belly, helping you feel full.

You may recall chia seeds for being spread onto animal-shaped terracotta pottery and growing into the famous ‘ch-ch-ch-chia’ pets.  That, however, is far from their finest use.  Native to Mexico & Guatemala, there is evidence that chia was cultivated by the Aztecs & Mayans and probably used as a food crop.  Today, they’ve gained fame as a functional item that supplies an impressive variety of nutrients in a small dose of just two tablespoons.  The different ways to use chia seeds range from the delicious chia seed pudding I’m sharing with you today to being a simple but powerful topping on yogurt or smoothies; or blending them with berries to make your own jam; you can even use them as an invigorating body scrub!  So I highly recommend getting on the chia boat, the benefits are amazing and this chia pudding can be custom-made to everyone’s taste!

For the Pudding

• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract
• Fruit of choice

In a cup or glass, add the chia seeds, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.  Stir well until sugar is fully dissolved.  Drop in a few chunks of the selected fruit.  Seal well with plastic wrap; or just use a mason jar, works wonders here since you have to be shaking or stirring often in order for the chia seeds to absorb the liquid evenly.  Refrigerate for about 6-8 hours, or overnight.  Ever so often, be sure to shake the bottle or cup.  The chia seeds will absorb the milk and take on a tapioca-like texture.  Delicious!  Top with the rest of the fruit or any other topping you might like.