Maybe you are already friends, if not, may I introduce you to the marvels of Chia Seeds

I am an amateur healthy person… I try to add “healthy” ingredients to my existing recipes and make up new recipes for them too.  Chia seeds seem to be everywhere, in granola bars, drinks, cookies, you name it… I did my layperson search and couldn’t find any reasons not to use Chia seeds.  I did find a few interesting things that made me say, “what the heck, throw them in.”

Just a few reasons:

Fiber, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Antioxidants, Minerals, Satiety (i.e. feeling full), Gluten-free, Egg replacer, Blood Sugar Regulation, Lower bad Cholesterol

And Dr. Oz thinks it is a good idea and I hate to admit it but I like the guy!

So, that said… when you are at a grocery store that might sell them (most places), pick up some Organic Chia seeds.  They may seem expensive but they will last you a very long time.

Make the Chia gel; it is easy to incorporate into anything…

2 Tbsp. Chia Seeds

1 cup water

2 cup container (plastic or mason jar)

Put seeds and water in the container, shake it around, let sit for a day in your refrigerator.  Keep Refrigerated.  Should last 2 weeks.  If you haven’t used it by then, well… you aren’t trying very hard to be friends and it will be difficult to tell if they are helping you in any way.  I have better digestion when I eat them regularly.

BREAKFAST

½ cup Plain 0% fat FAYE Greek yogurt, strawberries, 1 teaspoon chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon honey and 3 Tbsp. Chia seed gel or more.

You cannot taste the Chia seeds and they are really almost the size and texture of the seeds on the strawberries.

Give them a try… I slip them into all my baked goods, smoothies and savory dishes.  No one knows the difference.  Supposedly they are easier to digest than Flax seeds so if you are having trouble with Flax, you could see if you tolerate Chia better.

Some new friendships work out better than others but I hope this one is beneficial.