Remember the Chia Pet? These ceramic pets come in a variety of shapes (Chia Kung Fu Panda, Chia Homer Simpson, Chia SpongeBob…. the list goes on and on!) I always wanted the Scooby Doo one. You’ll never believe it, but chia seeds (the seeds that make your Chia pet grow ‘fur’) are now being sold online and in health food stores and they are edible!
Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds (unlike flaxseeds). One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds are supposed to help control hunger while they enhance your diet with super-nutrients.
The mild, nutty flavor of chia seeds makes them easy to add to foods and beverages. They are most often sprinkled on cereal, sauces, vegetables, rice dishes, or yogurt or mixed into drinks and baked goods. They can also be mixed with water and made into a gel.
Try eating chia seeds for their flavor and to boost the fiber, protein, calcium, antioxidants, and omega-3s in your diet.
10 Of The Easiest Foods To Add Chia Seeds To:
- Cereal
- Yogurt
- Salad
- Muffin, cookie and pancake recipes
- Cottage cheese
- Soup
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Oatmeal
- Salsa and dips
- Smoothies
Check out this recipe:
Whole Wheat Chia Seed Pancakes
While normal pancakes may not pack much of a nutritional punch, these pancakes, made with whole wheat flour, oats, honey, and chia seeds are full of fiber and whole grains.
Ingredients:
Makes 8–10 pancakes
1 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. old fashioned oats
1 c. milk
1 egg
1 tbsp. canola oil
2 tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. chia seeds (plus more for garnish)
Syrup or other desired toppings
Directions:
Spray griddle or pan with cooking spray and heat to a medium heat. Beat egg and add milk and oil. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and salt. Slowly, stir flour mixture into egg mixture. Add honey and stir until combined. At the last minute, stir in chia seeds. Pour 1/4 c. portions of batter onto griddle and cook until edges of pancakes start to bubble and bottoms are light brown. Flip and cook until centers are completely done (about three to four minutes). Top with syrup, additional chia seeds or desired toppings and enjoy!
Have you tried chia seeds before? Do you have any recipes that you could share using chia seeds? I would love to hear from you!
Sources:
WebMD
The Chia Seed
Shape
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