Chia ColadaAnyone?

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By: Simone Denny

Ok so it's been a while since I've had a cocktail.....like quite a while! Fertilityprep, plus 9 months preggie time and now nursing. I've never been a bigdrinker but I have to say, every now and then I kind of feel like a drink :) Theirony of the name of this blog post is that a chia colada isn't even a drink, let along an alcoholic drink! Of course in true Simone style it's a healthy little morselof omega goodness in a glass (a chia pudding really) that reminds me of pinacolada. I clearly need a holiday somewhere exotic with a cocktail on the beach.

Chias to the Almighty Chia!Who couldn't in love with a little seed thats name means 'strength'. Originatingin South America and dating back to the Mayan and Aztec times, this powerfullittle seed was used for energy and endurance. Chia seeds can be absorbed bythe body in an unprocessed form (unlike seeds such as flaxseeds) making thema very convenient and nutrient dense food to add to salads, smoothies, bakingor desserts.

Why I'm Eating Chia's Right Now

Brain Food - I'm not sure how long you can keep claiming baby brain afterhaving a baby but I am still milking it! For this reason I put my hand up foranything that can help boost brain power. Chia seeds are high in Omega 3s - infact they are the highest plant source of Omega 3 on the planet and weightfor weight they actually have more Omega 3 than salmon. The Omega 3 contentis also very beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Calcium - Chia seeds contain about 18% of your daily calcium requirements.Calcium is an important bone building mineral. Being over 30 (which is theage women's ability to absorb calcium decreases) I am increasing my calciumintake wherever possible.

Great for Vegetarians - I haven't eaten red meat for the past 20 years (eek thatmakes me sound old), therefore I am always interested in foods with highprotein and iron content. Chia seeds are 20% protein and also an good sourceof iron.

Fibre - Chia seeds have 10 grams of fibre in every 2 tablespoons - this isexcellent for digestive health, inflammation and managing cholesterol.

Possible Weight Loss - I'm not a dieter and have always been an advocate of ahealthy balanced diet, however if weight loss comes with this little super seed Iwouldn't say no! Chia seeds contain triptophan (the same amino acid foundturkey) which is said to help regulate appetite. Also, when chia seeds arecombined with water they form a gel, which keeps you feeling full for longer.Chia's are also excellent for levelling blood sugar.

Other Benefits- Studies have shown Chia seeds can help improve bloodpressure in diabetics and can help improve cholesterol levels. Chia seedscontain a healthy dose of manganese and phosphorous, which are beneficial forpromoting healthy bones and teeth.

Other Cool Things About Chia Seeds

Egg Replacement - If you are vegan or even if you are not, you can replace theeggs in your recipes with what I call 'chia goo'. To make the egg replacement(chia goo) - add 1 tablespoon of ground chia seeds (ground in a grinder or foodprocessor) to 3 tablespoons of water then allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Simplyadd this to your mixture in place of an egg.

Use as a Gluten Free Thickener - Chia seeds can be used as gelling agent or athickener. The seeds can be added to soups or sauces (or puddings as per the

below) and can also be used to make fruit jam. Simply soak the seeds overnightand add them as required.

Add it to you Beauty Regime - Use the Chia seed gel (goo) on your skin to helpreduce scarring or use it as a leave-in conditioner by simply adding coconut oilto the chia mixture.

Chia Colada PuddingIf you like Coconut and Pineapple flavours, you will love this little combo. It is afresh and summery, yet has a creamy texture that makes it tastequite decadent. Enjoy it for breakfast or dessert

Chica Colada Recipe

11/2 cups of large cup of chopped pineapple (half for the recipe half forthe topping)

1/4 cup of chia seeds 1/2 cup of almond milk 1 cup of light coconut milk 2 teaspoons of coconut nectar (optional) Toasted Coconut Flakes (optional)

Roughly blend 1 cup of the pineapple with a whizz stick (keep the remainingpineapple for the top). Combine chia seeds, milk and coconut nectar in a jar.Refrigerate over night or for at least 4 hours. Once the pudding is set, top withchopped pineapple and toasted coconut flakes.

Need some more Chia Seeds? You can stock up HERE.

On SaleIn case you missed it on facebook we are having a BIG SALE on LifestreamProducts. This is a NZ brand I really like with excellent integrity and qualityproducts - up to 30% off on Spirulina, Selenium, Natural Vitamin C, Calcium andmore. See the full sale HERE

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Wishing you all a beautiful weekend!

Simone @ the Nourishing Hub X