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

1. Chia Colada
Anyone?
[http://www.nourishinghub.com.au]
By: Simone Denny

2. Ok so it's been a while since I've had a cocktail.....like quite a while! Fertility
prep, plus 9 months preggie time and now nursing. I've never been a big
drinker but I have to say, every now and then I kind of feel like a drink :) The
irony of the name of this blog post is that a chia colada isn't even a drink, let a
long an alcoholic drink! Of course in true Simone style it's a healthy little morsel
of omega goodness in a glass (a chia pudding really) that reminds me of pina
colada. 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'. Originating
in South America and dating back to the Mayan and Aztec times, this powerful
little seed was used for energy and endurance. Chia seeds can be absorbed by
the body in an unprocessed form (unlike seeds such as flaxseeds) making them
a very convenient and nutrient dense food to add to salads, smoothies, baking
or desserts.

3. Why I'm Eating Chia's Right Now
Brain Food - I'm not sure how long you can keep claiming baby brain after
having a baby but I am still milking it! For this reason I put my hand up for
anything that can help boost brain power. Chia seeds are high in Omega 3s - in
fact they are the highest plant source of Omega 3 on the planet and weight
for weight they actually have more Omega 3 than salmon. The Omega 3 content
is 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 the
age women's ability to absorb calcium decreases) I am increasing my calcium
intake wherever possible.
Great for Vegetarians - I haven't eaten red meat for the past 20 years (eek that
makes me sound old), therefore I am always interested in foods with high
protein and iron content. Chia seeds are 20% protein and also an good source
of iron.
Fibre - Chia seeds have 10 grams of fibre in every 2 tablespoons - this is
excellent for digestive health, inflammation and managing cholesterol.
Possible Weight Loss - I'm not a dieter and have always been an advocate of a
healthy balanced diet, however if weight loss comes with this little super seed I
wouldn't say no! Chia seeds contain triptophan (the same amino acid found
turkey) which is said to help regulate appetite. Also, when chia seeds are
combined 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 blood
pressure in diabetics and can help improve cholesterol levels. Chia seeds
contain a healthy dose of manganese and phosphorous, which are beneficial for
promoting 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 the
eggs 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 food
processor) to 3 tablespoons of water then allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Simply
add this to your mixture in place of an egg.
Use as a Gluten Free Thickener - Chia seeds can be used as gelling agent or a
thickener. The seeds can be added to soups or sauces (or puddings as per the

4. below) and can also be used to make fruit jam. Simply soak the seeds overnight
and add them as required.
Add it to you Beauty Regime - Use the Chia seed gel (goo) on your skin to help
reduce scarring or use it as a leave-in conditioner by simply adding coconut oil
to the chia mixture.
Chia Colada Pudding
If you like Coconut and Pineapple flavours, you will love this little combo. It is a
fresh and summery, yet has a creamy texture that makes it taste
quite decadent. Enjoy it for breakfast or dessert

5. Chica Colada Recipe
 11/2 cups of large cup of chopped pineapple (half for the recipe half for
the 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 remaining
pineapple 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 with
chopped pineapple and toasted coconut flakes.
Need some more Chia Seeds? You can stock up HERE.
On Sale
In case you missed it on facebook we are having a BIG SALE on Lifestream
Products. This is a NZ brand I really like with excellent integrity and quality
products - up to 30% off on Spirulina, Selenium, Natural Vitamin C, Calcium and
more. See the full sale HERE
Recent Posts on the Nourishing Hub
March Newsletter - What Inspires Me
Latest Recipe - Maqui Berry Raw Superfood Cheesecake
Wishing you all a beautiful weekend!
Simone @ the Nourishing Hub X