Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

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Is vanilla chia seed pudding really good for you?

Chia means endurance and this tiny little seed is a nutritional powerhouse. Incorporate these seeds in liquid and they begin to gel and soften, providing an excellent slow-moving fiber and protein also, which helps you feel full longer and reduces appetite. Vanilla Chia seed pudding is incredibly healthy because chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants, and fiber. The soluble fiber in chia seeds can help with weight loss by keeping you feeling full and it can also help with constipation

How long do you soak vanilla chia seed pudding?

Soak the seeds in almond milk or water (1/4 cup seeds to 1 cup liquid) until they take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding, about 20 minutes. Soaked chia seeds can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, so you can make a big batch at the start of the week.

Do you use whole or ground chia seeds for pudding?

Most chia seed pudding recipes just have you mix the whole seeds in with the liquid ingredients, but I like to grind the seeds up for a couple of reasons. Not everyone loves the slimy texture of chia seeds, and by grinding them up into a powder, you can harness their ability to gel, without the mucilaginous texture.

Are chia seeds OK to eat every day?

Chia seeds may provide several benefits as part of a healthy diet. There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. The chia plant is a member of the mint family.

Do chia seeds cause weight loss or gain?

Two tablespoons of chia seeds have almost 10 grams of fiber. That’s around 40 percent of the recommended daily intake. Diets high in fiber have been linked to weight loss. According to 2015 research, eating 30 grams of fiber daily may help you lose as much weight as if you followed a more complicated diet.

What happens if you don’t soak chia seeds long enough?

However, if you eat dry chia seeds, without giving them any liquid to absorb before ingesting them, they’ll absorb the water within your system and potentially cause a blockage also.

How do chia seeds reduce belly fat?

Put 2 tablespoons of chia seeds in a smoothie cup and in it add water or plant-based milk (aim for 1 part chia seeds and 8 parts liquid). Stir the mixture so that it combined properly, and then soak it overnight.

Can your stomach digest vanilla chia seed pudding?

The surface of chia seeds is delicate and easily breaks apart when exposed to moisture, so they are typically prepared with liquid foods (as seen with the recipe ideas below). In this way, they are absorbed and digested well in their whole form, unlike flax seeds.

Can I eat chia seeds at night for weight loss?

Drinking it in the afternoon may help prevent you from overeating later in the day, and drinking it in the evening could help reduce your appetite before bed. However, if you’re hungry and haven’t eaten in a while, consider refueling your body with a nutrient-dense meal rather than filling it up with chia seed water.

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

The best Vanilla Chia Pudding is made with 4 simple ingredients and pairs great with fresh fruit and granola! It’s thick, and creamy, and makes a perfectly healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert!

This vanilla chia seed pudding has been my little obsession lately. I love it for breakfast, snacks, or a light lunch!

When paired with an assortment of fruits, it’s light, refreshing, and surprisingly filling. And for even more texture and flavor, add a little granola to the mix!

Vanilla Chia seed pudding is extremely easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients. Add them all together, place them in the fridge, and within 4 hours or so you’ll have yourself a perfect ‘superfood’ pudding. And if you make your own plant milk, then you’ll have a superfood raw pudding!

What does Vanilla chia seed pudding taste like? Flavor-wise it’s delicious. Texture-wise, chia seed pudding is not too seedy or crunchy at all, these amazing little seeds absorb the milk making them mostly gelatinous.

There is much to love about this quick and easy treat. So without further ado, let’s get to it!

Ingredients You’ll Need For Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (use your favorite)
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder, or seeds of 1 vanilla bean
• 1 – 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or coconut, turbinado or organic pure cane sugar, optional

Instructions For Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

• Combine: Place ingredients in a container or bowl and then mix well.
• Mix twice: Mix the chia mixture after 5 minutes, then again after 5 minutes, mixing well each time. Mixing the chia seeds is important so they don’t fall to the bottom of the container. If not shaken or stirred every now and then, the pudding will not set properly and the seeds will sink to the bottom.
• Chill: Keep covered in the refrigerator until set. Will be ready in 3 – 4 hours.
• Makes about 2 1/4 cups
• Serve: Spoon into individual bowls or containers, and serve with fresh fruit also, granola, or whatever your heart desires that sounds good!
• Store: Keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 – 6 days. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer for up to 2 – 3 months. And then Let thaw in the refrigerator

Tips

Preferred containers. I used mason jars to make and store my chia pudding. They work well, and all you have to do is shake the jar every few hours until it sets. Mason jars are also great for travel. Fill pint-size jars halfway using half the recipe, once set, fill the other half with fruit. It’s perfect for a to-go lunch or snack!
Add dessert spice. Vary it up with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cardamom, or other dessert-type spices for a change of pace.

More Frequently Use Flavors

Chocolate Peanut Butter

To the base recipe add:

1 tablespoon cacao powder (or cocoa powder)

1 tablespoon peanut butter

Whisk well; the cacao powder will eventually blend in as you stir. For this variation, you may want to add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup, to help counteract the bitterness of the chocolate. Garnish with a few chocolate chips, if you like.

You can swap the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter you prefer.

Lemon Blueberry

To the base recipe add:

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

the zest of half a lemon

Mix well, and then store the jar in the fridge. Then the blueberries will thaw overnight in the fridge.

Zucchini Bread

To the base recipe add:

1/2 cup shredded zucchini (no need to peel)

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of ground nutmeg

Mix well, and then add any toppings you enjoy, like chopped walnuts or pecans also.

Peanut Butter & Jelly

To the base recipe add:

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1/2 cup frozen raspberries (or 1 tablespoon raspberry jam)

This combination is one of my favorites! Then the frozen raspberries will thaw overnight in the fridge, and add the perfect “jelly” flavor without added sugar.