Got a sweet tooth? No reason to deny it. Life is too short for kale salads and smoothies all the time! Luckily, we have things like chia pudding as an option. We can indulge our sweet tooth and still enjoy a healthy, protein-rich, plant-based treat.
With chia pudding, you can regularly treat yourself and still stay on track with your health goals.
Chia Pudding Is Much More Than Just a Sweet Treat
If you’ve been living under a rock, chia seeds are one of the long-standing “it” healthy foods for good reason.
Far more than just for chia pets, the seeds come from ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures and were historically used for strength and energy. And it makes sense since the tiny seeds are packed with omega 3s, fiber, protein, calcium, and antioxidants.
Chia seeds also pack in a punch of magnesium and phosphorus, two key minerals for bone health. Just one tablespoon of them checks off around 15 to 17 percent of your recommended daily amount for each!
Thanks to their fiber and protein content, chia seeds will help you stay full for longer, meaning they make a great add in to pre-workout snacks or breakfasts, so you can stay full and energized until lunch.
Looking for more great pre- and post-workout snack options? Fuel Your Workout With These 20 Healthy Pre- and Post-Workout Snack Ideas
Here’s Your Healthy Sweet Treat Chia Pudding Recipe:
Aside from the health perks, chia seeds act like magic in pudding recipes, since they absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid. They turn into a gel texture perfect for chia puddings like this, or even for thickening up smoothies.
You can grind the seeds into a powder if the seedy texture bothers you, but if you’re someone who enjoys the texture of things like tapioca pudding, you’ll probably adore them left whole like in this version.
You can whip up this super simple chia pudding recipe in less than a minute – really.
Ingredients:
Makes 2 servings
- 1 ½ cups plant milk (use thicker varieties like coconut milk or cashew milk for a thicker pudding, or a blend of the two)
- ⅓ cup white or black chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash of cinnamon, optional
- Optional: add a couple tablespoons of cocao powder for a chocolate variety
Preparation
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until combined and then pour into two individual bowls or serving dishes. Let sit in fridge for at least four hours – but preferably overnight.
For serving, you can enjoy as is, or layer with sliced fruit, fruit compote, or some jam. If you choose to make the chocolate option, sprinkle in shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips for an extra-rich treat.
Enjoy Your Deliciously Simple Chia Pudding Recipe!
Whether it’s your breakfast, afternoon snack, or post-workout treat, the combo of protein, healthy fats (and carbs, if you choose to add fruit) makes this chia pudding ideal fuel for anytime of the day, but with all the flavor of a rich dessert.
Enjoy!
Do you have another chia pudding recipe that you love? Share with us in the comments below!
