Chia Seed Pudding - Toss your cereal and oatmeal; have dessert for breakfast!

My adorable new age health nut dad used to say when something tastes good, it is most likely bad for you; just accept that healthy stuff suppose to taste and look bland and cardboard like. Well, that was the 70's... 

Still till this day, when I taste something vegan, healthy, delicious and satisfying, I automatically assume the chef is cheating, maybe they secretly mixed something very artificial in, possibly there are hard drugs involved or I'm going to wake up the next day 5 pounds heavier. The whole concept of the delicious and addictive chia seed pudding (even when I'm preparing it), just seams too good to be true.

Chia seeds have been used as a power and endurance food for thousands of years in Mexico and South America. The word “chia” is the Mayan word for strength. Chia seeds were first consumed by the Aztec warriors who were running out of food supplies during war times, apparently just one spoonful of chia seeds kept the warriors satiated and energetic for an entire day. This might be the motivation behind the concept of using chia seeds for weight loss.

Chia seeds help to control blood sugar, reduce sugar cravings and promote hydration. Chia seeds are an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, & copper. In fact, they contain 6 times more calcium, 11 times more phosphorus, and 4.6 times more potassium per 100g of edible portion than milk and have 6 times more iron per 100g of edible portion than spinach, 1.8 times more iron than lentils; to this, add a high protein composition (19-23%). Chia has an amazing ability to absorb water; in under 10 minutes they will absorb 9-12 times their weight in water. Eating these soaked seeds can help you prolong hydration and retain electrolytes, especially during exertion. When the whole seeds are added to water or other liquids they become gelatinous, forming a delightful natural pudding consistency. 

Preparation method of the chia seed pudding is extremely easy. All that you need to do is to combine 4-5 tbsp chia seeds, 2 cups almond or cashew milk, and agave syrup to taste. You can also add more flavor to your pudding by using cinnamon, cacao powder, cardamom or vanilla and sprinkle nuts on it. Let the mixture sit uncovered at room temperature for about 50 minutes, at which point it should be thick, creamy and delicious.  

If you are too lazy to make it yourself, in NYC the Juice Press, in LA Juliano's Planet Raw sells the best, most insane tasting and addictive chia seed pudding.