Ch-ch-ch-chia!

What to do with it:

I recently added my top 5 pantry staples and I've have a lot of inquiries about what to do with them.  As with any exercise program or nutrition plan, it only works if you use it.  So, here are my suggestions for chia seeds:

For chia seeds I like to make a really simple jelly with them.  You take about a cup and a half of your favorite fruit (fresh or frozen) and blend it in a blender or food processor (you may have to add a few spoonfuls of water depending on what type of fruit you use),  then add about 2 tablespoons of whole chia seeds.  Let it sit for about an hour.  The chia seeds gel up and add to the jam like consistency.  Voilá!  Jam/Jelly!  No added sugar + fiber and Omega 3 :)  I just made some with pineapple because I have a pineapple and not much else right now.  So we'll see if pineapple jam works as well as raspberry (which is the only kind I've made prior to this experiment).

Another all time favorite use for chia seeds...overnight oats!!  Whoever came up with the idea for overnight oats deserves a prize of some sort.  I did attempt to Google who the original inventor was, but the results are inconclusive.  In case you have no clue what I'm talking about, let me enlighten you.  The night before you know you are going to want an oatmeal type breakfast with plenty of protein in it, you take 3/4 cup of whole oats, 2/3 cup of plain greek yogurt, 2 tbsp of chia seeds, 1/2 cup of whatever type of milk you like to use:

The oats I'm using have pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, cashew pieces, quinoa and almond pieces already mixed into the oats, but you can use plain oats and add what you'd like to jazz it up, later.  Just mix it all together:

Put it in the fridge overnight and tomorrow it will be thick and gooey (in a good way).  You will probably need to add a little more milk in the morning to thin it out.  You can also add a little honey or some fruit...or maybe your chia seed "jam" and/or a few nuts/seeds.  You eat it cold and this recipe makes 2 servings, so you can share.

If you need a few more ideas for your chia seeds, you can check out these links:

10 Uses For Chia Seeds

Chia Seed Pudding

Dr. Oz's opinion on Chia Seeds

I'm Listening

If you have questions about exercise, nutrition or anything in between, let me know.  I'm happy to feature your questions on this blog or talk to you privately.  If you have a burning inquiry, chances are many others do too.  Feel free to be the voice and I'll do my best to offer you some answers.  Even better, if I don't know the answer, I'd love to be challenged to learn something new and research the answer for you!

(Me searching for the answers)