Chia Coconut Pudding

I was once stopped on the street in Toronto by someone trying to raise funds for a Charity. I guess I look nice because I’m always stopped :). As we made small talk, I mentioned that I'm a Holistic Nutritionist. Per usual,  the conversation turned to nutrition. Once people know what I do for a living the conversation usually begins to take a turn towards nutrition. I don't mind - I can talk about food and health all day long, all I need is an open ear and an open mind :).  She asked for me to recommend to her one food to add to her current diet to help boost her nutrition. I thought that was a brilliant question but a tough one to answer. So many things came to mind. My mind buzzed and scanned so many of my favourite foods and supplements. Some of the pictures in my head included hemp hearts, spirulina, macca, matcha, chlorophyll, cruciferous veggies, ginger, turmeric, reishi mushrooms ... but the one that I landed on was none other than chia seeds. I love chia seeds! I love their texture and their amazing nutritional profile.

Today I'll be sharing with you a simple dessert or snack recipe made with chia seeds. If you make the full amount this can even serve as a breakfast item. You might just want to add some nuts to it or some hemp hearts for added protein if you choose to have it for breakfast. Guys I love simple recipes. They remind me that life doesn’t have to be complicated and neither does our food. Actually the simpler our food is, the easier it is on our digestion. If you’re having trouble with your digestion then simplify your meals. You’ll be able to break them down better but also digest them better.

Before I get to the recipe wanted to chat a little bit about chia seeds. and why I love them.  Chia contains the highest plant source of heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids. It is also a fibre powerhouse, that’s why it’s included in every smoothie I throw together. 30 grams (3 tablespoons) contains 150 calories, 5 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 13 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fibre, plus vitamins and minerals. They provide 18 percent of daily calcium needs, 27 percent of phosphorus, 30 percent of manganese, and smaller amounts of potassium and copper. What's not to love right?!

Only caveat with chia is that in order to absorb the nutrients and safely consume them they need to be soaked in a liquid. Chia seeds can hold up to 12 times their weight in water so soak em up! I once read a headline for an article which said something like 'Chia seeds can kill'. Of course I fell prey and read the article, with a title like that, who could resist?! It turned out that someone ate a tablespoon full of chia seeds, straight up. They expanded in his throat and he choked. So don’t do that. If you’re going to use chia seeds, mix them in some type of liquid, allow them to expand and enjoy ?.

The recipe is super simple, I use coconut cream, full fat from a can or tetra pak. I've started to use a particular brand of coconut cream from a tetra pak that I really love.  It has a rich coconut taste - so good! The brand is Cocomi, certified organic from SriLanka. Place the cup of coconut cream in a blender, add to it 1 tablespoon of monk fruit or other sweetener of choice and blend on high until smooth.  Then stir in chia seeds or lightly pulse and place in a jar overnight or a minimum of two hours.  Top with the pureed mango or fruit of choice and enjoy!

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Chia Coconut Pudding

Yield: 1 cup

Author: Lara

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 5 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Chia Coconut Pudding easy to make, nutritious, and so delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 cup full fat coconut milk
• 2 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp monk fruit
• 1/4 cup pureed mango (optional)

Instructions

1. Place monk fruit and coconut milk in blender and blend until well combined. Stir in chia seeds. Place in a sealed jar and refrigerate overnight or a minimum of two hours. Top with pureed mango.

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