Healthy Chia Seed Bowls

Chia seeds, the common name for Salvia hispanica, are well known for their health benefits. The seeds provide an excellent source of Omega 3s, a category of essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are fats that cannot be produced by the human body and so must come from dietary sources. Chia seeds actually contains a higher concentration of essential fatty acids than many other oils. Even flax seed(linseed), a popular source of essential fatty acids, has less essential fatty acids than Chia seeds.

When soaked overnight, chia seeds expand into a gelatinous texture which work well as a base to mix in fruit and nuts to create a delicious meal or snack. These bowls are a great way to incorporate more chia seeds into your diet.

Chia bowls are easy to make, the main thing to remember is to overnight the chia seeds. For the below recipes the first step is to overnight the seeds. Do this by covering 3 tablespoons of organic seeds with 1 cup of almond, hemp or oat milk and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. That way, the seeds become thick and a perfect consistency for your bowls.

Overnighted chia seeds can form the basis of meals, from breakfast bowls to deliciously indulgent puddings. Here are three easy recipes to try:

Fruity Breakfast Bowl

For a thick, sorbet-esq consistency, frozen bananas and strawberries work well. Start with one banana a handful of strawberries. Blend until smooth and creamy in texture. Then add in the overnighted chia seeds and blend again until smooth and pour out into a bowl. The consistency should be thick and creamy.

Top with with half a banana sliced finely, a sliced kiwi, and sprinkle of pumpkin and regular chia seeds.

Chocolate Indulgence Pudding Bowl

A great pudding substitute is this delicious and truly indulgent recipe. Use a cup of frozen chopped mango and blend with the overnighted chia seeds, one teaspoon of cold milled flaxseed and one teaspoon of dessicated coconut. Blend until smooth, then add one tablespoon of raw cacao powder. Then blend until creamy and serve with a sprinkle of almonds.

Green Chia Bowl

Green chia bowls are high in protein and very simple to make. Simply blend one cup of organic spinach leaves with overnighted chia seeds until smooth. Add some sliced fruit such as kiwi and a sprinkling of roughly chopped brazil nuts then, serve and enjoy!

Patricia founded AWS in 2008 as a means of sharing and documenting her health journey. Diagnosed with familial hypercholestrolemia as a teenager she has worked with nutritionists and sports professionals to holistically alter the expression of her epigenetic markers. Out of AWS grew the Urban Farmer which showcases her passion for gardening and self sufficient living. When Patricia is not gardening you will find her cooking, rock climbing and hiking.

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