I think I’m in love. With small black and white seeds, called chia.
I’ve been adding chia seeds to my smoothies for quite some time, but I’ve never tried them on their own. So recently, I made a few version of chia seed puddings – and I was amazed how much I liked them. (My son approved them too, which is also important!)
You can check out this chia pudding here, but you can also simply a teaspoon of seeds to any smoothie for a chia-enriched drink. You’ll reap the amazing health benefits (including lots of healthy protein and fats that will help you bring your blood sugar levels to normal and prevent heart disease), even if the taste and texture will be lost.
For a simple chia seed smoothie idea, combine blueberries, bananas, spinach and chia seeds combined to these pretty purple smoothie.
Out of bananas? If you’re out of bananas, don’t like bananas, or are just looking to reduce the sugar content of your smoothie a bit, add a tablespoon of chia seeds instead!
Blueberry Chia Seed Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 generous handfuls of kale, baby spinach, or other leafy green
- 4 cup blueberries, frozen
- 1 banana, frozen or fresh
- 1 teaspoon dry unsoaked chia seeds (or 1 tablespoon pre-soaked)
- 1 cup orange juice or water
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately, as the chia seeds will thicken the smoothie if it is allowed to sit for too long. If that happens, you may need to add more liquid and shake it up again, or simply eat it with your spoon, as a pudding.
Chia seeds add substance to a smoothie, and make them incredibly nourishing. They make energy-rich breakfasts, perfect food for a snack or after workout.
Chia seeds are not only high in protein, but higher in omega-3 fatty acids than flaxseeds. They are also a great source of fiber, phytochemicals, phosphorus and manganese, and they also contain calcium, vitamin C and traces of potassium and sodium.
Chia seeds expand when wet into a kind of gelatinous substance, which makes them a great thickening agent. They are also a great egg-replacement alternative (just like flax-seeds). If you have a high-powered blender, such as Vitamix, put the chia seeds in whole and the blender will grind them. Or, you may want to buy the seeds pre-ground.
The only downside is that chia seeds can work too well. If you let a chia-enriched smoothie sit on the counter for too long, it will get too thick to drink and you may have to eat it with a spoon!
Where to buy chia seeds?
Chia seeds can be quite expensive, but keep in mind that you’ll only use a teaspoon or so when making a smoothie, while still getting lots of valuable nutrients. If you cannot find chia at your local health food store, perhaps you can buy them online, for example, on Amazon:
Questions? Comments? Suggestions?
If you have a favorite recipe, why not submit it here in the comment section of this smoothie recipes blog for others to enjoy too!
I also welcome any comments, questions and suggestions. Thanks!
