Get Fit With Chia Seeds!

Being physically fit and fab should be a goal through out the year and our warm weather can be a great kick-starter for any workout. To take it up a notch further, you can give your body that extra boost by adding a superfood, like the super chia! It is not nicknamed a superfood for nothing; it is named so because of the nutrient punch that it packs! A superfood is one that is low in calorie and high in a variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, healthy fats and protein. What’s more, this nutrient-rich superfood helps fight against chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers while promoting strong muscles and bones which help keep you lean and maintain healthy weight. Being an ideal source of protein, fiber, omega-3’s and minerals make this super seed a go-to anytime superfood.

Include this superfood into your diet on a daily basis and it will help keep you feeling great, looking great too and ready for any season! How does that work? Well, the healthy fats and fiber keep you feeling full between each meal, protein and minerals promote muscle repair and strength, and antioxidants & vitamins keep your skin refreshed in the sun. In fact, each tablespoon packs in 2.3 grams of protein and almost 5 grams of fiber, plus a dose of calcium, vitamins A, B, C, and E, and antioxidants!

You can enjoy this superfood without much of a hassle and include it in your diet in the form of a crunchy seed, thick gel, a vegan-friendly egg substitute, soup, salad, baked goods and drinks. Chia seeds never go bad, so you can stock them up too. Here are some delicious recipes to add to your menu today.

Delectable Chia Jam
This is a super easy superfood jam recipe – Chia Seed Strawberry Jam, made with only three ingredients; strawberries, chia and honey. No refined sugar, no gelatin, no pectin but just plain healthy, simple ingredients packed with nutrition and flavour. Take three bowls of strawberries, one bowl of chia and honey each and bring them to a boil. Once it is a mushy texture, mash it properly. Let it cool and store for future use, it is best served chilled. It is super yummy and healthy! Chia creates the jam-like texture and honey adds the sweetness. You can substitute in any fruit of your choice!

Fabulous Chia Fresca
The best solution to quench your thirst, in any season is the Chia bubble water or Chia Fresca. All you need is two cups water or coconut water, 1.5 tbsp. chia seeds, 1/2 tbsp. lime juice, sweetener to taste. Add chia and water into a glass, stir well and let it for a while to allow the chia seeds to swell up. Then add lime juice and sweetener, stir well and enjoy! You can modify this recipe by swapping different bases like green tea or infused water. You can add a dash of ginger or orange for the extra zing.

Amazing Chia Pudding
Another easy recipe that is a healthy one too is this Chia Pudding. Chia seeds and coconut milk make a great pudding that is great for breakfast. Mix both ingredients the night before, put them in the fridge and enjoy the special treat the next day. It's that easy, but tasty and healthy too!

Berry Berry Chia Smoothie
If you do not like the crunchy texture of the chia seeds then this is the perfect recipe for you, a refreshing morning smoothie. You will need one cup of any berries, ½ cup pomegranate juice, ½ cup water and ½ tablespoon chia seeds. Put all of them in a blender until smooth and sprinkle extra chia seeds on the top for visual appeal. This antioxidant berry berry chia smoothie tastes wonderful with a slightly sweet and tart flavor with a rich and creamy texture.

The quickest, easiest and healthiest way to get a quick snack punch and add that omega-3 in your snack is to simply sprinkle a teaspoon of seeds on your fruit, mix it into yoghurt and make a yummy combination! So what are you waiting for, enjoy these tasty and healthy sweet treats without the guilt!