One of my favorite breakfast foods has been chia seed pudding. It's fast, simple, and super  customizable, not to mention really healthy. Chia seeds have the interesting ability to gel up when mixed with liquid and become almost tapioca-like in texture, it's really quite good actually! If you haven't discovered the wonders of chia seeds, you need to try this recipe as it might just become a favorite!

More on Chia Seeds-

Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber (great for gut flora!), antioxidants, and protein. In fact, these little seeds you've seen growing on chia pets have the highest omega-3 content in the plant kingdom. They are also an excellent source of trace minerals and contain exponentially higher calcium, phosphorus, and potassium than milk. If that isn't enough to convince you of their awesome-ness, chia seeds are also rich in flavonoids- Unique antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals and metallic ions. Some of the flavonoids found in chia even have the ability to help prevent degenerative diseases and reduce allergies.  Pretty cool eh?

Here's How to Make it…

Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe

• 2 cups of full fat coconut milk
• ⅓ cup chia seeds
• A nice pinch of sea salt
• ½ teaspoon good vanilla extract
• Raw honey to taste (optional)
• Chopped fresh fruit of choice

Loving Preparation - Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

• Pour 2 cups of coconut milk (homemade is best…learn how to make it here)into a mason jar
• Add in the chia seeds, sea salt, and vanilla extract, close the lid and shake vigorously
• Continue to shake the jar for a good 15-20 seconds to ensure no clumping occurs
• Put the jar in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours to create the best texture (I like to keep mine in the fridge overnight for an easy breakfast)
• After an hour or 2 take out the jar, add a bit of raw honey and shake again (or drizzle it over the top)
• Serve with fresh fruit of your choice

[yumprint-recipe id='52']In this recipe I kept it pretty simple, but you can definitely add whatever ingredients you like. Some of my favorite toppings and spices include:

• Toasted nuts
• Nut butter
• Fruit puree
• Grade B maple syrup
• Molasses
• Super foods like cacao nibs, goji berries, or maca powder
• Homemade yogurt
• Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and vanilla bean
• Flavor extracts like almond, coconut, peppermint, and lemon
• Rose or orange blossom water
• Shredded coconut
• Dried fruit
• Homemade granola
• Cocoa powder
• Heavy cream

As you can see, there are quite a few different ingredients and combinations you can play around with once you get comfortable making the basic recipe above.  I like eating chia seed pudding for breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert a few times per week.

Have you ever had chia seed pudding before?

For more recipes, check out these articles:

Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie Bowl Recipe
Instant Dairy Free Chocolate Chia Pudding
Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding