Looking for a quick and easy summery recipe to treat yourself with on a hot afternoon? This chia pudding is perfect in the morning to start your day, a poolside snack or a nice little dessert!
Healthy Ingredient highlights:
Cherries, chia seeds, coconut milk and coconut water provide the hydrating base for this chia pudding recipe. This is great for staying well- hydrated on hot summer days while getting in some electrolytes, fiber and protein.
Cherries
They’re not only delicious, but are also packed full of nutrients! Particularly fiber, polyphenols, potassium and vitamin C which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C is essential for maintaining your immune system and skin health! Plus they, like most summer fruits, have a high water content on their own!
Chia Seeds
One thing that makes chia seeds unique is that they can absorb more than 10 times their weight in liquid, creating a gel-like texture like you will see in this pudding recipe. These tiny guys also pack a mighty nutrient punch with just two tablespoons packing in 11 grams fiber! Which is the amount in every portion in this recipe! They also contain protein and omega-3 fatty acids to keep you satiated. The combo of protein, fiber and fat is a great way to stabilize blood sugar levels which also plays a role in preventing dehydration.
Coconut water
Naturally slightly sweet, coconut water is also very hydrating and contains electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Electrolytes play a role in maintaining fluid balance, so they’re great to consume after you’ve been sweating a lot, like on crazy hot summer days.
While everyone needs are different, I love that coconut water has only naturally occurring glucose and fructose vs high fructose corn syrup being the primary sugar ingredient in traditional sports drinks. Sports drinks also has food coloring added, and they may not be necessary for a person who is not engaging in intense exercise (longer than 1 hour.) Also, check out Danielle at Mindfull Nutrition who can help you better understand what best hydration techniques are for you, especially when it comes to Sports Performance.
CHERRY GAR-CHIA PUDDING
Makes 6 snack servings
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups cherries, frozen or de-pitted fresh
1 cup coconut milk, canned
1 cup coconut water
1 ½ tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch sea salt
3/4 cup chia seeds
Optional:
Chopped chocolate
Extra cherries, fresh and pitted
METHOD:
1. In a high-speed blender, blend all ingredients except chia seeds, until smooth.
2. Transfer to a bowl and add chia seeds, whisk until incorporated. Let sit for 10 minutes then stir again to reduce clumping. Cover and transfer to the fridge, allow to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Notes:
Layer Chia pudding with a layer of de-pitted sliced fresh cherries and chopped dark chocolate for a delicious treat!
Adjust chia seed amount according to the thickness you like the pudding to turn out.
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