READ THIS POST! Menu & Super Food Reveal!

How is it already Tuesday July 12??!!

...Time needs to SLOW DOWN...

On Sunday I must have gotten side tracked because it's TUESDAY and I have NO DINNER PLAN!

For the next two week I am teaching a dance camp from 3-6pm everyday and that really puts a damper on my dinner making time. 

Time to get creative I guess.

Also, I find I am spending more $$ on food lately than I would like. Probably because I am not utilizing LEFTOVERS properly.

Must fix this dilemma...ASAP.

(Vegan) Monday: Whole Wheat Rotelle Pasta, Italian side salad 

Tuesday: Leftover Broccoli Chicken Calzones made with THIS homemade Pizza Dough

(Vegetarian) Wednesday: Breakfast for DINNER! Hashbrown Egg White Nests, fresh fruit smoothies

Thursday: Parmesan Chicken Wraps

Friday: Eat out or Turkey Sandwiches on Homemade Wheat Bread

Saturday or Sunday: All you can eat Veggie Party: cook as many veggies as i can stuff my face with! 

Phew! Now that that is over, on to bigger and better things

...I present to you... 

CHIA SEEDS

 What are they?

Chia seed originated in South America and was a staple in the diets of ancient Mayans and Aztecs. Today, chia is grown by passionate farmers dedicated to this miraculous seed. 

What are the nutritional benefits of Chia seed?

#1: Antioxidants

Chia seed packs more antioxidants than acai, pomegranate, artichoke, or blueberries.

#2: Protein

Chia seed is a complete source of vegetarian protein providing all the necessary amino acids to fuel muscles and build up tissue strength.

#3 Fiber

Chia seeds are extremely nutrient dense, containing nearly 50 energizing nutrients in one small seed. They are gluten free and very abundant in vitamin C, protein, minerals, essential fatty acids, and fiber. The soluble fiber content of chia (about 11 grams in just one ounce) is more than 1/3 of the USDA recommended daily amount. Chia makes you feel full for hours and can absorb more than 10 times its volume in water so that you can fill up on fewer calories!

Also regulates the bowels and can start to work in just one day.  Whether your bowels are "too tight" or "too loose", chia can balance all types of gut grief and calm your colon.

#4 Omega-3s

One ounce of Chia yields about 5 grams of omega-3s, making it the highest source of omega-3s gram to gram of any of the omega-3 rich foods-including flaxseed and salmon. The omega-3s in Chia have also been proven to reduce belly fat.

#5 Minerals

      Once ounce will give you nearly 200 mg of calcium, making this the highest vegetable source of this macro mineral. Chia is also loaded with magnesium, potassium, and zinc!

 How do I store Chia Seed?

  Chia does not need to be refrigerated or ground up to release their spectacular nutritional benefits, however it has been said that soaking the seeds in water for 12 hours releases the omega-3s and makes them more EASILY digestible. Since they soak up 10 times their volume in water, eating them without soaking can cause them to soak up the liquid in your stomach and cause cramps. 

How do I soak Chia Seed?

The ratio for chia seed soaking is 1 cup of water : 1 Tablespoon of seed

I usually do 4 cups at a time in a large pitcher and keep it in my fridge and allow to soak for atleast 12 hours before consuming. 

Can I eat Chia Seed without soaking?

Of course! These seeds are great in oatmeal, smoothies, dressings, soups, stews, eggs, etc. The possibilities are endless. I personally have not had any "stomach trouble" consuming them without soaking. 

What do they taste like?

I have tried chia sprinkled on top of my oatmeal and I notice NO taste difference. When the seeds are soaked, I will say that the TEXTURE is not pleasant. But they have NO TASTE, which is a plus. They just taste "earthly" if that makes sense. The texture can only be described in two words... "slimy balls"

      

How can I down soaked Chia seeds and make it more pleasant?

GATORADE! Put 1 cup of soaked chia seeds in 1 1/2 cups of any flavor COLD gatorade and enjoy. Seriously NOT BAD AT ALL!  

 

So there you have it my friends

A cute little seed packed with mega nutrients and no taste

As always... EVERYTHING IN MODERATION

Just because this seed is amazing doesn't mean you should down the whole bag in a day. I try to drink 1 cup of soaked Chia a day, which equals 1 Tablespoon of seed. I have noticed the fiber benefits most of all. When your bowels move correctly you feel skinny and healthy! Not bloated and sluggish. 

Give these a try, about $7 for a whole pound bag.