Banana Chia Pudding

When it comes to food I have tested handfuls of dietary theories thanks to my time at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition; I have gone raw, vegan, paleo, gluten free, the list goes on.

What I learned from all of my testing with both myself and clients is that we are all so specific that it is hard to put yourself into a box.

Instead of focusing on the food we eat I try to focus on the body and what it is asking for and why. As a reiki healer I work on clearing the chakras and balancing energy, and with that I like to feed my chakras. Our body can feel imbalances it is just up to us to quiet the noise in our heads to allow ourselves to hear what it is we need.

This recipe is great for strengthening the solar plexus. Yellow is the color that represents the solar plexus and bananas are yellow of course. The solar plexus is our gut, it is where we often make decisions from, we want to be able to "trust out gut" and what better way to make sure its on point then by feeding it food that will keep the wheel turning in the right direction!

In addition to the solar plexus healing banana this recipe is filled with one of my favorite super foods, Chia Seeds.

A few facts:

- Chia is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, even more so than flax seeds

- Chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. And, unlike flax, they do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body

- Chia seeds provide fiber (25 grams give you 6.9 grams of fiber) as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc.

- When added to water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes, chia forms a gel. Researchers suggest that this reaction also takes place in the stomach, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar.

2 Servings

2 bananas
5 T chia seeds
1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
1 t vanilla
pinch cinnamon
pinch nutmeg

In a resealable container (I like to use a mason jar) add bananas and mash until smooth. Add chia seeds, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir ingredients well, or place cover on container and shake well.

Place pudding in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight until it sets. Enjoy from the jar or serve topped with fresh fruits and/or coconut flakes.

Easy delicious meal on the go. Enjoy for breakfast and it will have you feeling satiated until lunch. Also perfect for an afternoon boost or after dinner treat.

xo,

Lauren Courtney