Ch Ch Ch CHIA

It's Saturday!!!! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend! I know I am, last night I caught up with friends over a yummy (and healthy!) dinner at Cafe Mogador... your should try it sometime, they also have an amazing brunch!

After a great start to the weekend I had my friend Heather, a newly Vegan join me for a CYC class, love me some Keoni on a Saturday morning and then we grabbed some lunch at Beyond Sushi, VEGAN SUSHI!!!! I am a huge sushi fan and let me tell you this place does not disappoint, more on that next FUNday Friday.

Ok, so where were we... ah yes, SUPERFOOD Saturday. Let’s get down to it... Raise your hands if you know what Chia Seeds are, anyone???

Well, let’s break it down...

When I used to hear the word Chia I would immediately think of the pet, but since learning more about this powerful seed I think less of the pet (though the jingle does still come to mind) and more about OMEGA-3's!!!I know, who would have thought a plant that was fun to grow as a child would one day become something we would want to "plant: into our bodies.

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Chia Seeds have been "hot" for a while now, you see them in baked goods, juices, smoothies and more. But do you have any idea why they are so beneficial?

  • 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.

  • Chia has a nutlike flavor

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Some ideas on how to incorporate them into your diet:

  • Sprinkle ground or whole chia seeds on cereal, in yogurt or salads, eat them as a snack

  • Grind them and mix them with flour when making muffins or other baked goods

  • Add to a smoothie or a juice

  • Mix seeds in water and add lime or squeeze of lemon

  • Or toss them in a bottle of water when going for a run

Any way you add these to your diet will be beneficial! I like to start my day with a fresh green juice with a tablespoon of chia seeds!

Go fuel up and enjoy the rest of your weekend and stay tuned for Meatless Monday!

xo,

Lauren Courtney

FoodLauren Unger