How to make the ultimate low calorie chia seed pudding recipe

Chia seeds are often referred to as a ‘superfood’ for their outsized nutritional benefits. They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, both of which can aid in weight loss.

One serving, roughly 2.5 tablespoons, of dried chia seeds has just “140 calories, 5 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber, 12 grams of carbohydrate and 9 grams of fat, of which 8 grams are heart-healthy fats,” says the Mayo Clinic. They are also loaded with antioxidants along with various essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

It’s no wonder then that chia seeds have been part of human diets for over 5,000 years. The seeds are derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, a member of the mint family native to Central America where they were a staple for the Aztecs and Mayans.

The small round seeds are extremely mild in flavor which makes them easy to incorporate into a number of recipes or add to food dishes that you most likely already enjoy as part of your diet. Furthermore, they are easy to get your hands on as well, with grocery stores stocking a variety of them in black, brown and white.

The ultimate low calorie chia seed pudding recipe

One fun fact about chia seeds is that they can absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid, handy when you want to keep your baked goods moist. Also, when mixed with liquid, a gel forms around the chia seed giving chia beverages a unique texture and perfect for using them to make pudding.

The beauty of chia pudding is that it can be enjoyed any time of the day for a guilt-free snack. Another benefit of chia pudding is the fiber helps make you feel satisfied longer as it takes longer to digest while at the same time helping your body spread out the distribution of your sugar intake.

Here is a simple chia pudding recipe from HealthShots, a women’s health and wellness digital platform.

First of all, you want to combine in a bowl the chia seeds, almond milk, sweetener and, if you want, vanilla extract. Now mix the ingredients thoroughly so that there aren’t any clumps of the seeds in the mixture.

Next you have to cover the bowl with a lid or simply with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. It should stay in for at least two hours. However, it is preferable to let it overnight in the fridge as this will allow the chia seeds to soak up the liquid, forming that gel around them, and thicken.

Once ready, you will want to stir the mixture again, making sure that there aren’t any clumps. If it is too thick, no worries, just add more milk until the desired consistency is reached.

When you serve your chia pudding add your favorite topping, whether it be fresh fruit, nuts or whatever tickles your fancy.

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