{ Chia Seed Pudding } - A Recipe

My healthy eating journey is starting this morning with some Chia Seed Pudding topped with fresh bananas! I am determined to transition to a "Real Food" lifestyle. I am bypassing the processed foods and am kicking off 2013 with a new healthy lifestyle!

I must admit I was a little skeptical of these Chia Seeds and their incresing popularity, but after researching and studying them at "Google University" I have realized they are very beneficial to one's body! They help stabilize your blood sugars, help wth concentration, improve moods, energize now (and later), fills you up, lowers cholesterol, builds muscle mass, and more! They are Gluten Free, low on the glycemic index, high in protein and Omege 3, and great for healthy hair, skin, and nails! And so much more!

It amazes me how these little seeds that once were used to plant "grass" in ceramic figures can be so healthy and good for you!


CHIA SEED PUDDING

2 cups plain Almond Milk (I used the Almond & Coconut Milk blend)
3/4 cups chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Stir until the mixture begins to thicken. This will take about 2 minutes.
3. Continue stirring once every 10 mins for about an hour (this will help the chia seeds "gel" and grap the flavors of the cinnamon and vanilla).
4. Place in the fridge overnight and allow to thicken even more.
5. Serve plain or topped with your favorite fruit.
6. Enjoy!

On a side note, I like my sweets and this recipe was not sweet enough for me! Next time I will add some honey (or natural sweeteners - agave nectar, maple syrup) and see how that goes! Also, mine was a little on the "thicker side" and I will decrease the amount of chia seeds to about 1/2 cup next time.

Enjoy!

>~ Melissa ~

I'm sharing this at Monday Mania

{ Grain FREE Banana Blueberry Yum }

This week I am kicking off the beginning of a healthy lifestyle (more to come on that later). So, to jump start the kicking of my "always running to processed foods" habit I found an amazing recipe and altered it a little bit! First up is my "Grain Free Banana Blueberry Yum!" - much healthier than grabbing a processed sugar loaded "fruit & cereal" bar!

Enjoy!

Oh, and I must warn you that your kitchen will fill with the smell of a delicious healthy aroma!



GRAIN FREE BANANA BLUEBERRY YUM

3 cups blanched Almond Flour (I used almond meal)
1/4 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 T olive oil or melted coconut oil (I used coconut oil)
3 eggs
4-5 ripe Bananas (mashed) - I left mine in semi chunks
2 cups frozen blueberries (I added more - I LOVE blueberries)

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 x 14 glass pan.
2. Combine almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together the oil and eggs.
4. Beat the wet and dry ingredients together.
5. Add bananas and mix together thoroughly.
6. Place batter in your prepared pan and sprinkle blueberries on top. I personally added my blueberries in the mix and did not sprinkle - I love blueberries and had a LOT of them!
7. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the edges are brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool for approximately 30 minutes (if you can wait that long). Serve.
9. If you possibly have any leftovers, store in an airtight container.

These are so delicious and healthy! Your body will thank you!

~ Melissa ~

I'm sharing this at Monday Mania, Full Plate Thursday, Thank Your Body Thursday, Tasty Traditions


You can read about my journey with Reactive Hypoglycemia here!