Have you jumped on the chia train yet?
Chia seeds are all the rage lately.
Never mind that they've been around since the ancient times of Aztecs and Mayans.
Today, chia is the new flax.
It seems that these little tiny seeds pack quite the nutritional wallop.
Supposedly, they're good for the heart, teeth, bones, skin,
metabolism, and digestive system;
metabolism, and digestive system;
as well as fight cancer, treat diabetes and aid in weight loss.
I wonder if they help grow hair....
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Ch-ch-ch-Chia!
After reading about the health benefits of chia seeds,
I've been on the hunt for different ways to use them.
I already put them in my granola recipe, and the other day,
I made a chia pudding.
It was very tasty, but SO UGLY,
I'm still debating as to whether or not I should put the recipe on my blog!
Certainly, the pictures won't persuade you to give it a try!
An easy way to use chia seeds is to put them into smoothies
(and yes, it makes for much prettier photos than the pudding).
I used just a teaspoon, since I don't want my smoothie to taste like it has gravel in it.
That would be an oxymoron.
Adding herbs to smoothies has become a bit of an obsession with me.
Basil is a great compliment to the sweet pineapple;
the taste is perceptible, but not overwhelming.
I feel so healthy when I make a smoothie for lunch.
I know they are supposed to be a meal in and of themselves,
but honestly, sometimes they just don't fill me up for long.
The yogurt in this smoothie makes it a bit more substantial,
but two slices of pizza as a side dish would be even more satisfying :)
I used fat-free yogurt........that way I don't feel as guilty when I add the pizza, heh heh.
Feel free to use whatever type you like.
I used fat-free yogurt........that way I don't feel as guilty when I add the pizza, heh heh.
Feel free to use whatever type you like.
PINEAPPLE BASIL CHIA SMOOTHIE
1 1/2 cup frozen pineapple tidbits
8 basil leaves
1 container vanilla yogurt (approx. 5.3 oz)
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tsp chia seeds
Process in blender until smooth.
Makes one large smoothie.
I wonder how it would taste if I put chia seeds into chai tea.....
It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
"I'd like a cup of Chia Chai tea, please.
It would be the perfect drink for after a tai' chi class.
Or, maybe I'll just stick with the smoothie.
Linking with:
Best of the Weekend
Share Your Style
Home and Garden Thursday
Wake Up Wednesday
Healthy Living Link Party
Share Your Cup
Wow Us Wednesday
Share Your Style
Home and Garden Thursday
Wake Up Wednesday
Healthy Living Link Party
Share Your Cup
Wow Us Wednesday
I've been putting them in smoothies too, which I like MUCH better than puddings. I tried that and it just wasn't for me. Something about the texture was a turn off. Maybe it was just the recipe?
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of basil and pineapple though. We just got back from a two day trip and found ALL my basil was dried up :(. Ugh!
Thanks as always for the yummy inspiration Amy!
xxx
Photo's look great!
ReplyDeleteRecipe sounds great too!
Many thanks for sharing
All the best Jan
I bought a bag of chia seeds for a recipe and it was such an epic fail (it was like sludge with the seeds in it) that I have not used them again! I think a little goes a long way so this smoothie sounds tempting.
ReplyDeleteSounds good Amy. I am going to give this a try.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
This looks good, Amy! I like how basil mixes with things, too, and I have a ton in my garden. I've never tried chia seeds and I do make my own granola so I'll add those babies in.
ReplyDeleteI do soup and protein shakes at meals sometimes but I know you really have to have something 'solid' in your stomach or it feels like you simply had water for your meal. I might add a few chunks of cheese or apple and it seems to give some weight to what I'm having.
Jane
I could make a meal of a smoothie, if I had those 2 pieces of pizza! My sisters are really into juicing.
ReplyDeleteI have a jar of chia seeds I brought with us when we moved. I used them on salads when I got them but now they've been on a pantry shelf. I wonder if they're still usable? I like what you wrote about the health benefits of them.
Beautiful photos Amy. OK I have the recipe thanks to you, will try this miracle seed, I've never tasted it.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Vera
To my knowledge I haven't eaten chia seeds before, oh wait no, they are in my little snack things from Costco. But I have never had them in a drink before. They always make me think of the chia pet commercial song. ch-ch-ch-chia!!
ReplyDeleteI ground a small amount of chia seeds to add to all my gluten free cakes and it adds texture. It's an added bonus that they are good for the health!
ReplyDeleteI love this smoothie idea! It looks so tasty and refreshing ♥
ReplyDeletesummerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
You are hilarious! Got me giggling but that smoothie looks delicious. Love Chia and I think I'll make one of these smoothies right now. Maybe if I add some avocado I won't be craving those two slices of pizza as well?
ReplyDeletei love the combination of basil and pineapple! Thanks for sharing on healthy living link party
ReplyDelete