Power Breakfast: Very Berry Chia Seed Pudding

The hardest part of having chia seed pudding for breakfast is remembering to set it in the fridge the night before. Outside of that, the entire process is super quick, super easy AND super nutritious. You can make any number of varieties, but this version is heavy on the berries for a fresh and fruity breakfast.

Just a Spoonful of Sugar…

You may have heard that chia seeds are a ‘superfood, and that reputation is well-deserved. Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language and Aztec warriors ate chia seeds to give them high energy and endurance. The claim is just a single spoonful of chia could sustain someone for up to 24 hrs – no sugar needed.

Chia seeds are also a rich source of antioxidants and fiber. They contain protein,  essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid; mucin; strontium’ vitamins A, B, E and D; and a whole host of minerals like sulfur, iron, iodine, magnesium, manganese, and niacin.

Berry Good…

Berries are nature’s delicious way of getting you all your vitamins. Varieties like blueberries, raspberries, dark cherries, and strawberries are all high in – you guessed it – fiber and antioxidants! That means they’re good for your heart, can help reduce inflammation, and can help you feel fuller, longer for relatively few calories.

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Chia Seeds
• 2 Cups Coconut Milk*
• 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup**
• Cinnamon to taste (optional)
• Toppings: fresh and/or frozen berries (or fruit) of your choice

*Can sub for milk of choice i.e. almond.
** Can sub for sweetener of choice like date syrup or agave.

Pour milk and chia seeds into bowl or container. You can pre-portion at this stage for meal prep, but I typically use one large Tupperware for this step.

Add your mix-ins, vanilla extract, sea salt, syrup, and cinnamon, stirring between additions.

Cover and place in the fridge overnight to set

The next morning garnish with berries and enjoy! I like to warm any frozen berries to make a fruit “compote” then layer with pudding and top it all with fresh berries. Feel free to add a little granola, shaved coconut or even a few nuts for more texture.