Chia is becoming a very popular superfood in Trinidad and Tobago, but many people don’t know about all of its benefits or how to use it. Chia seeds are an ancient grain used by the Aztec and Mayans. In fact, “chia” is a Mayan word meaning strength.
Chia seeds provide some of the best sources of fiber and are high in natural antioxidant compounds such as beta carotene. They are high in calcium, proteins and fatty acids. The addition of chia seeds helps control hunger and leave you feeling full, faster, which makes them the perfect addition to someone’s diet who is looking to lose weight.
But where, and how, can you use chia? Nutritionist and KitchenAid consultant, Maria Calle, shares one of the most delicious ways to enjoy this trendy superfood.
Chia seeds are the perfect companion to a smoothie, according to Maria Calle. With its minimal flavor, chia seeds will boost nutritional content and create a creamy gel giving your smoothie a unique consistency. The gel is what leaves the body feeling fuller longer because the fiber converts the starches to sugars slower. Chia seeds are also perfect for smoothies since they have no flavor. The only thing that will change is the texture of the ingredients.
Now, Maria Calle shares her secret recipe for feeling great, with a delicious smoothie.
Creamy Fruit Smoothie with Chia Seed Pudding
Recipe Instructions:
For the Chia Pudding:
6 tablespoons of Chia Seeds (dry)
1 cup of Almond Milk
2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract
½ teaspoon of Cinnamon Powder (or 2 sticks)
Stevia to taste
Steps:
In a bowl, mix all of the ingredients together until all of the chia seeds are completely soaked.
Leave the bowl with all of the ingredients in the refrigerator overnight (minimum 3 hours).
For the Creamy Fruit Smoothie:
3 Frozen Bananas
1 Cup of Frozen Red Fruits (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries to taste)
1/8 cup of Water
Steps:
Peel and Cut the frozen bananas in 3 large pieces
Put the banana pieces, frozen fruits and water in the KitchenAid® Magnetic Blender jar
Lock the Jar into the base and place the dial on the Smoothie function. Press play. The Magnetic Blender will turn off automatically when the smoothie is at the ideal smoothie consistency.
For presentation, place the Chia Pudding at the base of your cup of choice. Then, on top of the Chia Pudding, place a layer of the Creamy Fruit Smoothie, followed by another layer of Chia Pudding. To decorate, you can fresh fruit on top. Enjoy!
