Chia - the Cool Seed!! Mama eats Pumpkin Chia Protein Pudding!

Mama's dessert tonight - Pumpkin Chia Protein Pudding topped with high protein Greek yogurt, chopped pecans, California raisins and coconut. OMG - I have a new OBSESSION!

A big bag of Chia Seeds from Costco and a little bag from Bulk Barn! A little goes a long way so test it out before you invest in a 2 lb bag.

I bought a gigantic bag of black Chia seeds at Costco - at the time I didn't have one Chia seed recipe so I have no idea why I thought I needed two pounds (about $5 per lb by the way - I think that's pretty consistent with most places) . I also got some at Bulk Barn but I think they are pretty much available anywhere.

Chia seeds are one of the hottest "super foods" out there. The list of health benefits goes on and on and on and as such they are often regarded as one of natures most perfect foods. I don't normally go into the details but here are a few of the benefits because they are so awesome:

• Has higher protein than any other grain (yep - I compared to quinoa - 5 g for quinoa versus 6 g for Chia);
• It is super high in fiber so it will no doubt keep you regular and help naturally detoxify your system;
• It has higher antioxidant values than even blueberries;
• Its a source of Omega 3 and 6; and
• It helps stabilize blood sugar by slowing the conversion of carbs to sugar - AWESOME.

One of the reasons I am so pumped about this little seed is that the net carbohydrate exposure is so low. Net carbs are grams of carbohydrate less grams of fibre per serving. I checked my pantry for net carbs for each of the following: Chia - 2 g, Quinoa - 26 g, Oats - 16 g. I guess Chia is so high in fibre (which slows the absorption of sugars and starches) that it almost eliminates the effects of the carbohydrates on your blood sugar.

Having tried them a couple of times now, I must say these little bad boys fill you up. Seriously. I have a huge appetite and I could barely eat supper tonight. Warning - these seeds are a little weird. They absorb a ton of water when put in wet liquids and the pudding I made looked a bit like tapioca. So it might take some getting used to. But give it a try or get over it because these seeds are worth it.

Okay great - but what are you supposed to do with them. Well, you can add to smoothies or sprinkle them on just about anything. Or you can make a pudding......this next recipe is what I invented for breakfast this morning. And the best part was I actually made it last night before bed so I just had to throw it in a cup, layer in some toppings and my breakfast was ready to go (with no blender mess to clean up). I also had some for dessert tonight (see picture above) because I wanted more. Yum.

My high protein, high fibre, low carb breakfast. Chia pumpkin pudding topped with high protein Greek yogurt, raisins and coconut. So good!

Pumpkin Chia Protein Pudding (makes about 1 serving)

1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (I buy it prepared -its basically cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice & cloves)

1/2 cup milk - I used unsweetened Soy but use what you've got

1 1/2 tbsp black Chia seeds

1/2 serving Vanilla Whey Protein Powder  - if you don't have or like Protein Powder you can try it with hemp instead - see my Chia and Hemp Pumpkin Pudding recipe

1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree

Toppings - Optional - I really liked the combination of all four I had for dessert

Vanilla high protein Greek yogurt

Raisins

Unsweetened shredded coconut

Chopped pecans

I just mixed the pudding ingredients all together really well. I left it on the counter for about an hour, stirring it about every 15 minutes before I put it in the fridge for the night. In the morning just give it a stir and layer it with whatever toppings you choose and enjoy! So filling, so good, so very clean!

I just don't know whether these should go under breakfast or dessert in my cookbook????