Superfood - Chia Seed

If you are like me then you will find it supremely fascinating that chia seeds are considered a superfood. Seriously who eats chia seeds? I mean I grew up watching chia pet advertisements year round - this time of year was a big hit (I can only guess as a gag gift). Anyway I do not think that I would have ever thought to eat the chia pet start pack...but I grew up in a home that had cases of soda and candy bars. No one was thinking about superfoods. Oh actually it wasn't that bad. My mother was also a huge fan of vitamins, actually she still is. She is a very healthy woman in her mid 70's - who has never been on any medications (knocking on wood now). Back to the chia seed.

Basic overview of the awesomeness of the chia seed:

• Omega-3's
• Protein
• Calcium
• Iron
• Fiber
• Antioxidants 
• Easily digestible
• Prolonged energy endurance - make your carbs digest at a slower rate (great for athletes)

But, I have found that these little seeds are totally versatile and I love using them when cooking or baking. I like the way they get gelatinous like flax seeds when they sit in water and they don't have a specific flavor so you can use them in multiple ways (tossing in salads, smoothies, baking...) I got this idea from my friend Michelle.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp of chia seeds
• 1 cup of organic coconut milk (you could use almond or rice milk too)
• 1 tsp. maple syrup (or agave, raw honey, brown rice syrup - depending on the level of sweetness you desire)
• 1 drop ocotea* (completely optional or add some dried cinnamon or cardamon or nutmeg)
• A few Goji Berries (and/or some chopped nuts, dried fruits, sesame seeds, flax seeds)

(Ocotea is an essential oil from the Amazon that has the same odor as cinnamon, and contains the highest levels of alpha humulene, a powerful anti-inflammatory. Cinnamon has also been used in studies to determine if it can help type-2 Diabetes. So I use the Ocotea to favor some of my cooking and baking...)

Directions:

Put the chia seeds into a bowl and add the coconut milk

Stir

Let the mixture sit for 5 mins. Then stir. Off and on for 20 or 30 minutes.

Once it is thick you can add your sweetener and berries or nuts (this is where I added the ocotea oil)

You can eat it at room temperature or put it in the fridge to make it more ice cream like...

Let me know what you think!

More details coming out later today on the group program starting in February 2010 that is going to rock your world! Woot. You are going to feel better, look better, and build on that momentum to create the life you want to be living.