CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESContrary to naysayers who called it a “fad” instead of a “trend,” chia seeds are going nowhere but up. This humble, flea-sized member of the mint family showed up everywhere five years ago, accompanied by outsized claims.
Seed by day, superfood by night, chia was linked to health and sports nutrition benefits well beyond what I’d expect from a recommended two tablespoon daily serving. Raised in southern California, my guard came up when the “add it to everything” message appeared in print and online as frequently as coverage of Taylor Swift’s hairstyle changes.
It’s also worth noting that chia is easy to add to daily intake. I recommend incorporating the seed into regular eating versus wedging in as a nasty-tasting supplement or bulky ingredient. Sprinkle it on yogurt or salad as well as hot and cold cereals knowing refrigeration is not required.
Note: start slowly, adding no more than one teaspoon a day with plenty of water given the seed’s sponge-like behavior once consumed (up to 12x its original mass). If you’ve been fiber-deficient, start even more slowly to avoid terminal tummy aches.
Breakfast is an ideal entry point, even when time is short. Chia Pudding is a favorite. Simply stir two tablespoons of chia to one cup of flavored kefir, cover and refrigerate overnight for a thick, satisfying coffee-compatible meal.
My go-to lunch or light dinner? A one-half cup scoop of cottage cheese (or equivalent), topped with chopped apple, two tablespoons of chia, one tablespoon of ground flax and the same of hemp seed hearts.
Feeling extravagant (or seasonal)? Dice ripe mango or strawberries as a substitute for the always-available apple. Once you’ve adapted to the bubble-like feeling of chia seeds as they absorb liquid, you may join me as a superfan of a true superfood.
