Ch-ch-ch-chia!!
After learning the magic of Chia seeds, I’m totally hooked. These little suckers are now well known, and they should be! They pack a powerful nutritional punch and can be added to lots of everyday food. 
Here’s the scoop on Chia seeds… At first, they look like any other small seed but once wet, they begin trapping water, and form a gel surrounding the seed. They can hold up to 9 times their weight in water! Chia seeds are a seed of the chia plant, an herb, and are mostly known for their high level of omega-3 fatty acids. Remember omega 3s from this post? In fact, chia seeds have the most omega 3s of any other plant source! Still not convinced? Here are some other reasons to try chia seeds (courtesy of mychiaseeds.com):
* They balance blood sugar which keeps energy levels constant throughout the day AND can lower the risk for type 2 diabetes
* In addition to keeping your energy constant, they give you LOTS of energy! They are a complete protein (one of nature’s highest plant-based sources)
* They have a very high level of antioxidants
* They can curb your cravings and help you lose weight due to their gel consistency. These seeds make you feel full faster, and stay full!
You can add chia seeds to lots of everyday snacks: smoothies, pudding, soup, salads, etc. They will simply thicken whatever they are added to without altering the flavor. So give these little gems a try!
Oh, and one other note… don’t eat your Chia pet! These aren’t regulated as strictly and aren’t meant to eat! Photos courtesy of echiaseeds.com
How are you living5x5 today? Share with me how you use Chia seeds in your life in the comment section below. Don’t forget to GRAB my FREE Manifesto Guide for everyday inspiration.
I love chia seeds on top of yogurt or stirred into soup to make it more filling. I didn’t realize when I first tried them out that a little goes a long way – they really do fill you up!
I’ve only had the chia seeds in muffins, but now I’ll have to try them in other things as well. I love most grains and seeds, they actually taste like your eating something healthy. Thanks for the information. Anita