Chia Seeds - do you use them?

carolinatx
carolinatx Posts: 58 Member
I just recently started adding to some recipes and I'm a fan... yogurt, leafy salads, pea salad and some energy bites (or as I call them, Granola Balls, that I make for my son).

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/03/chia-seed-benefits-_n_3379831.html#slide=2525650
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Replies

  • cpcoursec
    cpcoursec Posts: 82 Member
    I have read about all of the benefits and decided to try some. Went to Fred Meyer and it was 12.00 a bag. I will keep looking, but I'm not paying that much for something I may hate.
  • pagraham1971
    pagraham1971 Posts: 37 Member
    I have tried Chia seeds, but prefer hmp hearts. the Chia seeds get stuck in my teeth. I would like to try them in baking as an egg substiute just to see if it works.:smile:
  • carolinatx
    carolinatx Posts: 58 Member
    Try Trader Joes if you have one around - They're $4.99 for a 5.3 ounce bag
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I keep wanting to, look at them... and change my mind, lol. I should though...
  • michelefrench
    michelefrench Posts: 814 Member
    I make chia seed puddings quite often..very filling and tasty
  • ska4jesus
    ska4jesus Posts: 9 Member
    Costco sells a big bag for 12.99 (it last about 1 1/2 months)
  • rlmassman84
    rlmassman84 Posts: 91 Member
    If your grocery store has a bulk food section check there. You can buy a small amount to try before committing to an entire bag.
  • GabyBaby916
    GabyBaby916 Posts: 385 Member
    I have tried Chia seeds, but prefer hmp hearts. the Chia seeds get stuck in my teeth. I would like to try them in baking as an egg substiute just to see if it works.:smile:
    I hate the flavor of eggs and frequently use chia gel to replace up to 2 eggs in some recipes (I usually don't go higher than 2 or it does change the consistency).

    I've made chia fresca (a lemonade type drink with white chia seed).
    I've used it to make pudding, thicken up drinks, added it to smoothies.
    I often add it to meats, which helps increase moistness, since chia absorbs water), and stews. My family doesn't even know it is there most of the time, so it is a good way to get some added benefits to them.

    I tried flax, but I don't care for the flavor.
  • GabyBaby916
    GabyBaby916 Posts: 385 Member
    I should add that I like to grind mine up first so the bits are smaller. The whole seeds (when moist) are a bit too much like small tapioca pearls for some uses.
  • baileyan06
    baileyan06 Posts: 12 Member
    I use them and love them! I add them on top of salads, in smoothies, etc. The bag I buy at my local Kroger lasts for a pretty long time, too.
  • Iknowsaur
    Iknowsaur Posts: 777 Member
    They don't really taste like anything.
    I just blend them into my protein smoothies/shakes.
  • cpcoursec
    cpcoursec Posts: 82 Member
    Try Trader Joes if you have one around - They're $4.99 for a 5.3 ounce bag

    Thanks, I will do that.
  • airangel59
    airangel59 Posts: 1,887 Member
    I've been making Chocolate PB2 Chia seed pudding ( I use 4 oz Chocolate Carbmaster milk, 1T Chocolate PB2, 1T Chia seeds...blended up and refrigerated a few hours/overnite). Mine comes to 123 Cal, 12 carb, 11 protein, 6 fiber)

    Also have mixed some in my yogurt, smoothies/protein shakes, and lately in my oatmeal.

    Originally bought them at Trader Joes ($4.99) but now get in bulk at local place called Sprouts Marketplace. Am sure health food stores would carry, have also seen in health section of grocery (Bob's Red Mill).
  • BigVeggieDream
    BigVeggieDream Posts: 1,101 Member
    I take chia seed oil everyday.
  • lumpy56lump
    lumpy56lump Posts: 31 Member
    I add chia seeds to my oatmeal every morning
  • carolinatx
    carolinatx Posts: 58 Member
    Love all the suggestions - thank you! :-D

    Airangel - I just found P2B for the first time (have been looking for it for some time) and haven't used it yet - will have to try that. Sounds delicious!

    I'm excited to make the pudding and had not yet heard that it was an egg substitute - awesome!
  • JenniTheVeggie
    JenniTheVeggie Posts: 2,474 Member
    I do......chia "pudding" is my newest discovery. I've had them in the house for a few years now. I used to just add them to water and drink it down. They are good on top of strawberries with greek yogurt and cottage cheese too.

    Lots of great ideas! Thanks!
  • I bought a small container last week and I think I read you should try 2 tablespoons or less per day, but don't quote me on that. I use them for the Omega 3's and they last a very long time. The taste doesn't bother me. I've put them in smoothies and they feel like fresh fruit seeds (raspberries, perhaps). I've sprinkled them on top of salads and in sandwiches and I really don't know they are there. They have helped me feel full, but I can't say it would have the same effect on everyone's body. I know there are many recipes out there for them like some people have posted above. I also read they last longer than flax. If you get a big bag it should last you quite awhile.
  • mortuseon
    mortuseon Posts: 579 Member
    Chia jam!
  • AllyCatXandi
    AllyCatXandi Posts: 329 Member
    Bump, because I have a bag sitting in the pantry and no idea what to do with it :laugh:
  • Brige2269
    Brige2269 Posts: 354 Member
    I just started using them. I made black beans and put 2tbls in the sauce pan and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes. The seeds just disappeared and the beans were thickened. It was good.
  • carolinatx
    carolinatx Posts: 58 Member
    My 'pudding' is still watery this morning :( Would adding more seeds help or should I just start over?
  • ils_1231
    ils_1231 Posts: 249 Member
    i love them!

    i just posted a pic on my instagram @lala_and_friends

    The way i made chia pudding :

    2 table spoons chia
    1 table spoon pumpkin pie filling/ pumpkin pie puree
    cinnamon
    1 greek yogurt individual pack
    2-3 table spoons milk

    i find leaving it in the fridge, covered overnight really helps if too watery.

    Edited: it was 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • ils_1231
    ils_1231 Posts: 249 Member
    My 'pudding' is still watery this morning :( Would adding more seeds help or should I just start over?

    adding more seeds would help since they would absorb the extra liquid
  • bluekitty2201
    bluekitty2201 Posts: 24 Member
    Is there a certain brand that is better than another?
  • TheGymGypsy
    TheGymGypsy Posts: 1,023 Member
    I like adding them to smoothies for a boost of protein and healthy fats. :)
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
    I prefer hemp hearts too, although I have both. Hemp hearts have more protein and way less carbs. But I do use chia seeds when I want to switch my breakfast up.

    1 cup almond milk
    2tbsp chia seeds
    1tsp vanilla extract
    1tsp brown sugar

    Mix it, put it in the fridge over night, pudding in the morning :)
  • awtume9
    awtume9 Posts: 423 Member
    I just recently made chia pudding for the first time. Chocolate banana. Delicious and crazy filling. Almost too filling.
  • ortega1990
    ortega1990 Posts: 236 Member

    Thanks for the links... I just purchased a bag of Chia seeds and was trying to figure out how to use them!