Chia Seeds

CrazyFly7

Hi guys! I just purchased Chia Seeds and have been trying them. What is everyone's take on them? I purchased them for one reason, I heard that they were high in fiber. Have any of you tried them? How do you eat/drink them? Any suggestions are welcome.

81Katz

I've been eating them for about the last month give or take. I usually add them to my oatmeal, cereal, yogurt or a smoothie. I like that they are pretty much tasteless so it doesn't alter the flavor of your food. I too heard they are good for fiber but the best part is they have the Omega 3's and those are the Omega's good for your heart. I figure what the heck, they are probably adding some good to my diet.

aj_31

Same here. Just put them in my oatmeal or my smoothies.

CrazyFly7

I did not know that about the Omega 3's. That is a plus also. I see, so you have them as is w/ oatmeal, cereal, yogurt or a smoothie. I saw a recipe in which you add it into water so I drink it, but I will have to try them dried w/ one of these suggestions. Interesting.

CrazyFly7

Do you feel that you've seen a difference w/ them in your diet to help w/ fiber?

aj_31

I just started having them so I haven't had enough time to see if they make a difference.

81Katz

I don't know if I see any major differences after about a month of eating them. I know if I put them in something like oatmeal or cereal it does seem a little more filling. Even if I just reap the benefits of the Omega 3's then I figure that has to count for something. The jury is still out though, I am waiting to see if I notice any type of difference anywhere, or with anything. I'm hoping it's not some fad. I was using ground flax seed and didn't notice any difference using that.

*I add 1 tablespoon to whatever I am eating, be it my morning oatmeal, or a yogurt for a snack, etc.

CrazyFly7

Me too. haha, that's why I'm asking so many questions about them. Well, I guess they can't hurt anything! What else do you do to get fiber into your diet?

Flissbo

I just bought some too and am keen to see what to do with them also :-)

ninerbuff

Just like most "fad" health kicks, this is just another. A couple of years ago it was "Acai".


A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

CrazyFly7

niner: what are some suggestions from you to get more fiber?

jens_mission

I have been sprinkling chia seeds on all my meals for the past week. I started using them by a suggestion from a friend to help lower my cholesterol. I have noticed that they make me feel more satisfied with my meals and also helped my bowels to be more regular.

MostlyWater

Just don't bake with them or heat them. They lose their potency when cooked.

I add mine to granola.

neanderthin

Chia has lots of fiber and ALA an omega 3, similar to flax seed but double the fiber.

uniqsol

I've been using "purely elizabeth" granola in my yogurt for awhile & it contains Chia seeds (plus other "good stuff" - anyone that's vegan, gluten catuious or just wants a purely natural granola check it out).

http://purelyelizabeth.com/OriginalAncientGrainGranolaCereal.htm

It's really good, and I can definitely tell it's working on my system, lol.
I have a friend that used to just put the seeds & water, allow them to soak a little & then just chug it. He said the same, though he did note that he's cut back b/c it seemed like everyday that method was just a bit too much for his system.

naseak

Try 1/2 cup almond milk
2tbsp chia seed
1/2 tsp cinammon

I stir it up and leave it in the fridge over night. Kinda like tapioca pudding. It doesn't have to be left over night but at least 20 min.

Also 1 tbsp Chia seeds mixed with 1 cup frozen raspberies, let thaw add 1/4-1/2 cup greak yogurt.

jutymo

I usually put mine in Minute Maid reduced calorie orange juice, let it sit 5-10 minutes and then "eat" my OJ with a spoon. Doesn't alter the taste; still tastes like OJ. Lots better than in water I think....

Here's a recipe that I tried as well:

Chocolate Chia Seed "Pudding"

2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup almond milk (or your favorite alternative)
2 tbsp agave, brown rice syrup, or stevia to taste
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix all together, cover and let sit for at least 20 minutes. I left mine in the refridgerator over night. If too thick, just add a little almond milk to thin.

desiree516

Just like most "fad" health kicks, this is just another. A couple of years ago it was "Acai".


A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Whats wrong with a fad if its good for you?

desiree516

I use this recipe for a yummy nutritious treat!

http://fooddoodles.com/2011/03/15/chocolate-chia-seed-pudding/

sheschemes

I haven't seen any significant increase in my fiber from adding chia seeds to my morning yogurt, but then again I don't add very much. I've been eating it for the omega-3 since I don't eat enough fish.

If you're really working on fiber then you should go for more beans and veggies. The chia seeds may help a little, but it won't be a big percentage of your daily fiber intake unless you're eating a LOT of them.

jbro456

bump