chia seeds

julekinz
julekinz Posts: 80 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I have been hearing a lot about chia seeds and the benefits to health and weight loss. I was wondering if anyone had ever tried them and what you think.
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Replies

  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    I have been hearing a lot about chia seeds and the benefits to health and weight loss. I was wondering if anyone had ever tried them and what you think.

    I'm using them, typically a tablespoon with a tablespoon of water plus a third of a cup of yoghurt and some nuts and/or berries.


    They have some interesting properties, but I can't report any fireworks or dramatic benefits.
  • julekinz
    julekinz Posts: 80 Member
    thank you for your input, and the suggestion on how to use them, lol. i bought some and theyre difficult to get down once they get moist. I didnt really know what else to do with them and was beginning to wonder if theyre even worth it. i think i can handle one tbsp.
  • fmbomzo
    fmbomzo Posts: 382 Member
    They become gelatinous when mixed with water. They are supposed to give you a full feeling like fiber-rich foods. They are also rich in Omegas (3 or 6, I can't remember which). You can add them to baked goods. Mix them with juices to create a breakfast or meal replacement drink. I met a lady at a Farmer's Market who has a business selling different Chia-based baked products (muffins, drinks, cookies, etc). She started it because of her desire for gluten-free baked products for her son who has health issues.
  • seamonkey789
    seamonkey789 Posts: 233
    I throw mine in orange juice, coconut water, my power smoothie, cottage cheese.

    I only use 1 tbsp because those suckers grow and I try to use at least 8oz of liquid. They don't really grow in cottage cheese, I just throw them in there if I am out of simply orange
  • ChocolateisCrack
    ChocolateisCrack Posts: 37 Member
    I put them in my protein shake at 9am, I don't even notice they are in there that way. I am sure juice or something like that would work too, they do make me feel fuller longer, and I need the Omegas, since I don't like fatty fish.
  • kailimae
    kailimae Posts: 5 Member
    I use them in smoothies and they go down well. I feel fuller longer when I use them vs when I don't. I've seen them used in juice, yogurt, and my friend even mixes them into her scrambled eggs.
  • raquelly214
    raquelly214 Posts: 8 Member
    I use them! I throw a tablespoon into my morning smoothie and I bake with them, too. My favorite healthy cake mix is so easy...a box of devil's food cake mix, a cup of plain greek yogurt, and a cup of water! I mix that all together and then I add a tablespoon of chia seeds. It's like the best (healthy) cake ever!

    But I also can't report huge changes...except that I feel "healthy" when I use them and then I want to keep making healthy choices :-)
  • lauehorn
    lauehorn Posts: 183
    thank you for your input, and the suggestion on how to use them, lol. i bought some and theyre difficult to get down once they get moist. I didnt really know what else to do with them and was beginning to wonder if theyre even worth it. i think i can handle one tbsp.

    I add them to smoothies and baked goods. You can also use them to make "puddings" since they do have a gelatinous property to them if left in liquid for a bit. I also use them in place of traditional endurance sport gels and bars for longer workouts, runs, and bike rides (I train for a lot of long-distance events where you need fuel after an hour or so of effort). I just mix them with water and take them down. They have a great ratio of carbs-fat-protein for fuel and they are a healthy, "whole food" so to speak.

    You can really add them to virtually anything, just be careful as they can add up (60 cal per T).
  • rainydayboys
    rainydayboys Posts: 79
    I add them to oatmeal. And I bake with them: my fave recipe right now is Chia Cookies:

    Chia Seed Cookies (Recipe adapted from Yummy Mummy Kitchen)

    1 1/2 cups rolled oats
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1/2 cup almond flour
    1 1/2 Tablespoons chia seeds
    1/4 cup butter, room temperature
    1/2 cup natural sweetener
    3/4 cup natural peanut butter
    2 eggs
    1 teaspoon vanilla
    1/2 cup dark or semisweet chocolate chunks or chips (I use Simply Lite bars or Chocoperfection bars which are both gluten free)

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
    In a medium bowl, stir together oats, baking powder, flour, and chia seeds.
    In a separate bowl use an electric mixer to beat butter with sweetener until creamy. Add peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly stir in oat mixture to combine. Stir in chocolate chips. Place heaping tablespoons of dough onto cookie sheet. Press dough into balls with hands, as dough will be crumbly. Bake 12 minutes.

    Taken from http://thislunchrox.com/2012/03/chia-seeds/

    I use honey as my sweetener and whole wheat flour instead of almond flour.
    Warning - the seeds can get caught in your teeth and when they swell up, it's like picking frogs eggs out. Oddly amusing.
  • DominiqueSmall
    DominiqueSmall Posts: 495 Member
    I started adding them to my Amazing Grass Superfood shakes a few weeks ago and I've noticed an increase in my energy levels. I can't say for sure it's the seeds but it happened at the same time. I also like the benefits that you get from them as well so for me they are work adding regardless to seen or felt benefits.
  • julekinz
    julekinz Posts: 80 Member
    Thank you so much! You guys are awesome! I'm gonna definitely give them another try. You all have given me so many great and tasty sounding suggestions. I'll make sure to post about it later after a few concoctions. :wink:
  • danibrnshug
    danibrnshug Posts: 27
    I LOVE them, I put them in my replacement meal smoothies and it makes it much thicker, adds a nice texture and fills me up longer! It's so yummy on cottage cheese! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
  • danibrnshug
    danibrnshug Posts: 27
    I LOVE them, I put them in my replacement meal smoothies and it makes it much thicker, adds a nice texture and fills me up longer! It's so yummy on cottage cheese! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

    P.S. Go to www.thechiaseed.com there's all kinds of info on it!:wink:
  • sandraDallas
    sandraDallas Posts: 34
    Chia seeds are easier to work with than flax seeds - Chia seeds don't have to be ground to get the Omega 3 whereas with flax seeds the only benefit you get is fiber if you don't grind them before using them.

    However, if you use a Vitamix blender it is powerful enough to chop up flax seeds for you if you toss them in with a thin liquid and run it on high for several seconds before adding all the other smoothie stuff.

    Don't both buying flax oil unless you will be using a lot as even in the fridge it only lasts about 2 weeks after opening.
  • fitbody365
    fitbody365 Posts: 3
    I love a roasted golden flax seed and chia seed blend called Fitflax. It's a great choice to boost your immune system, and high in fiber. It's delicious in smoothies, oatmeal and on veggies. It's helped me lose weight and keep it off. I get it on Amazon.
  • Carolstone1959
    Carolstone1959 Posts: 40 Member
    My favorite chia seed recipe is a raw breakfast porridge. It's easy and a great change of pace. Especially good for hot weather breakfast. Tastes a bit like tapioca pudding!

    The night before you want to eat it for breakfast put in a jar (I use a quart canning jar with plastic top):

    2 cups unsweetened almond (or whatever) milk
    1/4 to 1/2 cup chia seeds (I use 1/3 cup)
    1 tsp. vanilla
    your favorite sweetener to taste
    (taste the milk as you go to make sure you don't OVER sweeten. You can always add more sweet when you're eating it!)

    Shake together in jar and leave jar overnight in fridge. (or about 6-8 hours)
    In the morning, spoon into a bowl and add toppings if desired.
    optional ingredients can include orange or lemon zest and flavoring, cocoa, whatever you'd like!
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    bump for later
  • julekinz
    julekinz Posts: 80 Member
    I haven't really done anything exciting with my chia seeds yet, I have been drinking them down and chasing them with water. Good way to get one glass of water into me. I tried some in orange juice as it was suggested and they went down smooth, didnt "gel" like they do in water. I have been taking them every day as part of my pre-track routine.
    Again, thank you all for your suggestions. I want to try them in yogurt and in baking, we'll see.
  • tmpayton
    tmpayton Posts: 148 Member
    bump-i bought my first ones today. :)
  • LovinLifeChik
    LovinLifeChik Posts: 126 Member
    Thanks for this recipe...I'm making it tonight for tomorrow's breakfast!
  • julekinz
    julekinz Posts: 80 Member
    How large of a serving does this make? And can it be saved for later?
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    My favorite chia seed recipe is a raw breakfast porridge. It's easy and a great change of pace. Especially good for hot weather breakfast. Tastes a bit like tapioca pudding!

    The night before you want to eat it for breakfast put in a jar (I use a quart canning jar with plastic top):

    2 cups unsweetened almond (or whatever) milk
    1/4 to 1/2 cup chia seeds (I use 1/3 cup)
    1 tsp. vanilla
    your favorite sweetener to taste
    (taste the milk as you go to make sure you don't OVER sweeten. You can always add more sweet when you're eating it!)

    Shake together in jar and leave jar overnight in fridge. (or about 6-8 hours)
    In the morning, spoon into a bowl and add toppings if desired.
    optional ingredients can include orange or lemon zest and flavoring, cocoa, whatever you'd like!
    Sounds tasty, I'll give this a try when I pick some up.

    Thanks!!
  • julekinz
    julekinz Posts: 80 Member
    where do you guys buy yours? I had to order them online.
  • quiltbugj
    quiltbugj Posts: 89 Member
    where do you guys buy yours? I had to order them online.

    I order mine from nuts.com. They are a family run business with very reasonable prices. I buy mine in 5 lb bags. BTW - there's no need to buy organic - they cost a little more and chia isn't grown with pesticide since they are naturally resistant to going bad.
  • seamaiden1000
    seamaiden1000 Posts: 76 Member
    Chia seeds hold about 10 times their volume in water so once ingested they swell and keep you full for longer, so an appetite suppressant. They have omega 3, protein, fibre! Calcium, B group vitamins, C and more. Also they are easier to store don't go rancid like flaxseeds can, which is why I always keep flaxseed in the fridge.

    More often than not my breakfast consists of mixing chia, LSA (ground lindseed, sunflower seed & almonds), psyllium husk, lecithin with some water till gooy, then i add chopped up orange & small apple, mix some more, then add low fat Greek yoghurt with some extra probiotic powder ( to be sure!) and heaps cinnamon sprinkling on top. It is ABSOLUTELY delicious, nutritious, great texture, moist and keeps you going for at least 4 - 5 hours depending on your activity. Follow up by drinking plenty of water throughout day.
  • pedraz
    pedraz Posts: 173
    My favorite chia seed recipe is a raw breakfast porridge. It's easy and a great change of pace. Especially good for hot weather breakfast. Tastes a bit like tapioca pudding!

    The night before you want to eat it for breakfast put in a jar (I use a quart canning jar with plastic top):

    2 cups unsweetened almond (or whatever) milk
    1/4 to 1/2 cup chia seeds (I use 1/3 cup)
    1 tsp. vanilla
    your favorite sweetener to taste
    (taste the milk as you go to make sure you don't OVER sweeten. You can always add more sweet when you're eating it!)

    Shake together in jar and leave jar overnight in fridge. (or about 6-8 hours)
    In the morning, spoon into a bowl and add toppings if desired.
    optional ingredients can include orange or lemon zest and flavoring, cocoa, whatever you'd like!

    Bumpity bump
  • gnarlynoodle
    gnarlynoodle Posts: 99 Member
    I just mixed half a tbsp into my oatmeal this morning for the first time. I'm definitely a fan because oatmeal isn't my favorite thing in the world due to the consistency and the chia gave it bit of grit. I know people who just sprinkle it over whatever they're eating.. salad, proteins, fruit, veg.. etc.
  • cwunderlich
    cwunderlich Posts: 35 Member
    bump
  • triskele
    triskele Posts: 26 Member
    I mix chia seeds in my overnight oatmeal. Basically, just mix equal parts oats, lowfat milk, and 0% fat greek yogurt. Add chia seeds (1 -2 Tbsp) and fresh berries if they are handy and stir together in a sealable container. Leave in the fridge overnight and the seeds sort of gel up. It works just fine with the oatmeal and is super handy for grabbing a meal on the way out the door. You can microwave it for a couple minutes or eat it cold.

    I have a hard time eating breakfast, but I can get this down. Also, this keeps me full way better than the protein shake I was drinking for breakfast. Since I'm not starving by lunchtime, it's helped me make more sensible mid-day meal choices.

    Oh, and to answer a previous reply, I find mine in the bulk food section of my local grocery store (HEB) - where you find the grains and nuts and things sold by the pound (but they are in their own pre-packed form) and they are also at Whole Foods.

    Hope this helps.
  • crzyone
    crzyone Posts: 872 Member
    My friends at work just eat them right out of the bottle, like nuts. They say they kind of have a nutty flavor. One lady takes them for athritis; the other is just into health (but not weight loss).

    I have not tried them.

    So what brands do you guys use?

    The ones at work use Salba, and they say they are the "IT" of chia seeds.....???? Any thoughts on brands? Can you buy them at Walmart?

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