Hail the Chia Seed

NJL13500
NJL13500 Posts: 433 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
If you have not tried chia seeds, then you should. They are very awesome. I have been adding a teaspoon here and there to baked goods and foods that I eat anyway and it's been great. They counteract my "protein problem" beautifully and keep things moving along in the right direction. My favorites have been the banana chia seed muffins and last night I put a teaspoon in my healthy cookie recipe. Yum!

So many benefits from one small change.

I've also read that they can be used as an egg substitute in baked goods by adding water. Has anyone tried this with success?

Any other wonder foods that you use regularly?

Replies

  • ShakeyMD
    ShakeyMD Posts: 59 Member
    I just started using them today. I added them to my water and just drank them from my water bottle. A little bit of a strange feeling as the little gel "balls" went over my tongue, but it wasn't a problem. They do fill you up, from what I've read. I'm more interested in the omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants that they are supposed to have. I was just diagnosed with fatty liver disease so I'm opening up to a whole new world of organics and such. :)
  • atrebor18
    atrebor18 Posts: 235 Member
    I add them to my yogurt for breakfast (reminds me of sprinkles actually) or I put them on my cracker with almond butter. I like them in smoothies too. I never thought about baking with them, thats a good idea.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    I just started using them today. I added them to my water and just drank them from my water bottle. A little bit of a strange feeling as the little gel "balls" went over my tongue, but it wasn't a problem. They do fill you up, from what I've read. I'm more interested in the omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants that they are supposed to have. I was just diagnosed with fatty liver disease so I'm opening up to a whole new world of organics and such. :)

    Don't bother for the n 3, as ALA conversion to EPA/DHA isn't very efficient in humans
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    I haven't tried using it as a substitute for eggs in recipes but I've used flax as a replacement and it worked out great. I might pick up some chia seeds next time I go to vitamin shoppe so I'll try baking with them.
  • darlin930
    darlin930 Posts: 283 Member
    I have put them in my oatmeal for breakfast. I also use them in salads and in yogurt. Great idea using them to bake with! Thank you for the wonderful idea!:happy:
  • nje444
    nje444 Posts: 62
    Had this for breakfast this morning: http://pinterest.com/pin/247557310739262237/

    I made it last night so it was waiting for me when I got home from the gym :)
  • sailinjen
    sailinjen Posts: 103 Member
    I use them in yogurt and on salads...there is a recipe on the back for chia gel...I guess you make that and then add it to whatever....they do get stuck in my teeth!!!
  • Juliejustsaying
    Juliejustsaying Posts: 2,332 Member
    I stick with flaxseed meal ever since the health food owner told me they swell up in your stomach...that freaks me out.
  • mydoc3
    mydoc3 Posts: 232 Member
    I always add them to my smoothies and oatmeal. I used to add them to my water but haven't done that in a while.
  • lelaspeaks
    lelaspeaks Posts: 163 Member
    I mix them in with my oatmeal during my 10 AM snack every day!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    They aren't really very high in protein. You'd have to eat an awful lot of them to cure a 'protein problem' (if that means too little protein). I thought most people eat them to add fiber. You'd probably be better off with hemp if you want to add protein.
  • dia77
    dia77 Posts: 410 Member
    Do they really make a difference in your diet? How can you tell?
  • moustache_flavored_lube
    moustache_flavored_lube Posts: 849 Member
    I just started using them today. I added them to my water and just drank them from my water bottle. A little bit of a strange feeling as the little gel "balls" went over my tongue, but it wasn't a problem. They do fill you up, from what I've read. I'm more interested in the omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants that they are supposed to have. I was just diagnosed with fatty liver disease so I'm opening up to a whole new world of organics and such. :)

    Don't bother for the n 3, as ALA conversion to EPA/DHA isn't very efficient in humans

    What he is saying is that plant based sources of Omega 3s are inferior to fish based sources. taking fish oil is a better strategy.

    That being said I eat chia seeds they are a healthy addition to your diet.
  • NJL13500
    NJL13500 Posts: 433 Member
    Haha! I do mean that it is more of a fiber benefit. I've been eating a lot of protein since I've been doing heavy lifting and the chia seeds seem to be a great way to make sure things don't get backed up.
  • suzafied
    suzafied Posts: 32 Member
    If you have not tried chia seeds, then you should. They are very awesome. I have been adding a teaspoon here and there to baked goods and foods that I eat anyway and it's been great. They counteract my "protein problem" beautifully and keep things moving along in the right direction. My favorites have been the banana chia seed muffins and last night I put a teaspoon in my healthy cookie recipe. Yum!

    So many benefits from one small change.

    I've also read that they can be used as an egg substitute in baked goods by adding water. Has anyone tried this with success?

    Any other wonder foods that you use regularly?

    Yes I have used it as an egg substitute. My boyfriend is allergic to eggs and so I will take 1/3 cup of water and a Tbs of chia seeds. I mix them together and let it sit for about 10 minutes. It turns into a jelly and then I used that as a 1 egg substitute. I have made cookies and baking and it turns out great!
  • suzafied
    suzafied Posts: 32 Member
    One of my favourite snacks is.....

    Put vanilla yogurt in a bowl, add in hemp hearts and chia seed with some cinnamon. I put it in the freezer as I cut up an apple (I cut it into pea sized pieces) then I take the yogurt blend out of the freezer and mix in the apple..

    Its yummy and very filling...

    You can also add rolled oats into the mixture, it will make it VERY VERY filling, but you do add the extra carbs and calories.
  • Hadabetter
    Hadabetter Posts: 942 Member
    I grow my own.
    ChiaBritney_zps33071c7b.jpg
  • WAHMto5
    WAHMto5 Posts: 375 Member
    I eat mine in my oatmeal and love them!
  • caseythirteen
    caseythirteen Posts: 956 Member
    I have them but usually forget to use them! I do put them in my salads when I think about it and occasionally my yogurt. I tried to do the pudding thing once but I didn't like the way it came out at all.
  • jonesin_am
    jonesin_am Posts: 404 Member
    I just started eating them this week. Needed something to help curb my protein back-up problem too. I've been adding to my oatmeal in the morning. I love how they can take a small amount of oatmeal turn into a huge, filling bowl without a lot of added calories and adds a lot of nutrition!

    Does anyone know if I can use them in place of oil in baking? Or only eggs?
  • bbriscoe13
    bbriscoe13 Posts: 175 Member
    I have been using unsweetened applesauce as a replacement for oil in baking. I have also used mashed banana. I haven't tried Chia Seeds. Maybe I wil have to go get some.
  • daj150
    daj150 Posts: 815 Member
    I never heard of chia seeds before this post...so yesterday I stopped and got some. Added it to oatmeal and my salad so far...no taste and I don't really notice them at all...totally awesome!!!
  • azure7
    azure7 Posts: 136 Member
    Chocolate Chia Pudding!!! It's kinda like a version of tapioca pudding and my favorite way to eat chia.
    http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2012/01/chocolate-chia-pudding-and-other-sugar-free-flour-free-desserts.html
  • Salekdarling
    Salekdarling Posts: 19 Member
    Where can I purchase chia seeds?
  • daj150
    daj150 Posts: 815 Member
    I got mine at Wegmans. But any Whole Foods, Trader Joes, or basically any food market with a Natural Foods section. Other markets like Bottom Dollar usually won't carry specific goods like that.
  • Salekdarling
    Salekdarling Posts: 19 Member
    Okay, thank you for the information. :)
  • daj150
    daj150 Posts: 815 Member
    No problem...also, when in doubt, Amazon or search in Google and you can always mail order....I have had to do that in the past for other foods.
  • MadameMC
    MadameMC Posts: 63 Member
    Where can I purchase chia seeds?

    I'm not sure where in the world you live, but here you can also get them from grocery stores like Fred Meyer and QFC. Bob's Red Mill is a brand that sells a lot of whole food ingredients, and they have Chia Seeds too. What I can't find at Fred Meyer, I can usually find at QFC or Albertsons.
  • mwooderson
    mwooderson Posts: 254 Member
    CHIA PUDDING!!! I recently started eating chia seeds and read a recipe for chia pudding. It is awesome and so easy to make. 3 tbls chia seeds, 1 cup milk (I use almond) and you can add unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate pudding. Stif together and refrigerate overnight. Stir occasionally to prevent the seeds from settling at the bottom of the jar in a clump. The pudding is so thick and good for you. Sweetener is your choice (honey, fruit, etc). It's awesome..and my snack this afternoon.
  • WoWkat
    WoWkat Posts: 48 Member
    I bought chia seeds at Whole Foods last night after reading this thread.

    They are AMAZING! I love boba and these remind me of drinking boba!

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