The 2 Ways To Drink Chia Seeds Are So Simple

Full of fiber, handy for thickening up sauces and purees, and packed with antioxidants, chia seeds are a stellar ingredient for boosting nutritional value and adding a little texture. The best ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet are also the easiest: simply mix it into a glass of water or juice, give the chia seeds a few minutes to expand, and sip away.

Water might sound like a more boring way to enjoy chia seeds, but don't knock it 'til you try it. Not only is water the best way to cook a ton of foods, it's also the classic way to enjoy all the benefits of chia seeds. For a single serving mix approximately 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of chia seeds in one cup of water and allow the seeds to expand for 20 or so minutes. If you want a little more flavor add a spoonful of sugar and a generous squirt of lemon juice for a quick chia seed lemonade. Follow the same steps with juice for a fiber-filled fruit blend or similarly mix chia seeds into a smoothie (don't forget to add a few interesting veggies to your smoothie too) for a hearty and colorful breakfast.

It's important to not skip the soaking process when consuming chia seeds raw since dry chia seeds can get caught in your throat and become a choking hazard. Passing on soaking can mean they expand later and cause bloating. Of course, if you're baking or cooking with chia seeds you don't have to worry about this.

If you like chia seeds and would like to incorporate them into more dishes, there are plenty of ways to achieve this. Homemade granola is a nice option. Simply mix melted coconut oil and honey with chia seeds, almonds, oats, and seasonings (vanilla and cinnamon are good choices) before spreading the mixture onto a baking sheet and baking for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. And if you need more granola tips take a page of advice from Guy Fieri's mom.

Mixing chia seeds into oatmeal, muffin batter, or jam also works rather well. If you prefer savory bites add chia seeds to pizza sauce, in cracker dough, or in a stir-fry. You can also use their thickening power for good by employing chia seeds as a replacement for eggs in baked goods, to make sauce thicker, or to DIY homemade energy gel that can be used to replace traditional pre or post-workout snacks.

Just remember it is possible to have too many chia seeds. Cap your consumption at no more than 50 grams of chia seeds in one day. This way you can soak up their fiber, protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids without risking digestive issues. As only about 5% of Americans reach their daily fiber goal, you might not have to worry about overdoing it, but it's good to keep in mind. Bottom line: chia seeds are a fantastic and versatile way to pack in fiber and nutrition without compromising on flavor.