This is one of my all-time favorites because it offers so much deliciousness and is very impressive on the nutrition content! Get your daily serving of chia seeds for the heart and brain supporting omega 3s plus a healthy source of protein from the collagen powder. Make it on a weekend and have it as a quick breakfast during the week. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, pegan, and added sugar free.
Why care about chia seeds? They are obviously high in omega 3s but what does that even mean?! The most well-established benefits of omega 3s are their ability to reduce inflammation and promote heart and brain health. The omega 3 fats help to keep the arteries in the brain clear which allows it to function to it's highest potential and decreases risk of disease!
For added protein the recipe calls for a protein powder called collagen. Research has shown that collagen not only provides a good source of protein but may be used as a treatment for osteoarthritis and to relieve joint pain in athletes. Protein is also important for supporting your lean body mass leads to a faster metabolism. The benefit of using collagen as the source of protein is that it does not alter the taste or texture of the pudding. You can also use collagen as a protein powder in smoothies. Checkout my Raspberry Mint Smoothie.
Beyond the amazing nutritional properties, it's worth noting that the taste of this pudding is out of this world. Trust me, you've probably never had a chia seed pudding so rich and creamy (unless you have already figured out how useful full-fat coconut milk can be). If you are experiencing sugar cravings (which many of my patients struggle with) then try using this chia seed pudding as a replacement for your dessert!
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For the Pudding
10 tbsp coconut cream (equal to one 5.4 oz can)
2 servings vanilla protein powder
2 c unsweetened almond milk
1/2 c chia seeds
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
1 c frozen mixed berries
1/2 c unsweetened almond milk
1/2 c water
Optional: tbsp coconut flakes
Add coconut cream, protein powder, 2 cups almond milk, and vanilla extract to a blender.
Add chia seeds to a medium sized bowl and pour liquid mixture over chia seeds. Mix until well combined. Allow to sit for at least 3 hours. Stir at the one hour mark to prevent the chia seeds from clumping.
After pudding has set, put it into individual containers.
When ready to serve, blend mixed berries, almond milk, and water and pour over chia pudding.