Chia Pudding Recipe: A High-Fiber, Delicious Dessert
For those of us with a sweet tooth, fighting against cravings at the end of a meal can feel like a monumental battle, even when we know that in order to maintain our weight (and more so if we want to lose weight) we just can’t end every night with a few scoops of ice cream or a sleeve of cookies.
But what if there was something out there that not only tasted like a delicious dessert, but was actually a high-fiber, healthy option? And what if this healthy option was a snap to make? Luckily for everyone who craves sweets, chia pudding exists — and it’s the perfect post-meal choice.
Chia Pudding and Fiber: The Specific Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
One of the earliest cultivated food sources (it was a major crop in both Guatemala and Mexico as early as 3500 BC), chia seeds have recently garnered superfood status. And while they’re certainly not able to cure all that ails you, they do have some legitimate health benefits.
Two tablespoons of these tiny seeds contain four grams of protein and a whopping 11 grams of fiber. Chia seeds also contain zinc and copper, and are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, good fats that are vital for healthy cell function.
And while animal studies have shown that chia seeds may help lower cholesterol, increase weight loss, and help with satiety, human studies are less conclusive, which means these ancient seeds should be viewed as more of a healthy food than a health supplement.
How to Make Chia Pudding (and Make It Delicious)
One of the great aspects of chia seeds is that they absorb water quickly, and when combined with liquids create a sort of gel or “pudding.” They’re also pretty flavorless, and take on the taste of whatever they’re mixed with. If you’re looking for a high-fiber dessert that’s full of vitamins and healthy fats, then follow the simple recipe ahead!
- Combine ¼ cup of chia seeds with a cup of nondairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Give everything a good stir.
- Put the chia and milk mixture into the fridge and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Once the chia pudding has set, take it out of the fridge and top it with some nuts, dried fruits, fresh fruit, or even a dash of cinnamon and sugar.
Experimenting with additional healthy ingredients is the best part of making chia pudding! And while you’re thinking of healthy additions, why not consider adding even more fiber to your chia pudding by adding a tablespoon of Benefiber Healthy Shape to the mix? Like chia seeds, Healthy Shape is taste free, so you won’t even know it's there — and it may even help you feel fuller for longer.* **
*Clinical studies show benefits with regular use.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Use as
directed.