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Weight Loss Wednesday: Chia Seeds

chia seeds
     Have you heard of chia seeds? If you have are trying to lose weight or even just balance your metabolism, chia seeds are a great addition to your diet. They are packed with nutrients and absorb nine times their mass of liquids, so they are a great filler!
     You can eat the seeds straight and dry, or you can soak them in a liquid (say, juice or chocolate milk). 1 TBSP of seed soaked in 1/2 cup liquid for 10-15 minutes will create a gel. If you make the chia gel with water, you can use it as an egg substitute in recipes. I’ve done this before. I didn’t have the 4 eggs the recipe called for, so I used a cup of chia gel. The recipe turned out great! The seeds don’t have much of a taste, so it is easily drowned out by other flavors. The texture may take getting used too. It’s kind of like tapioca. Also, it looks kinda gross when is plain water gel. Kind of like fish spawn. See?

chia gel

     I find that when I start my day with a couple TBSP of chia seed, my appetite is somewhat suppressed and I might eat just a small lunch (like half a sandwich or small salad) then I can eat a “real” meal for dinner without taking in a lot of extra daily calories. And they have lots of nutrients your body needs. Here is the nutrition info on my package, per TBSP: 

     calories-60
     Fat-4g (this is “good” fat, Omega 3 and 6)
     Carb-4 g
     Fiber–4 g
     Protein–2 g
     Calcium–64 mg
     Iron–1 mg
     Magnesium–40mg
 
     You can incorporate it into your diet in a variety of ways. You can put it in smoothies, if that’s your thing. Mix it with flavored milk to make “pudding.” I’ve even eaten in cereal. Make sure you eat it quickly, before it gels. That would be too gross, I think. Put it in oatmeal or yogurt and wait a few minute so they can absorb some moisture. Then they aren’t so crunchy–more chewy.
     While black chia seeds are more widely available, you may find white chia seeds more palatable–especially in light colored foods and drinks.
     I feel like chia seeds have really helped me, so if you need something to suppress your appetite naturally, you might give these a try! 
 
*I am not a nutritionist or medical professional, nor do I claim to be. I am not an authority for medical advice. I am simply sharing my own thoughts and experiences with this product.*

25 Comments

    1. Different brands will have slightly different “calorie counts” but the stats I listed above for a TBSP of dry seeds would be the same for 1/2 cup of chia gel made with water, as water has no calories. You use about 1/4 cup of gel in place of one egg in baking.

  1. Hmmmm. I may have to try these out. I would love to add some fiber to my diet anyway so this may be the way. I love crunchy seeds and I LOVE tapioca. I would be in chia heaven! LOL

  2. I have been using Chia seeds for about 5 months now. I make a Chia milk with Chia Seeds, Flaxseed, Tahini, and Walnuts – I soak this overnight and then blend and add honey and vanilla. I use this Chia Milk to add to my Smoothies. I drink my Smoothie every morning for breakfast. I was unaware that the Chia seeds help suppress your appetite – that probably explains why I never get hungry until the evening.

  3. I’ve been reading about Chia seeds for years and about 6 weeks ago or so I bought my first bottle of them (from the maker of Chia Pet, lol). It was amazing to find out how incredibly useful they are. I’ve used them in smoothies when I run out of protein powder or yogurt and they lend a thickness and a crunch kind of like kiwi seeds but a little bigger. The texture does take some getting used to. Never used them as an egg substitute (cuz I’ve always got eggs) but I’d like to try it.

  4. I have never heard of these seeds and this sounds interesting and I will have to Google more on these seeds, to learn a little more about them. I am always trying to lose more weight, but I need to know more

  5. i’ve heard lots of good things about chia seeds and really want to try them. but there are so many different varieties and they are expensive. i’m not sure which kind to get. any tips?

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