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Oh My Omega Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

 

Cha, cha, chia! Yes, the chia that I am referring to is the plant sold via infomercials and drug stores.  The fuzzy shaped plant that can be grown in the shape of your favorite pet animal...I even found a chia Mr. T and a Britney Spears.  That gave me several minutes of laugh out loud joy! 

This fun novelty item is actually a nutritional powerhouse that has been used for thousands of years to aid in digestion and provide hydration and energy on endurance endeavors.  I found some background on the use of chia seed at www.living-foods.com, 

" For centuries this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the south west and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running form the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.”

There are many benefits to incorporating chia seeds into your diet, too many for me to write about here, but below is a quick list for starters:

1) Chia seeds are able to absorb up to 12 times their original weight of water.  This is one of the magical qualities of chia seeds.  Simply soak them in any liquid and they become soft and gel like.  The benefit is you feel full with zero calories and you stay hydrated longer.

2)These tiny little seeds are full of fiber!  Fiber helps slow down your digestion process keeping your blood sugar levels stable for longer.  The benefit of this is you eat less and feel energized!

3)Chia seeds are the richest plant source of heart healthy Omega-3's.  These are those heart healthy fats that everyone is always talking about.

4)Chia seeds are one of nature's highest plant based sources of complete protein.  Many sources of protein fail to contain all of the amino acids necessary for your body to get the maximum benefit of the protein.  Chia is a complete protein that will raise your energy levels and keep you that way for the long haul.

5) Chia is high in anti-oxidants.  Anti-oxidants help fight free radicals that can cause aging, inflammation, and even cancer.  These anti-oxidants seek out the free radicals and stop them in their tracks, thank you chia seeds!

There are so many benefits to the chia plant, to learn more you can go to www.living-foods.com or www.mychiaseeds.com.

I have been experimenting with chia recipes for the last several months to see what kinds of things I could make that my husband and kids would eat.  Now, I love to cook, so when I say I want them to eat it, I mean I want them to LOVE IT!  Here is what I served them Valentine's Day morning to show my love for them, and I must say...they showed there love for me right back after tasting this yummy recipe! 

My kids were amazed that I was allowing “pudding” for breakfast, little did they know that it is nearly sugar-free, and full of healthy fats to fuel their little brains for learning all day long, hee, hee – sneaky Mommy!

Oh-My Omega  Chia Seed Pudding

1 cup  + 1 tbsp. coconut or almond milk (you can also use cow's milk if you prefer)

4 tbsp. Chia Seeds (if your container came with a scoop, it’s about 2 scoops)

1 cup strawberries - quartered (try blueberries or blackberries or all 3 for a new twist)

2 scoops vanilla or plain whey protein (I recommend Jay Robb)

1 tsp. truvia (stevia or xylitol can also be used)

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

3/4 tsp. vanilla

 

Directions:

Pour the milk and chia seeds into a medium bowl.  Let sit for up to 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.  The seeds will begin to puff up and become gel like.  While you wait add the strawberries, whey protein, and 1 tbsp. milk to a blender or food processer.  Blend until smooth and the berries become liquid.  Set aside.  Using a mixer, immersion blender or magic bullet, whip the heavy cream, truvia, and vanilla until it is thick (you want it to be a bit thicker than normal since it will be diluted into the chia seed and strawberries.  Once the chia seeds are very gel-like and have absorbed a fair amount of the coconut milk you will have a pudding like quality.  Pour the berries into the chia seeds and mix until well blended. Finally, fold the whip cream into the pudding.  The more you mix in the whip cream the thinner the pudding will become.  If you mix it too much, you can let the pudding sit for another 30 minutes or overnight to thicken up again.  I left little chunks of whip cream in mine, and my kids loved getting chunks of the whip cream in every spoonful.

The pudding will keep for several days in the frig - if it doesn't get eaten by then!  Makes 6 servings

Nutrition Information:

116 Calories 5 grams Carbohydrates, 9 grams Protein, 6 grams Fat

 

 

Strawberry chia seed pudding
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Stay young with raw foods

A raw food diet can be extremely beneficial to yourhealth.  Eating foods in their rawform results in more energy, less calories, and more vitamins andnutrients.  Studies have even shownthat a raw food diet can help renew and revitalize your skin.
Cooking foods eliminates enzymes that are essential to ourbody’s health.  Shifting to a rawfood meal allows the body to receive these enzymes.  Over time, this can help hair grow stronger, nails growharder, and your skin become more elastic and youthful looking.
Other researchers argue that the secret to the success of araw food diet is the increased consumption of plants.  No matter what, studies indicate that adiet high in raw foods will result in better overall health and more vibrantskin.
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What your hair and nails say about your health

The health of a person’s hair and nail say volumes about theperson’s overall health.  In fact, poorhair and nail health are typically signs of a nutritional deficiency. 

While a top-of-the-line hair product might turn your dulland thinning locks shiny and thick for a little while, you’ll see the mostimprovement if you make the following basic nutritional adjustments:
  • Eat healthy fats with every meal
  • Take fish oil and GLA supplements
  • Get enough protein
  • Eliminate nutrient-depleting food and drinks, like sugarysodas

Certain hair and nail problems can indicate issues that mayrequire other recommendations.  Consultwith a nutritionist to develop a plan to help you combat these nutritionaldeficiencies.
  • Hair loss or thinning: Iron, zinc, vitamin D, or proteindeficiency
  • Brittle or splittingnails:  Protein or biotin deficiencyor poor digestion and absorption of trace minerals.
  • Vertical ridges onnails:  Iron deficiency or poorabsorption of hydrochloric acid
  • White spots on nails:  Zinc deficiency
  • Nail fungus:  Lack of sufficient “friendly” bacteria

Learn more here.

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Tips to avoid late night snacking

Late night snacking has led to the death of manywell-intentioned diets.  From happyhour appetizers to desserts, we crave these calorie-ridden foods even if we’renot actually hungry.  Here are sometips to help you break the habit of late night snacking.
  • Eat a satisfyingdinner:  Make sure you eat abalanced and nourishing dinner that will keep you satisfied until bed.
  • Eat fruit:  Instead of satisfying your sweet toothwith a chocolate dessert, eat a small piece of fruit, which can be a sweet,healthy alternative.
  • Drink herbal tea:  Often a desire to snack can be quenchedby changing the flavor in your mouth. Warm mint or chamomile tea can substitute for dessert without actuallycontributing any calories.
  • Brush your teeth:  Toothpaste tends to make foods tastebad and can sap your desire for late night snacks.
  • Drink some water:  Thirst is often mistaken forhunger.  Sparkling water flavoredwith citrus or cucumber is particularly effective at distracting your mouthfrom the desire to keep chewing.
  • Call a friend:  Since eating and talking are notcompatible, calling a friend can be a great way to occupy your mind and yourmouth until the craving to snack passes.
  • Get moving:  Light exercise can help killing thedesire to eat, plus it will burn more calories.

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Smart snack ideas

Rather than reaching for the chips when you get hungrybetween meals, try these smart, healthy snack ideas.
  • Cottage cheese with flax: Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, and flaxseedswill help give you energy.
  • Grapefruit:  Grapefruitcan help reduce insulin levels, which helps the body process foods moreefficiently and store less fat.
  • Cucumber and avocado salsa: The monounsaturated fats in avocados help slow down the emptying of yourstomach, so you feel satisfied longer. Cucumber is rich in potassium and magnesium, which combat high bloodpressure and help eliminate uric acid. To make the salsa, dice the cucumber and avocado and combine with lemonjuice and salt to taste. Substitute whole wheat crackers for chips for an even healthier snack.
  • Sweet potato fries: Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients that help skin stay clear andeyes sharp.  Rather than frying thesweet potatoes, coat them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle withcinnamon.  Then bake them in theoven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
  • Artichoke hearts: Nutrients in artichokes act as anti-inflammatory agents and clear upblemishes and acne breakouts. Steam artichoke hearts in water and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
  • Warm pineapple:  Researchshows that pineapple may reduce the inflammation associated with asthma and mayease joint pain.  Grill or boilpineapple chunks for five minutes and serve with chopped hazelnuts, a healthyprotein that will help decrease hunger.
  • Tuna with lemon:  Tuna ispacked with health-healthy monounsaturated fats, which protect against heartdisease, high cholesterol, blood pressure, and strokes.  Mix a three-ounce can of light tunawith lemon juice and pepper.

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Tips to drop holiday pounds

It’s easy to gain weight over the holidays, but it’s muchharder to try to lose it in January. Here are some tips to help you get rid of those holiday pounds.
Plan your meals:It’s difficult, if not impossible, to lose weight without a plan.  Plan your meals in advance and gogrocery shopping with a list so that you have the right foods in yourhouse.  Prepare foods in advanceand pack a cooler with lunch and easy snacks.
Reduce yourcarbohydrate intake:  Foods readilyavailable at holiday parties, like candy, cookies, and breads, are often highin sugar and carbohydrates.  Excesscarbohydrates increase your blood sugar and insulin levels, and are usuallystored as fat in your body.  Byreducing the amount of carbohydrates you consume, your blood sugar willnormalize and fat will be burned as energy.
Measure and weighyour food:  For the best weightloss results, weigh and measure yours food.  Aim for 4-6 ounces of protein per meal, and limit starchycarbohydrates like rice and potatoes to one-half cup per meal.  Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, saladgreens, and lighter vegetables do not need to be measured since they are low incarbs and rich in fiber and nutrients.
Get support:  Joining a gym or hiring a personaltrainer is only part of the weight loss picture.  Tell your family and friends about your weight loss goals sothat they can help keep you accountable. 
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Running in the cold

Despite the cold temperatures, you can still work an outdoorrun into your fitness routine this winter.  Here are some tips and safety precautions for your winteroutdoor workout.
  • Reduce breathing problems:  Even thehealthiest runners can experience breathing problems when exercising in thecold.  Wear a thin ski mask toreduce the aggravating effects of the cold.  Breath through your nose rather than your mouth to lessen potentialbreathing difficulties.  Engage inendurance running instead of sprinting to lessen the amount of cold air rushinginto your lungs.
  • Warm up:  Make sure you stretch before you startrunning.  When brisk air hitsmuscles that haven’t been properly warmed up, the combination of cold andreduced air pressure causes joint tissues to expand, restricting movement, andpossibly provoking soreness later. Cramping and spasms are also possible.
  • Dressproperly:  Wear layers to keepyour body warm and protect yourself from frostbite or hypothermia.  Wearing a hat is the best way tomaintain a decent body temperature. Many runners wear polypropylene clothes when running because thismaterial is comfortable and good for keeping dry and warm.  Sweatshirts and sweatpants also makesuitable, cold-weather running gear.
  •  Stayhydrated:  Runners still perspirein cold weather and cold air is much dryer than warm air, so staying properlyhydrated is key to running safely in the winter.  Staying hydrated also reduces the risk of hypothermia andbreathing difficulties. 

Learn more about winter running here.
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What is kefir?

Kefir is a cultured, enzyme-rich food filled with microorganisms that help balance your digestive system. More nutritious and therapeutic than yogurt, kefir supplies complete protein, essential minerals, and valuable B vitamins.

Kefir can be easily made from any type milk, coconut, rice or soy. The milk product is combined with gelatinous white particles called grains, which contain the bacteria and yeast mixture clumped together with milk proteins and complex sugars. The grains ferment the milk, incorporating the microorganisms to create the cultured product. The grains are then removed with a strainer before consumption and can be added to a new batch of milk.

Benefits of kefir 
Kefir cleanses the intestines and provides beneficial bacteria, yeast, vitamins, minerals and proteins. Because kefir is such a balanced and nourishing food, it contributes to a healthy immune system and has been used to help patients suffering from AIDS and cancer. It also has a tranquilizing effect on the nervous system, which can benefit people who suffer from sleep disorders, depression, and ADHD. Regular use of kefir can help relieve intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, reduce flatulence, and create a healthier digestive system.

Try this homemade kefir recipe.

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New Years fitness resolutions

New Years is the perfect time to start that diet that you’vebeen meaning to start, join a gym (and go on a regular basis), or do a myriadof other fitness-related activities that may have taken a backburner during2011.  Below are some tips to helpyou set attainable New Years fitness resolutions so you can become a healthieryou in 2012.
  • Adjust your attitude: If you have the wrong attitude about fitness, you’re already settingyourself up for failure.  Ratherthan looking at exercise as a time-consuming and boring obligation, think of itas a break from your stressful workday, alone time, or a way to boost yourenergy.
  • Avoid vague goals: Instead of setting a goal that you want to exercise more, resolve to goto the gym a certain number of times per week.  Or set a goal for the number of pounds that you want to loseor BMI level that you want to attain.
  • Make your resolutions public: Tell your family and friends about your goals and enlist theirsupport.  They can help keep youhonest and on track.
  • Recommit to your goals: What motivates you to exercise will change daily, so planning anddiscipline will be crucial to your long-term success.  Recommit to your goals each month and tweak them to fitchanges in your lifestyle and attitude.
  • Make long-term lifestyle changes:  If you want to lose weight, make changes to your lifestyleand eating habits instead of subscribing to a fad diet.  Learn to eat a balanced diet of fruitsand vegetables, whole grains, low-fat diary, and lean proteins while limitingsaturated fat, salt, cholesterol and sugar.  Losing weight and maintaining that weight loss is a lifetimeproject.

Share your fitness New Years resolutions on theLook Good Naked Facebook page
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Minimizing cold sore and shingle flare-ups

Cold sores and shingles are caused by herpes viruses.  Once you are exposed to these viruses,they can remain dormant for many years until your system is weakened by stressof lack of sleep.  You can helpminimize flare-ups through your nutrition.
Keep your immunesystem strong.  Since 80% ofyour immune system is made in your intestinal tract, we recommend taking aprobiotic supplement to support intestinal health and strengthen immunity.  You should also get eight to nine hoursof sleep each night so that your immune system can be properly replenished.
Eat immune-buildingfoods and beverages such as vegetables.  Make sure you get enough B vitamins, which can be found infoods like grass-fed meat, nuts, and sweet potatoes.  Add garlic and healthy oil to your dishes because they haveantiviral properties.  Make sure todrink at least eight to 10 glasses of water to flush out waste and toxins tokeep our body healthy.
Avoidimmune-suppressing foods. Sugar and processed carbohydrates that turn into sugar zap your immunesystem.  To stay healthy, pass onchips, candy, cookies, pie, soda and alcohol.
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