Chia seeds
come from a plant that is a cousin to mint and sage. The seeds are a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, fiber, and a variety of important vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds rapidly absorb water, so they bulk up when exposed to liquids. This trait makes them an excellent appetite suppressant. Because chia seeds are a food, they are safe to consume even in large quantities. Their nutritional properties make them an effective weight loss aid.
Chia Gel
Many people watching their weight, or just choosing to eat a healthier diet, use chia gel. To make chia gel, mix 1/3 cup chia seeds with two cups water. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes to form the gel. The gel will keep up to three weeks in your fridge.
Mix the gel into smoothies, salad dressings, or yogurt. For a tasty variation, use apple juice instead of water and then just eat the gel straight.
Chia Seeds
Dry chia seeds will bulk up in your stomach and leave you feeling full and satisfied. Add dry chia seeds to salads or granola. Top your oatmeal or cereal with chia seeds.
Grind chia seeds up in your coffee grinder and use the resulting flour in baked goods or soups.
Sprouted Chia Seeds
Like many seeds and beans, chia seeds will sprout in a warm, moist environment. The sprouted seeds make a great addition to sandwiches and salads.
To sprout chia seeds, soak a piece of cheesecloth in water. Place it in a pie tin. Sprinkle chia seeds over the moistened cheesecloth, and then cover them with a second damp cheesecloth. Use a spray bottle to moisten the upper cheesecloth each day. Check daily for sprouts.
Once sprouts form, remove the top cheesecloth. Continue watering gently each day. When little green leaves open, the chia sprouts are ready to eat.
Optimum Weight Loss with Chia
Adding chia seeds to your diet will promote healthy weight loss by helping you to eat less and to feel full longer. Eat three tablespoons of gel or a half ounce of dried chia seeds three times a day. Be creative with how you work chia into your foods. You'll find you eat less, have better digestion, and more energy. The combination of these three things will help you begin shedding pounds.
Tags: chia seeds, chia seeds, chia seeds, Chia seeds, chia seeds will, chia seeds your