Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are full of antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, fibre, iron, protein and calcium! The best thing is you can make SO many flavour combinations with them! I love mango and mint on top of mine with some paleo muesli (coconut, buckwheat, nuts and seeds) also delicious with berries or grated apple! You can add turmeric (grated or powder) for an extra anti inflammatory boost, or for fussy toddlers add some cacao powder for a chocolate version.. and can also sprinkle in your probiotics, hemp seeds, COD liver oil etc!

They are also an amazing food to help alleviate constipation. Chia seeds help to draw water into the bowels as they attract water - which is why they plump up when you soak them in a chia seed pudding for example. Chia seeds can actually absorb 9-12 times their own weight in water! When water is drawn into the bowels, the stool will not be as dry and hard, which will make it easier to pass.

We speak to many parents in our consultations about their little ones constipation, and they tell me their baby is having chia seeds daily, sprinkled into puree/smoothies etc. However did you know that if chia seeds are not soaked, that they can actually have the opposite effect and can be quite dehydrating! Because they will go into the bowel and then absorb that water in the bowels, which can leave the stool harder and drier! Some little ones will tolerate un-soaked chia seeds just fine, but some won't, so to be on the safer side or if your baby does suffer from constipation, then try soak them.

To soak chia seeds, simply mix them in a 1:10 ratio of chia to water/breastmilk/coconut milk - generally about 2 TBSP to 1 cup liquid, and let them sit for between 30 minutes to two hours, or even better, overnight, Soaked chia seeds can typically last for up to five days refrigerated.

You can then add this ‘chia gel’ to any puree or meal you wish, or directly into water! Or you can make my chia pudding recipe, perfect for the whole family to enjoy!

Chia pudding

 

GF | RSF | DF | NF

• Mason Jar with Lid
• Measuring Spoons
• Mixing Spoon or Fork
• Refrigerator

• 2 cups coconut milk (or for toddler/yourself could use a nut milk)
• 6 TBSP Chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp vanilla paste
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 mashed banana
• Optional: 1 TBSP sweetener such as maple syrup or honey (not for babies under 1).. I didn’t use any and found it sweet enough

1. in a mason jar mix together all ingredients. Put a lid on and shake vigorously until no clumps and all combined.

2. let it sit for 5 minutes then give it another good shake

3. put it in the fridge overnight (or atleast a few hours) it should be a medium thickness consistency, if it’s too liquid add more chia seeds and leave it a while longer

4. Note - will keep in fridge for about a week

I absolutely love chia pudding for breakfast - especially in summer, it’s filling, nutritious, made the night before and easily portable! Perfect for toddlers or school kids in their lunchbox.. and also perfect for your baby! Chia seeds are full of antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, fibre, iron, protein and calcium! Mix this with the wonderful fat and immune boosting coconut milk (see previous post) and you have a winning combo! The best thing is you can make SO many flavour combinations with them! I love mango and mint on top of mine with some paleo muesli (coconut, bukinis, nuts and seeds) also delicious with berries or grated apple! You can add turmeric (grated or powder) for an extra anti inflammatory boost, or for fussy toddlers add some cacao powder for a chocolate version.. and can also sprinkle in your probiotics, hemp seeds, COD liver oil etc.

will keep in fridge for about a week

Breakfast

American