manganese<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nChia is sometimes considered a “diet food” because of the high fiber.\u00a0 That high fiber content swells with proper hydration, triggering that full feeling.\u00a0 Adding chia to your baked goods or to a salad can help you stop eating when you really should.\u00a0<\/strong> You should be alert to this, though.\u00a0 As with all things, you can get way too much of it.\u00a0 If you put it into everything you cook or eat, you will cheat yourself of the proper nutritional intake and you can make yourself sick.\u00a0 For this reason, you should limit chia to no more than one ounce a day–and only then if you are a water drinker!\u00a0<\/strong> Too much fiber without hydration will lead to constipation.<\/p>\nChia Seeds: Cooking Tips<\/h2>\n
I buy it in bulk from Pantry Paratus and keep it in a mason jar with my baking supplies–so handy! Here are a few things I do with it–did I miss something? If so, please leave a comment and let us know how you like your chia!<\/p>\n
Egg Replacement:\u00a0<\/strong> Sometimes the girls go on strike and I want to bake when there isn’t a summertime egg gluttony.\u00a0 Mix 1 Tbs of chia with water in a small bowl and let it sit for a minute or two while you assemble other ingredients.\u00a0 The fiber becomes gelatinous and helps hold your baked products together nicely! Double this for 2 eggs, etc.<\/p>\nSeedy Breads, Bagels, and more:\u00a0<\/strong> I mix these with sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and others to create that hearty seed bread that deeply satisfies.\u00a0 Brush the top of your loaf with egg whites to help “glue” the seeds on top.<\/p>\nA pinch into your baked goods:<\/strong> Apart from something with a seedy topping, a pinch inside of your muffins, cookies and other sweet treats does not change the flavor, but can add a nice texture while helping bind the ingredients together.\u00a0 Feel good about eating just one more cookie. I love to use these in lieu of and in conjunction with poppy seeds.<\/p>\nSalad topping:<\/strong> Summertime salads are a seasonal treat but often leave you wanting something else in only a few hours.\u00a0 Adding some chia seeds to your dressing or as a stand-alone topping will boost the nutrition by adding protein, fiber, healthy fat, and some vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\nA “shot” or drink:<\/strong> Not for everyone, but a fun treat.\u00a0 The slime-factor is high at first, but the flavors can pack a punch if you use strong juices.\u00a0 I put 1 ounce of chia in a cup and add 2 cups cherry juice, fruit punch, pomegranate, or some other strong (preferably tart or tart-sweet) concoction.\u00a0 This makes a perfect snack because it will fill you up, and it is a great energy drink because of the high protein content.\u00a0 Kid friendly!<\/p>\nWatch this video explanation of this seed, from farm to tummy:<\/p>\n
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