Sometimes you just need something sweet & creamy, right? Maybe even a little chocolatey? I’ve got you! This chocolate chia pudding is not only easy, delicious & fat loss friendly, but it doesn’t have added sugars like maple syrup and honey that are in most chia recipes.
I’m a huge fan of chia seeds but I’ll lead with this caveat – if you’re picky about textures, always blend your chia seeds in a blender. Otherwise, they’re fairly tapioca-esque. If you blend them, it’s more pudding-like. If you decide to throw them on your salad raw (unsoaked), you’d better have some dental floss. I don’t recommend that. They won’t taste like anything & they’ll be indefinitely wedged in your pearly-whites. You’ve been warned!
As far as why I love chia seeds: they’re nutrient powerhouses! Chia seeds pack in protein, fiber, fat, vitamins, minerals & antioxidants. Winning! They’re a perfect example of nutrient density. Foods that are nutrient dense are often some of the most filling foods we can eat. Works for me!
Chia seeds do have omega 3s, but most of them are in the form of a particular omega 3 we’ll call ALA. I wouldn’t count them as “a good source of omega 3s” because we really want to emphasize the omega 3s known as EPA and DHA. But still, some omega 3 is better than no omega 3!
Most chia pudding recipes use honey or maple syrup but I like to keep the sugar super low and the tiny bit of banana and date (per serving) does the job without going overboard.
I won’t hold you in suspense anymore! Let me share my most recent chocolatey chia pudding recipe!
Chocolate Chia Pudding
(Makes 2-3 servings)
Into the blender, add all of the following:
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk (here’s the brand I buy)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 1 pitted date
- 1 tbsp cocoa nibs or unsweetened cocoa powder
Blend until smooth, transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate overnight.
(I know. I’m not a food photographer. Trust me. It’s tasty. Someday my food pics will improve but that day isn’t here yet!)
Personally, I’ll have this as a dessert in lieu of starchy carbs at dinner (due to my fat loss goals). If you’re someone who likes to have carbs before a workout, this would be a great option!
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