Chia seeds being a useful component in a weight loss journey is a concept that surprised me the first time I heard about it.
I didn’t understand the science behind it. How could such tiny seeds help anyone lose weight? I went digging for more information.
In this article, I’ll be sharing information about chia seeds, how chia seeds help with weight loss and awesome chia seeds recipes – main course, breakfasts, desserts, drinks, and snacks.
Can You Lose Weight with Chia Seeds?
What Are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds come from Salvia hispanica, a plant native to Central America. A different species is also cultivated in North America.
Chia seeds were cultivated as early as pre-Columbian times by Aztecs and were a staple part of their diet.
The video below explains how chia seeds are cultivated and harvested:-
Chia Seeds Benefits
- Chia seeds contain carbohydrates, protein, and fat. They are also a rich source of thiamin, niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.
- The carbohydrates in chia seeds are mostly fiber so it’s an excellent addition to a low carb diet.
- Chia seeds are also vegan and gluten-free so they fit right in with most diets.
How Does Chia Seeds Help with Weight Loss?
Now for the good part. How exactly do chia seeds help with weight loss?
Chia seeds are hydrophilic, which means they can absorb up to 12 times their weight when soaked in liquid.
When you consume this kind of meal, they fill you up faster and extend the amount of time you need to eat between meals.
As a result, you don’t have to eat so much food while eating all that you what. Sounded like a win-win to me so I experimented with adding it to my diet.
Related Content: Reach Your Fitness Goals Faster With These 17 Tips
How to Eat Chia Seeds
I have a simple recipe for chia seeds. I add 2 tablespoons to my after workout smoothie every day.
I also use it as a topping for loads of side dishes and main courses. Just a sprinkling and I’m good to go.
Additionally, I add it to hummus and pesto. I quite like the flavor chia seeds bring to these recipes.
In recent times, I’ve been thinking about more ways to incorporate chia seeds in my diet and came across some fantastic recipes, which are shared below.
35 Popular Chia Seeds Recipes
These chia seed recipes are so creative and show many dynamic ways you can incorporate chia seeds into your diet.
Chia Seeds Breakfast Recipes
35. Berry Chia Seed Smoothie Recipe
Get this recipe from Mom Foodie HERE.
34. Chia Oat Healthy Mango Coconut Muffins
Get this recipe from Living Sweet Moments HERE.
33. Elderberry Chia Jam
Get this recipe from Simply Beyond Herbs HERE.
32. Maple Peach Chia Jam
Get this recipe from Sugar, Spice, and Glitter HERE.
31. Zesty Orange Chia Pancakes
Get this recipe from Veggie Desserts HERE.
30. Orange Chocolate Chia Buckwheat Cereal
Get this recipe from Strength and Sunshine HERE.
Chia Seeds Lunch and Dinner Recipes
29. Chocolate Chip Chia Banana Bread
Get this recipe from Pass Me Some Tasty HERE.
28. No Knead Seed Bread
Get this recipe from Chicken Scratch NY HERE.
27. Vegan Carrot, Coriander & Quinoa Burgers
Get this recipe from Attachment Mummy HERE.
26. Vegan Quinoa and Chia Bread
Get this recipe from What’s in the Pan HERE.
Chia Seeds Dessert Recipes
25. Butterfinger Chia Pudding
Get this recipe from Hungry Hobby HERE.
24. Chia Seed Pudding With Mango and Almond Flakes
Get this recipe from Cooking Journey Blog HERE.
23. Chia Pudding 3 Ways
Get this recipe from Happy Mothering HERE.
22. Chia Persimmon Porridge
Get this recipe from Flavours Treat HERE.
21. Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk
Get this recipe from The worktop HERE.
20. Chocolate Malt-O-Meal Muffins with Chia Seeds
Get this recipe from The Mama Report HERE.
19. Coconut Pandan Chia Seed Pudding
Get this recipe from Two Sleevers HERE.
18. Creamy Spirulina Chia Seed Pudding
Get this recipe from Casey the College Celiac HERE.
17. Layered Rainbow Chia Pudding
Get this recipe from Creative Green Living HERE.
16. Raspberry Low Carb Keto Chia Pudding
Get this recipe from Wholesum Yum HERE.
15. Vietnamese Coconut and Corn Chia Pudding
Get this recipe from Veggie Desserts HERE.
14. Chocolate Chia Pudding
Get this recipe from Veg Annie HERE.
13. Chia and Flaxseed Pudding
Get this recipe from Claudia Canu HERE.
12. Chocolate Banana Coconut Chia Pudding
Get this recipe from Delightful Adventures HERE.
11. Pineapple Coconut Chia Pudding
Get this recipe from Natalie’s Health HERE.
10. Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding
Get this recipe from Lathi’s Kitchen HERE.
9. Overnight Chia Seed Pudding with Spicy Melon Puree
Get this recipe from My Purple Plants HERE.
8. Salted Caramel Chia Seed Pudding
Get this recipe from Aylarianne HERE.
7. Vegan Banana Almond Chia Seed Pudding
Get this recipe from Happy Healthy Mama HERE.
Chia Seeds Snack Recipes
6. Chia Fruit And Nut Bar Recipe
Get this recipe from Living Sweet Moments HERE.
5. Chia Seed Cookies
Get this recipe from Thrifty Jinxy HERE.
4. Coconut Chia Bars
Get this recipe from Sidewalk Shoes HERE.
3. Healthy Chewy No-Bake Granola Bars
Get this recipe from Happy Kitchen Rocks HERE.
Chia Seeds Drink Recipes
2. Chia Lemonade
Get this recipe from Foodal HERE.
1. Iced Raspberry Leaf Chia Tea
Get this recipe from Raia’s Recipes HERE.
Pomegranate Lemonade with Chia
Get this recipe from Cook With Me Darling HERE.
How Many Times a Day Can You Eat Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds contain a lot of fiber and if your stomach isn’t used to this, it might cause some digestive issues initially.
You can start with 1.5 – 2 tablespoons and work your way up from there but if you want to include it in breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes, it shouldn’t be a problem.
What Are the Side Effects of Eating Chia Seeds?
There is no scientific evidence that indicates consuming chia seeds has any adverse effects but of course, consume in moderation as recommended above.
Best Chia Seeds for Weight Loss
The best chia seed brands are organic and non-GMO. I have recommended the best five brands below:
Viva Naturals Organic Chia Seeds
Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds
Bob’s Red Mill Chia Seeds
Navitas Organics Chia Seeds
Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Chia Seeds
Have you tried including chia seeds in your weight loss diet? What was your experience? Share in the comment section.
References
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