I’m a little late to the chia party. I know everyone has been talking about chia for a few years but I hadn’t jumped on the bandwagon, mostly just because I was reluctant to add another random cooking ingredient to my already full pantry.

I decided to give some “recovery pudding” a try though because I was feeling really sore from all the training I’ve been doing.

This is what Thrive Foods has to say about chia:

Particularly high in magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron, chia can effectively replenish minerals used in muscle contractions and lost in sweat. Chia is truly one of the top foods for active people. And because it is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps to sustain energy and maintain fullness, chia is a true high-net-gain food. Packed with antioxidants and containing about 20 percent high-quality protein, chia is an ideal food to help speed recovery after exercise.

There are about a zilllion chia pudding recipes on the interweb. The only thing different about this one is that it doesn’t have a boat load of sugar in it. It has only 10 drops of liquid stevia but it would be good without that even.

On a side note: I keep seeing all these “healthy” recipes on Pinterest described as “zero sugar” but then when I look at the recipe it will call for a cup of agave nectar or a cup of maple syrup or a cup of brown sugar. Word to the wise: agave nectar, maple syrup, brown sugar, etc ARE SUGAR. And once sugar enters a recipe it is no longer health food. Seriously, I hope people aren’t making these brownies I saw that are made out of protein powder, eggs, a can of black beans and a cup of sugar. Please. Don’t do that. I love dessert more than anyone but when I eat Whoopie Pie’s I recognize it’s a treat just for special occasions. I’m afraid there might people out there eating those protein brownies wondering why they can’t lose weight and feel tired all the time.

Phew, I feel better now!

As good as a pug sleeping in a pile of dirty laundry!

I apologize for posting a picture of my dirty clothes. I had my laundry sorted out on the floor and I walked upstairs and found Lilly snoozing away.

Back to the pudding. Chia pudding has kind of a tapioca like texture. I made this as a recovery shot. Not a dessert pudding. In fact, you would not want to eat more than about 1/2 cup of this pudding or you could get a tummy ache. That’s a lot of fiber, so don’t go too crazy!

You can change this recipe as much as you like. Use different liquids and different flavors. You just need to keep a ratio of 2 tablespoons chia to 3/4 cup liquid.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Recovery Pudding
1 can light coconut milk (or 1.5 cups other milk)
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
10 drops liquid stevia or to taste

Method 1: Place all ingredients except chia seeds in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into a large enough bowl and stir in the seeds. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour but the longer, the better.

Method 2: Combine all ingredients except peanut butter in a bowl. Stir until everything is combined. Heat the peanut butter up, then add it to the mixture and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour but the longer, the better.

Have a great week!