Before I became a vegan, I barely cooked or created anything in the kitchen. I felt like I wasn’t meant for cooking and that my poor future family would be subjected to my culinary catastrophes for a lifetime.
Since living out of home and being introduced to the wonderful world of a nutritious, delicious plant-based lifestyle, I feel like I’ve thrived in the kitchen and created so many colourful, diverse dishes that my partner actually loves. I never thought anybody would compliment my cooking but seeing Francis going back for seconds and sometimes thirds warms my heart.
One of my favourite things about being a vegan are the opportunities to be creative. I love adding different coloured veggies to my dish and my breakfasts are filled with fruits whereas before I lived off high in sugar, processed cereals.
My absolute favourite breakfast creations are Chia Puddings! Apart from being so delicious and satisfying, you can experiment and be inventive with how they are put together and presented. Recently, my two good friends at work have begun whipping up their own Chia Pudding Babies and it’s been fun swapping tips and ingredients to use.
Here is a basic recipe for Chia Pudding and then it’s up to you how you want to top them off!
- 1 cup of Coconut Milk (you can use Almond, Oat, Rice, Soy and more!)
- ¼ cup of Chia Seeds (I use the black but you can buy White Chia or even Pre-Hydrated Chia so you don’t need to refrigerate it overnight)
- I TBS of Organic Maple Syrup (or Agave)
- I TSP Vanilla Extract
- I TSP Ground Cinnamon
Stir the ingredients together in a bowl or I love using my Mason Jar and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with jam, fresh berries, nuts, shredded coconut, buckinis, cacao nibs and more!!
Here are some examples of different Chia Pudding’s I’ve made in the past!
Walnut & Granny Smith Apple
Coconut & Raspberry
Blueberry & Shredded Coconut
This one was made with love from the Queensberry Pour House in Carlton
Mixed Berry & Walnut
Benefits of Chia Seeds:
Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet! They are packed with nutrients that benefit both the body and brain. Here are just a few reasons why Chia should feature in your diet:
- They deliver a massive amount of nutrients but are very low in Calories (it’s a win, win!)
- They are loaded with antioxidants that help fight off disease and boost your immune system.
- They are loaded with fibre which helps fill you up for longer and therefore decreases your calorie intake for the rest of the day.
- They are an excellent source of protein!
- They are high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – even more so than fish!
- They are also high in calcium and assist in strengthening bones.
- They lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease.
- They are yummy and so easy to incorporate into your diet! Sprinkle them on everything and include them in your smoothies!
How do you like to cook with or eat Chia Seeds?
Send me any tips or suggestions you have!
Peace.Love.Veggies
Xoxox