Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding – A Nutrient-Packed Delight

Originally developed as part of a weeklong liver detoxification program, this recipe was created with clarity, focus, intention, lightness, and energy in mind. Invite renewed wellness into your life with Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding, one delicious and nutrient-packed bowl at a time.

The power of chia seeds

Chia is an ancient food of Aztec warriors and messengers, who used it to stay alert and agile during long periods of activity. Today, many endurance athletes continue to use it in the same way.

For those who can tolerate chia in their diet, consuming it may provide some meaningful health benefits.

Digestive Support

As a high fiber food, chia promotes digestive health by helping to:

• make stool soft and bulky (easier to pass)
• speed transit time through the colon
• dilute the effects of any toxic compounds in the intestine by moving them
  along and out of the system
• remove bad bacteria in the colon
• feed the good bacteria in the colon to allow for the production of vital nutrients such as B vitamins (essential for good brain health) and vitamin K (essential for bodily functions such as clotting)

Muscle repair and growth

The protein contained in just a tablespoon of chia helps promote maximal physiological repair and efficiency. As a complete plant-based protein containing all ten essential amino acids, chia also supports the building blocks of healthy bones, muscles, cartilage, blood, and skin.

Full body support

Chia seeds are rich in essential Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important in the function of brain cells and adrenal glands. In fact, Omega-3s, are critical for the proper function of all cells in the body. Also known as linolenic acids, they help keep cell membranes supple and stretchy, which impacts the rate at which we age, repair tissue damage, handle inflammation, and even metabolize food.

Tips for eating chia

To make a chia gel, mix cup of chia seeds with 2 cups water. Stir and let sit in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can use the gel for smoothies, puddings, and as an egg substitute where only one egg is called for. Like all plant-based Omega-3s, combine chia with coconut oil to increase bioavailability.

Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 can coconut milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, seeded
• 1 tablespoon honey, coconut palm sugar, or 5–7 drops stevia or to taste
• pinch of sea salt
• 1⁄2 cup chia seeds
• 2–3 cups washed and stemmed strawberries

Preparation

1. Whisk together the coconut milk, vanilla, honey, sea salt and chia seeds in a bowl. Make sure all chia seeds are mixed in well.
2. Stir in the strawberries.
3. Refrigerate for 1–8 hours until thickens. Enjoy!

By: Functional Nutrition Alliance

Founded by Andrea Nakayama, we help coaches, clinicians, and health care practitioners across the globe transform healthcare with Functional Nutrition. We offer cutting-edge nutrition training programs, clinical guidance, and Functional Medicine thought leadership.