Pimp My Oats

Last night for this mornings breakfast I combined two of my favorite breakfast recipes: overnight oats AND chia seed pudding. In addition, I added a handful of fancy Instagram-worthy toppings for that extra sumthin’ sumthin’. The result was a taste explosion (to say the least). Then I walked my village and looked for beautiful details to photograph for you and appreciate for myself.

1/3 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup milk (I used almond)
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
1 tsp cinnamon

Place all ingredients in a jar and stir to combine.

Leave in fridge overnight and nom nom the following morning with favorite toppings.

*gluten-free (if using GF oats)
*dairy-free
*refined-sugar free
*vegan (if using maple syrup)

Raw Blackcurrant, Strawberry and Chia Seed Jam

Incredibly rich in numerous health benefiting phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants, blackcurrants are undoubtedly one of this summer’s most popular superfoods and here’s why:

In a recent experiment, blackcurrants proved superior in antioxidants compared to the other 24 tested fruits. TWENTY FOUR.
-Forget oranges, blackcurrants contain higher levels of vitamin C than any other commercially available fruit or vegetable (a mere 1/2 cup provides the recommended daily intake for only 39 calories!).

In addition, they contain vitamins B and E, are high in copper and potassium, low in sodium, high in soluble fibre and high in Omega 3 and 6. (In other words, Mae West was right; ““Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!”)

Last but not least, clinical trials show that regular consumption of blackcurrants reduces muscle stiffening and muscle fatigue, improves kidney function, increases blood flow and blood circulation and improves eye function and visual fatigue.

Okay, enough science. Let’s jam.

2 cups frozen organic blackcurrants (I used local ViBeri blackcurrants)
3/4 fresh strawberries
1/4 cup all-natural apple juice
2 tbsp raw honey/maple or agave syrup
2 tbsp chia seeds

In a food processor, pulse the berries, apple juice and honey until just combined (more chunkyish than smooth)

Transfer berry mixture to a glass jam jar. Add chia seeds then mix thoroughly until everything is combined well.

Refrigerate for at least two hours before nom nom.

Enjoy on warm toast or add a dollop on your granola, porridge and/or smoothie bowl.

*vegan
*gluten-free
*dairy-free
*refined sugar-free

Chia Juice

Went to Piko yesterday (it’s a health-foods store here in Christchurch) and they were selling bottles of chia juice. Decided to make my own and ta-da:

1 cup fresh juice of your choice (I used freshly squeezed apple, orange and carrot)
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp chia seeds

Mix the chia seeds with the warm water and refrigerate overnight or for at least 3 hours.

In the morning, combine the chia seed mixture; which should now be a sort of “gel” with 1 cup of fresh juice and voila – enough juice for two!

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, protein, omega 3 fatty-acids, fibre and calcium so drink it up as a pick-me-up snack and your body will love you for it.

 

Simple And Delicious Coconut Chia Pudding

So what is this “Chia” thing all about? Chia seeds (not to be confused with chai tea or chai latte) have been used for centuries by the Aztec, Incan and Mayan people as a staple food. Apparently, to help boost their endurance levels, they always carried a small pouch of chia seeds whenever travelling long distances on foot. Consequently, these itsy bitsy seeds came to be known as the “running food” High in protein, iron, omega 3 & 6, chia seeds are an ideal breakfast food.

Today, you can buy black and white chia seeds (both have the same nutritional value – no racism here) in the health section of most supermarkets. This morning, I share with you the recipe for my incredibly simple and super nutritious coconut chia pudding which is suitable for breakfast, a light snack or even an after-dinner pudding (well, duh). As a bonus, it is also naturally free from gluten, refined sugar and dairy.

1 can of coconut milk
4 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tbsp honey 

In a large jar (that’s the fad) mix all the ingredients together well.

Refrigerate overnight.

Enjoy the next morning with fresh fruit.