One of my favorite frugal living hacks is food-shaped food and one specific frugal living tip is to eat chia seeds. Chia seeds are gluten-free and may be consumed by celiac patients, according to National Library of Medicine.
How to Eat Chia Seeds
Chia Water Recipe
Chia Water with Lemon Benefits
Chia water with lemon is a quick pick-me-up that can replace coffee.
Chia Jam Recipe
According to the National Library of Medicine, whole chia seeds can make up a maximum of 1% of fruit spreads sold in the US.
If you’re making your chia jam recipe at home, you can use a higher percentage.
Blueberry Chia Jam
- 1/2 – 1 cup blueberries
- 2 t chia seeds
Microwave or double-boil the blueberries until soft and juicy.
Smash, stir in chia seeds.
Set for 15 minutes to gel.
Store in airtight container in fridge for 8 days.
Chia Breakfast Bowl
The idea is not to eat a bowl of raw chia seeds for breakfast. A max of 10% of a breakfast cereal can be whole chia seeds.
Ratio of 1 T chia seeds to 1/4 c dairy-free milk.
Chia Breakfast Bowl for 1
- 3 T chia seeds
- 3/4 c non-dairy milk.
- Mix pudding, let soak for 10 minutes, and stir to break up clumps.
- Set for 30 minutes, stir again.
- Add frozen fruit now or fresh later.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
- Add fresh toppings in morning
Chia Breakfast Bowl Topping ideas
- mango
- black berries
- strawberries
- blueberries
- pineapple
- peaches
- apples
- dried cranberries
- sliced bananas
- chocolate chips
- crushed nuts
- shredded coconut
When to Eat Chia Seeds
Eating Chia Seeds Benefits
2 T of chia seeds contain significant plant-based omega-3s.
Chia is high in antioxidants.
You’ll get fiber with chia seeds.
Chia seeds have more fiber than flax seeds, which have more fiber than pumpkin seeds, barley, and oat bran. Quinoa is another favorite frugal season food, but each serving has about 1/4 the amount of fiber in chia seeds.
Eat Chia Seeds, get protein.
Chia seeds have 10 essential amino acids and 8 non-essential amino acids.
Essential Amino Acids in Chia Seeds
- Arganine
- Leucine
- Phenylalanine
- Lysine
- Valine
- Isoleucine
- Threonine
- Methionine
- Histidine
- Tryptophan
Non-Essential Amino Acids in Chia Seeds
- Glutamic acid
- Aspartic acid
- Serine
- Alanine
- Glycine
- Proline
- Tyrosine
- Cystine
Eat Chia Seeds and you will be rewarded with amino acids.
The mineral content of Chia Seeds is significant for the following:
- phosphorus
- calcium
- potassium
- magnesium
Read more about the nutritional value of chia seeds via NLM at this link.
