If you were looking for the perfect protein packed breakfast (also a great snack or dessert), look no further. My go-to Chocolate Chia Pudding is the answer! Why this recipe is awesome? It’s chocolatey, packed with protein, nutrient-dense, and super easy. This breakfast is so easy, you just mix a few ingredients together the night before and you have not one, but TWO days of breakfast. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make breakfast for the whole fam. My favorite part is the toppings, that you can mix and match, so it doesn’t get boring.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
- Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are highly nutritious. They’re packed with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients.
- High in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and ALA. All of these nutrients have been linked to improved bone mineral density.
- High in protein and fiber, both of which have been shown to aid weight loss and keep you full for longer.
- Very high in antioxidants.
Toppings
The world is your oyster with toppings but here is a list of my favorite superfood toppings that I rotate to help jump start my day with maximum nutrients:
- Flax Seeds: FIBER! (buy whole seeds and grind them fresh so all the nutrients get absorbed into your body, instead of just passing through) I grind mine quickly in a stone molcajete 😉 but I need to get this flax grinder, you can also use a coffee grinder. Grinding the whole seed makes a big difference
- Nuts: Adds the perfect crunch and compliments the chocolate flavor along with healthy fats: Favs are walnuts & Hawaiian Macadamia nuts
- Hemp Hearts: Healthy fats, protein and numerous minerals
- Berries: My favorites are raspberries and blueberries which are both superfoods and packed with essential vitamins
- Banana: Nutrient rich and super high in potassium
- Coconut Chips: Adds nice flavor, crunch and healthy fat
- Cinnamon: Anti-inflammatory and helps lower blood sugar
- Cacao Nibs: Superfood rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese and copper
- Gogi Berries: High in antioxidants and adds a fun chewy texture
- Bee Pollen: Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, boosts liver function and reduces bad cholesterol *if you are allergic to bees first ask your doctor is this is safe since it possibly could contain trace amounts of pollen
- Maca Powder: Rich in calcium for strong bones and helps reduce stress and boost energy
- Nut Butter: Peanut, Almond, Sunflower are all great options – Add a dollop for even more protein
Lately, my go-to toppings are walnuts, freshly ground flax seeds, bee pollen, hemp hearts and raspberries…YUM
Do you have a favorite chia pudding recipe? Let us know if the comments if you make it 🙂
Gina
Ingredients
1 cup Almond milk ¼ cup Chia seeds ¼ cup cocoa powder 2 Tbsp Honey ½ – 1 Tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Vigorously whisk the milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla extract in a medium bowl, being careful to incorporate any cocoa powder sticking to the sides and bottom.
- Divide the mixture in half and cover the chia pudding and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Enjoy with nuts and berries, if desired.
Notes
Substitutes: you can use any other plant-based milk or regular milk. Replace the honey with maple syrup, agave syrup, date sugar or another sweetener or choice.