One of my biggest struggles with eating healthy is finding a way to satisfy my sweet tooth. Michelle with no dessert is a grumpy Michelle 🙂

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with chia seed puddings. They’re so easy to make, and keep me from reaching for the ice cream and or cookies instead. It’s also super simple to double, triple, etc. and make multiple servings at once.

When chia seeds soak in liquid for a while, they expand and create a texture similar to tapioca pudding. They also have tons of health benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, and (best part) almost all of the carbs are fiber.

Since the seeds need some time to soak up the milk, you’ll want to make this at least 2 hours before you plan to eat it. I like to make it before I leave for the gym, and then have it as a post work-out snack when I get home! Overnight works too, and then it’s ready in time for breakfast. I also like to use vanilla protein powder (I use Body Fortress – you can find it at CVS) as the sweetener in mine, but honey, agave, stevia, etc. are good as well.

I’ve tried out a few different chia pudding recipes (links at the bottom of the post), but the main inspiration for this recipe came from An Edible Mosaic.

 

Chia Seed Pudding with Cinnamon & Vanilla
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almond milk – I use unsweetened original (coconut or soy would also work)
• 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (or 1 tsp. honey or sweetener of choice)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp.  vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

1. VERY IMPORTANT FIRST STEP: if you’re using protein powder, make sure to mix the powder and the milk together first. If you don’t, it will result in a gross, clumpy mess. I use my shaker cup for this, but anything with a lid works.
2. In a small cup or bowl, combine milk/protein powder mixture, chia seeds, vanilla, and cinnamon.  Stir well to combine.
3. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
4. Stir well before eating. The seeds settle to the bottom and clump, but will distribute throughout the pudding with a good stir. Enjoy!

Nutrition Info: 1 Serving

Calories: 154 (110 with honey instead of protein powder)
Fat: 5.8g (5.5g)
Carbs: 7.5g (12.8)
Fiber: 6g (5.5g)
Sugar: 0.5g (5.7g)
Protein: 17.5g (2.5g)

 

Links to other delicious chia puddings:

• Cinnamon-Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding from An Edible Mosaic
• Mango Coconut Chia Pudding from Skinny Taste
• Quick Coconut and Chia Seed Pudding from The Healthy Foodie
• Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding from Running on Real Food