Why Am I Just Learning About Chia Seeds?

I've seen chia seeds talked about forever on social media and from fitness and fashion bloggers I follow (all the while thinking in my head, "No, that is far too healthy and hipster for me I refuse to partake") but never really understood what they are or what they actually do. I started getting on board with protein shakes recently and started looking up recipes and so many of them mentioned adding in chia seeds. So, like any good student of Google University, I did some research and I was shocked at the health benefits of these magical little seeds.

Evidently they are super rich in antioxidants which help stop cell damage. So, ok science, science, science blah blah blah. The REAL reason I care about chia seeds is because they are rich in protein which means...eat 'em and you stay fuller longer and for 60 measly calories per tbsp, this is like a dream come true.

HELLO WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT THIS. I am THE QUEEN of snacking and never seem to stay full after meals. So I started to add these to salads and shakes...and I think it's working.

However, the texture isn't for everyone. They're tiny seeds so they're crunchy. Alex took a sip of one of my shakes after I added a tbsp of chia seeds and he screwed his face up and was like, "Get that tf away from me immediately." So, there's that to get used to. (Luckily I like the crunch)

I haven't tried chia seed pudding yet but I'll give that a shot and keep you guys posted.

(Click the photo above and get some recipes for said pudding. They look yummy and I'm going to try a few.)

Until then, I give you my all time favorite protein shake powder:

And the best recipe below:

1 Scoop of powder

1 frozen banana

1 tbsp chia seeds

6-8 ounces of almond milk, depending on how you like your shake consistency

a couple cubes of ice

dash of cinnamon

1 tbsp of almond butter

It's so good, I had one at 7am this morning and wasn't hungry until 11am. MAGIC.