The Best Protein Chia Pudding (2024)

FAQs

Is chia pudding actually good for you? ›

The nutrients in chia seeds may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood sugar management ( 1 ). What's more, chia seeds are versatile and can be used in many recipes. Personally, I embrace their gel-like consistency by mixing them with liquid and making chia pudding.

Plus, it makes it creamier and way more satisfying! Overall, incorporating protein powder into chia seed pudding kicks it up a notch, creating a more balanced and fulfilling meal or snack option. Ok – let's get into these 3 flavor and protein-packed recipes!

Chia pudding is a fantastic breakfast that's high in healthy fats and fibre, making it great for your gut and helps release energy slowly throughout the morning. However, it's not a great source of protein – a regular chia pudding recipe only offers around 6g of protein per serving (2g per tbsp of chia seeds).

Chia seeds are highly nutritious, boast a long list of health benefits and can be a healthy dietary addition for most. However, moderation is key, as eating too many may cause side effects. To prevent this, start with 1 ounce (28 grams) daily and assess your tolerance before slowly increasing your intake.

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

If it's not thick enough, just add more chia seeds (about 1 Tablespoon), stir and refrigerate for another 30 minutes or so.

One of the simplest ways to add chia seeds to your diet is to add them to water. To make chia water, soak 1/4 cup (40 grams) of chia seeds in 4 cups (1 liter) of water for 20–30 minutes. To give your drink some flavor, you can add chopped fruit or squeeze in a lemon, lime, or orange.

If you're trying to build muscle, aim for 69-102 grams of protein per day. If you're trying to lose weight, shoot for 68-82 grams of protein per day. Matt says to split your daily protein intake between your three daily meals.

Although chia seeds offer a variety of health benefits, eating too many may lead to complications: Digestive issues. Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

What does Mayo Clinic say about chia seeds? ›

Chia is rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. These seeds also contain magnesium, an important mineral for brain, digestive tract and heart health. Add chia to cereal, yogurt, salads and smoothies, or use it make puddings for a nutrient-dense snack.

Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

The consumption of chia seeds in the morning, especially on an empty stomach is considered the best time to consume them, as they increase the metabolism and support the digestion of every meal of the day. However, some research also supports that eating them at night helps in providing a better sleep pattern.

Note: Chia pudding keeps for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The pudding will continue to thicken as it sits. If you prefer a slightly thinner pudding, add a splash of milk and stir before serving.

A 2-tablespoon serving (which is a TON of seeds) has 150 calories, 10g of fiber, 6g of protein and 10g of fat, most of which is the healthy polyunsaturated variety. In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size.

Chia pudding, when done the right way, can be an excellent tool to achieve a weight loss goal. Chia seeds naturally contain a significant amount of fiber and fat to help keep you satisfied and prevent sugar cravings later in the day.

Chia is a super food; an excellent source of omega fatty acids, has more antioxidants than blueberries and it's full of minerals, calcium, protein, vitamins and fiber. Plus it is low in calories and is incredibly satiating.