Cha Cha Cha Chia Seeds!

5/17/2013

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No, I am not talking about the amazing Chia plant. However, I am talking about the amazing seeds that grow that plant. Chia seeds have been getting a lot of attention lately and I'm going to tell you why. 

Get that Omega-3 in!


Chia seeds are very rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 can help to reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive performance, and reduce high cholesterol. Chia seeds' lipid profile is made up of 60 percent omega-3s, they are one of the richest sources of these fatty acids including alpha-linolenic acid.


Do you need more fiber in your diet?


Chia seeds are a GREAT source of fiber, with a total of 10 grams in only 2 tablespoons. This amount of fiber is one third of the suggested daily amount. 

Antioxidants

Chia seeds are very rich in antioxidants and help to protect the body from things like free radicals, aging and cancer!

Long Shelf Life

Because of the high antioxidants, chia seeds also have a very long shelf life. They last up to 2 years without refrigeration! 

On a Gluten Free Diet

Chia seeds are gluten and grain free. Meaning that all of the nutritional benefits of Chia seeds can be used on a gluten-free diet.

Are you looking for an egg replacement?

When Chia seeds are mixed with a liquid, they create a gel. Chia seeds are lower in cholesterol, but still have great nutrients. For a great Chia Seed Recipe check out my recipe blog.

Chia seeds are one of my favorite seeds for all of the reasons I listed. On my recipe blog I have posted my favorite Chia Seed Recipe. I hope you all enjoy! Stay Healthy!




 

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I Love my Junk Food

5/6/2013

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No matter how healthy you are, there will always be at least one junk food that you adore. Whether it be pizza smothered with cheese or my favorite, ice cream. However, there are numerous amounts of ways to turn that unhealthy treat into something very healthy.

Burger and Fries

The Burger and Fries combo has always been an American favorite. However, the American burger can pack on some pretty hefty pounts here is an alternative to this American Classic. 

Turkey Burger and Baked Sweet Potato Fries. Now I know this doesn't sound as appetizing as the original, but you can make it taste amazing. Instead of putting your meat between two white bread buns, why not use some fiber packed 100% Whole grain bread. The amount of fiber that this bread contains is ridiculous not to mention is ridiculous not to mention all of the other nutrients it contains. Along with the 100% whole grain bread, add as many vegetables as you can into that burger. Things like peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, and even carrots can make that burger even more delicious. Sweet Potatoes are a great alternative to traditional fries especially when you bake them and sprinkled them with a few different seasonings. The first step to great health is opening your mind to new ideas!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies have always been one of my favorites. However, my weight hasn't been a big fan of them. This alternative is delicious and easy to make.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Dark Chocolate

I have made this recipe numerous amounts of times and every time it just melts in my mouth. You make these cookies just like you would make any oatmeal raisin cookie except you substitute the milk with an alternative and you add dark chocolate chips to them. They are super easy to make, have more nutrients then the traditional chocolate chip cookie. If you want to make it even more healthy try using an alternative to white flour.

Candy

For those of you who have a sweet tooth why not try sprinkling Splenda over a bowl of fresh fruit to help that little craving. It's a lot better than those unhealthy sugar packed candies.

Ice Cream

Instead of devouring that teaser sized container of Ben and Jerry's, get some plain vanilla ice cream and top it with nuts and fruits. This is way better for you and is delicious. If you want to indulge a bit more, sprinkle it with some dark chocolate chunks.

Chips

Have a chip craving? You could make your own chips or buy Cape Cod chips as a healthy alternative. They're not the healthiest thing in the world, but they have less calories in fat. Sometimes you need to indulge a little. 

There are numerous amounts of alternatives to junk food favorites. Creativity and an open mind are key to getting there. I'm so inspired by this idea that all this week I'm giving out recipes for a twist on traditional favorites. Stay tuned!
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