I re-discovered Chia seeds this week. They have the highest levels of Omega 3 of any plant (including flax) and they are loaded in protein. The Aztec Indians used them for long distance running.
They boost energy. The first time I tried chia was 30 years ago and the boost was so dramatic I felt overwhelmed. I obviously overdid it.
This is the best way to use them. You put one teaspoons chia seeds into 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for an hour or so. This turns into a gooey substance like egg white.
You can substitute this for eggs in some recipes if you want but I use it in salad dressing. It is fantastic because it thickens up a runny dressing and tastes great. It also give me more energy.
I am doing the F low fat vegan diet which is torturous when it comes to salad dressings. This is one I make that is so good, I just had it for breakfast! It will make about 4 servings.
2 TB low fat mayo (8 grams fat - I know there is egg in it) 2 TB lemon juice 1TB catchup 6TB chia goo
Posted by glm1111 (Member # 16556) on :
Thanks for posting this nefferdun! I have been looking for ways to increase my protein and this sounds like a great way to do it.
I have been making that recipe for dressing for years. I often add garlic powder and or onion powder and sometimes a dash of cayenne pepper.
It is also delicious just the way you posted it. Can you buy chia seeds at a market such as Whole Foods?
Thanks again
Gael
Posted by glm1111 (Member # 16556) on :
nefferden,
Just did a search on chia seeds to see where I could buy them. Some side effects of the seeds came up in the search, such as possibly causing low blood pressure and also bloating. Not meant to be a negative, just thought I should add.
Gael
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
Thanks Gael. You would only need to worry if you tried to eat a whole bunch of them. They swell and absorb water but if you soak them first, that is taken care of.
The first time I tried them, when I was young, I just swallowed a teaspoon of them unsoaked. Some of them stuck to the insides of my mouth and soaked up my saliva. Didn't hurt me any but not too appetizing that way.
I took it on an empty stomach and I felt way too energized. Remember, the Indians did long distance running with them so they are potent - better to have them in food. Soaking them and adding them to sauces etc seems best. i would not eat it after dinner unless you want to be cleaning house all night!
I am very excited about this way of using them because I get much less fat and it tastes great. It also really boosts my energy. I don't know why I feel so good today but eating all this healthy food and the chia probably has a lot to do with it.
I feel incredible -Like I could run a marathon - not really, but at least I am up and going!
Posted by Inquisitive321 (Member # 36899) on :
As well as a good egg replacer in baking, they are also a great replacements for things like starchy hot cereals, puddings, tapiocas, etc. They're good for gluten and grain free diets. Here are some recipes:
Moving to General Support
Posted by glm1111 (Member # 16556) on :
neff,
That's great that they are making you feel so good especially when you weren't feeling that hot. Glad to hear about the energy boost. I will definitely give them a try. Wonder what other benefits they have?