Chia Breakfast Pudding

With my recent Granola recipe post, I am continuing the theme of tasty, high calorie, breakfasts / snacks.

This recipe doesn't contain any oats (for a change) but it still uses natural sugars (from fruit), seeds (chia) and nut butter. Unlike the granola, no baking is required but some evening preparation is needed plus several hours of refrigeration time.

If I'm being organized and planning ahead, and want a filling breakfast for the morning, I always make this chia pudding. It only takes a few minutes to blend everything together. It's also an ideal recipe for any ripe bananas that need eating. However, as mentioned above, it must be made the night before so the chia seeds have time to soak in the banana milk mixture and expand into a delicious creamy pudding. As it's cold and can be stored in a jar, it's easily transportable and can be eaten throughout the morning.

I usually add strawberries but any fresh or frozen berries are fine. I once made it with mango - very tropical and refreshing first thing in the morning!

It's quite calorific with over 20g fat and sugars, but a great source of protein (10g) and fibre (19g). The fats are healthy fats from the almond butter and chia seeds and the sugars are all natural - from the banana and berries.

I did a little research on the health benefits of chia seeds. Of course they are going to be labelled a 'superfood' when they have some many health benefits. Taken from the Authority Nutrition website, which lists 11 Proven Health Benefits of Chia Seeds, as well as the SF Gate Healthy Eating website, which also lists the Top 10 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds, a few common ones are:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids - can help reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive performance and reduce high cholesterol
• Fiber - an excellent source associated with reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and regulating bowel function.
• Antioxidants - help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer.
• Can be Digested Whole - do not need to be ground, unlike flaxseeds.
• Blood Sugar Regulation - can reduce insulin resistance and decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood.
• Bone Health - high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and protein.
• Easy to Incorporate into Diet - can be eaten raw; soaked in juice; added to porridges, puddings or baked goods; sprinkled on top of cereal, yogurt, vegetables or rice dishes; used to thicken sauces; used as egg an substitute.

Chia Breakfast Pudding
Makes 1

Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, chopped
- 240ml / 8floz almond milk, unsweetened
- 16g  1tbsp almond butter
- 85g / 3oz strawberries, chopped
- 28g / 2tbsp chia seeds

Method:

• Blend the banana, milk, almond butter and strawberries in a blender until creamy and smooth.
• Pour into glass/container and stir in the chia seeds.
• Cover the glass/container and store in the fridge overnight. ENJOY in the morning!

Nutritional Information: