Vanilla Chia Pudding

I tend to be the type of person that eats the same 3 breakfasts on rotation every week, and chia pudding definitely makes the list. It’s such a fun texture and, as with many of my recipes, completely versatile and customizable. You can change of the flavor or toppings depending on your cravings or whatever you have on hand for that week. My favorite ways to eat this vanilla pudding are either on top of some greek yogurt with some fresh berries and granola, or on it’s own topped with some dried fruit, nuts, banana, and fresh berries with a side of toast. I have also experimented with a chocolate chia pudding, pumpkin spice pudding in the fall, and a gingerbread flavor in the winter, so as you can see the flavor options are endless! This vanilla chia pudding recipe is a great baseline and you can add other flavors from here.

Chia seeds are a great source of both protein and healthy fat, so topping it with granola, fruit, or pairing with a side of toast for carbs will make a beautifully balanced breakfast that can easily be prepared for your morning. To boost the satiety and nutrient density, I love using the pudding as a topping for greek yogurt to boost the protein, and I also recommend using cow’s milk or a high protein plant-based milk within the pudding itself. You can also top your pudding with nuts, seeds, or nut butter to boost the healthy fats and protein even more. This is a breakfast that will fuel you for the day and keep you satiated and satisfied for a long time. Not to mention you can meal prep this delicious breakfast for the week and it’s ready to be topped in the morning for a quick, simple breakfast option.

Nutrition Facts:

• Chia seeds are such nutrient-dense little food. They are an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids which are heart healthy fats, fiber to aid in digestion and heart health, and antioxidants which support cellular health. They also contain other micronutrients including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and more.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. In a small mason jar or airtight container, add the chia seeds, cinnamon, and milk.
2. Using a spoon, stir to combine the seeds with the milk and cinnamon until the seeds are well dispersed throughout the milk and the cinnamon is fully mixed in.
3. Add in the vanilla and maple syrup and stir again with the spoon for about 1 minute. There should be no maple syrup left on the bottom of the container and all ingredients fully mixed.
4. Pop it in the fridge overnight and viola – You have chia pudding for the morning!
5. When you’re ready to eat your pudding, be sure to give it a quick stir with a spoon before you eat it or make your breakfast with it (sometimes some of the seeds can settle on top which is totally fine! Just mix them in again).
6. Here is one of my favorite way to eat my pudding for some inspiration: Chia pudding greek yogurt bowl
   • 170g (about 1/2 cup) of Greek yogurt mixed with 1 Tbsp of maple syrup and 1/8 tsp of cinnamon
   • Layer the chia pudding on top of the yogurt
   • Top with 1/3 cup of granola and fresh berries