My countdown to Florida has officially reached 1 week! I’m thinking I will probably mentally check out sometime around next Tuesday? Sounds about right.
Breakfast this morning was a little something different from my regular carb load… Vanilla pudding? An extremely healthy version of Vanilla pudding that has 3 ingredients. Unsweetened Almond Milk, NuNaturals Stevia Vanilla Pure Liquid and Chia Seeds.
2 tbsp of chia seeds – 1 3/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk & 12 drops of NuNaturals Stevia Liquid… Combine all ingredients and let sit for 20 minutes. I let mine sit for 24 hours…The longer it sits, the thicker it becomes!
I Mixed it with one of my protein bars of course! I loved the texture, the flavor, the way I can drive/take a picture/hold my food at the same time and of course how healthy this was!
Do you use Chia Seeds? They are insanely good for you. Check out some of the health benefits …
- Supports Heart Health
Chia seeds can help reduce blood pressure. The seeds contain one of the highest known plant sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). EFAs cannot be synthesized by our bodies however, it is very important that we get enough to support our immune, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems. EFA deficiency is quite common in North America.
- Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Chia seeds slow down the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body. The soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose levels resulting in steady, sustained energy. In one study on diabetic patients, Dr. Vladamir Vuksan of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, found that blood was thinner and less prone to clotting and blood pressure of participants dropped significantly, after three months of taking Chia seeds daily.
- Energizing
The word “Chia” comes from the Mayan language and means strength. Chia seeds are a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber. It is said that 1 tablespoon of Chia can sustain a person for 24 hours. Athletes have reported that Chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
A number of arthritis sufferers have reported reduced pain and inflammation after a few weeks of taking Chia seeds. The high concentration of omega-3 helps to lubricate joints and keep them supple. Additionally, Omega-3s are converted into prostaglandins which are known to have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Weight Loss
The essential fatty acids contained in Chia seeds helps to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass. The seeds are sometimes added to food to provide bulk and nutrients while adding very few calories. For these reasons, many people have found Chia quite useful in weight loss and weight maintenance.
- Detoxification and Elimination
Similar to psyllium, the swelling action of Chia in the body helps to cleanse and soothe the colon, and absorb toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action.
- High Quality Protein
Chia seeds contain about 20% protein, a higher percentage than found in many other grains such as wheat and rice. Chia seeds contain strontium which helps to assimilate protein and produce high energy.
- Antioxidants
Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants containing even more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. The high amounts of antioxidants in Chia seeds also keeps the oils from going rancid – contributing to a long shelf life.
- Provides Fiber and Other Nutrients
Besides EFAs, Chia seeds also provide fiber, iron, calcium, niacin, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.
2 tablespoons of Chia = 7 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, 5 grams omega-3
- Brain Power
EFAs are known to make cell membranes more flexible and efficient making nutrients more readily available and nerve transmission more efficient. This helps to improve brain function (including memory and concentration).
I had promised the girls that we could make cupcakes one day this week (children never let you forget ANYTHING) so as soon as I got there this morning they were ready! We used Cherry Chip (from a box) batter and experimented from there…
Add some fruit loops? Sure, why not!
What about crushed graham crackers & chocolate chips?
You’re right…It’s missing something else!
Marshmallows & Dark Chocolate Bar chopped added with 5 minutes left of baking
MMM. I love colorful things…No need for icing on these! The crunch on top is perfect.
But, a little powdered sugar never hurt anybody 😉
S’mores Flavored. Yes PLEASE.
marshmallow + chocolate + graham crackers is almost as incredible as peanut butter + chocolate
Then the plain ones….
Dyed the vanilla icing the girls favorite colors and stuck it in a dessert bag for easy spreading.
Who doesn’t love icing?
The girls love playing Secret Cupcake Santa and dropping these off at their friend’s houses 🙂 I wish someone would drop these off for me!! Any takers?
Lunch was gigundo. I was attempting to make a wrap…
*Low Carb whole wheat wrap, bib lettuce, sliced carrots, sprouts, sliced tomato and a piece of chicken tossed in Franks Buffalo Sauce*
The wrap was too big to wrap… so i shoved some toothpicks in there to keep it closed.
Whatevs. Still delicious!
I rushed to Camp24 after work which kicked my butt once again. My glutes are already feeling it!! I love the sore feeling you get after an awesome workout.
After the gym I headed straight to my girlfriends house for dinner (without showering, sorry girls!) She was recently married and I wanted to check out their place – No better way to do it then with food, right? Their house is GORGEOUS. She’s done a great job decorating 🙂 I wish I would’ve taken pics – Next time!
We made Sesame Miso Glazed Salmon. This is by far my favorite Salmon dish… If you eat Salmon often and are looking for a new way to make it – try this. It won’t disappoint!
We also attempted a dessert that came out less than pretty so it went undocumented. I still inhaled it. I’m not one to waste food, especially when there is peanut butter involved 😉
By the time I got home it was dark but I could see a huge glowing box on my steps!
Oh, Hellllllo there Chobani! The people over at Chobani were kind enough to send me a box of Greek Yogurt to sample. There are SO many yummy flavors included in this package I can’t wait to get to work on them 🙂
Strawberry, Vanilla, Honey, Lemon, Raspberry, Black Cherry, Blueberry, Pomegranate, Mango, Pineapple, Strawberry Banana and Peach! Have I mentioned that I was excited yet?? Because I am! I’ll clearly be having one of these for breakfast 🙂
I figured out another way for me to save money…
Um, I’m ridiculous and need an intervention asap. This is from the past month and not even counting my gossip trash mags…. Do you know how many I’ve read? ZERO. No more getting sucked in at the checkout line! New goal to be added for March…
I’m falling asleep typing this so it’s off to bed for me… See you tomorrow on everyone’s Favorite Day of the Week – Friiiiidayyyyyy!
QUESTIONS: What is your favorite Chobani flavor? Do you use Chia Seeds? Tell me your favorite thing you ate this week!
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