Coconut yogurt is a staple in my household. It's one of my favorite breakfast rotations during the week because it's easy to prepare. My favorite brand has become the So Delicious. This alternative yogurt is fortified – which is a plus for vegans – with calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. While I enjoy having this yogurt for breakfast, I’ve recently enjoyed it with chia seeds to make a yummy pudding. I like to make a moderate amount so that I can either have it for breakfast for a couple of days or share it as a dessert with my husband. You have to give it a try!

Have you had chia seeds before? I’m sure you’ve heard all about the many benefits of chia seeds. Chia seeds are packed with nutritional value. They are a good source of plant-protein, healthy fats such as omega-3’s, dietary fiber, and provide many vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds provide iron, calcium, and magnesium which are all important and needed when following a vegan lifestyle1. This tiny seed also provides about 10 grams of fiber in just one ounce, which is about 2 tablespoons. Dietary fiber is important for our overall health and not just to prevent constipation. It creates bulk or volume when we ingest that particular food and slows down the absorption of food by taking longer to digest, helping us feel satiated.

With all the health benefits from this tiny seed, it’s hard to believe it hasn’t received a “superfood” award yet. Chia seeds are definitely a great addition to any dish. Try them by making this pudding and adding your favorite fruit, berries, and other condiments on top for a delicious dish. You can never go wrong with how you end up enjoying it.

Coconut Chia Pudding

Serves: 2 -3 servings
Total Time: 5 minutes (prep); Overnight to sit (or about 6 hours)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or non-dairy milk)
• 1/4 cup of chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large container and refrigerate overnight or for about 6 hours.

2. Top with your favorite fruit or nuts and enjoy!

Reference:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2014, February 05). What Are Chia Seeds? Retrieved from Eat Right: http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/what-are-chia-seeds