Good Morning Chia Ginger Smoothie - #TastyTuesday

by Meghan Reynolds

I've become a bit bored with the smoothies I've been making. I checked out what I had in my cabinets and searched around for some new ideas and voila, (thanks Pinterest!) I found loads of recipes. I found a bunch that included chia seeds and thought that sounded interesting -adding a bit of crunch to a smoothie. I gathered what I had in my fridge and cabinets (another reason I like smoothies- endless combinations, just need a bit of inspiration sometimes) and decided on a strawberry, ginger, chia seed concoction. I like ginger because t's a natural digestive aid and chia seeds are packed protein and Omega-3s - a perfect morning boost, in my opininon :)

Here's what I created - the Good Morning Chia Ginger Smoothie

1 cup almond milk

1 banana

1 cup berries (I used strawberries & raspberries; use both, one or add blueberries!)

1 tbsp Chia seeds

1 inch fresh ginger

2 shakes cinnamon (who really measures that anyways!?)

A handful of ice

Blend up, pour and enjoy!

Chia Seeds

The little chia seed has grown beyond the silly afro growing terra cotta figuries into a power packed superfood. Why is chia considered a superfood? Here are some of the health benefits:

• Chia seeds are the highest known wholefood source of omega-3s
• They contain more protein than wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, amaranth and soy
• They have higher amounts of antioxidants than blueberries
• More than three times the amount of iron found in spinach
• Six times more calcium than milk
• Two time more potassium than bananas

And there's even more benefits - they are believed to slow digestion so your energy boost kicks in later in your run or workout (think Born to Run and the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico). This is great news for those of us who train or run for long distances or hours. They are tasteless so you can add them to just about anything! And, because they gel in liquids, you can use them as a replacement for egg or oil in baking. Add them to your smoothies, salads, cereals or make one of our favorite recipes below:

• Chia Pudding - adjust the sweetness level by experimenting with honey and maple syrup.
• Homemade Chia seed granola - a yummy sweet treat great for pre workout.
• Tropical Chia Smoothie - quick, easy and filling; great post workout treat.
• Chia Chipotle Bean Burger - vegetarian friendly burger that will leave you satisfied.
• Chia Soy Glaszed Salmon - add an extra punch of protein, antioxidants and calcium.

Just don't eat your chia pet! You can pick up chia from Wholefoods or your local health food store.