Have a little sweet tooth, or need an easy recipe for a party or event, but you don't want to ruin your healthy eating habits for the new year? These are a great occasional solution - they are gluten free, low in sugar and really surprisingly, amazingly good. If there ever was a "healthy" cookie, this is it!
Here's the original recipe from a great blog called "Musings of a Housewife". I added and subtracted a couple of ingredients to make them a little more healthful, without taking away from the taste. They are little sweet protein balls - yum! After baking them, pop most of them in the freezer so they won't tempt you too much on your kitchen counter.
Superfood seeds are a big buzz right now, but what are they and what are we supposed to do with them?
Here's some information on Chia Seed - one of the healthiest for you... and how to incorporate them into your diet (and even your kid's). I'll post more about Hemp and Flax soon so stay tuned!
Chia Seed
Chia, literally means "strength" in Mayan and can be traced back over 3,000 years to Central America where the Aztecs utilized it as one of their primary plant sources of food, notably their third most important crop next to corn and beans. Chia was considered more valuable than gold and was often used to pay taxes and tribute to the Aztec nobility.
- Very high concentration of essential fatty acids (EFAs) - up to 4x the concentration of other grains. These are important for organ function. The body doesn't make this itself and therefore you must obtain EFAs from your diet.
- Very high Omega-3 content. Contains 64% of ALA (Alpha linolenic acid)
- 5 times the calcium of milk!
- High in complete protein - 23% per seed. Contains all essential amino acids - making it a complete protein.
- Packed with essential vitamins and trace minerals
- High in antioxidents - contains chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and flavanol glycosides. Protects against cancer and heart disease, and helps slow the aging process
- High in fiber. Eating a high fiber diet (accompanied with lots of water) helps eliminate toxins, lose weight, regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol and feel less bloated.
- Long shelf life - store at room temp.
Wondering how to incorporate them into your diet? Try sprinkling in your smoothies, yogurt, salads and baked goods. It can also be used as an egg replacer.
Check out these complete meal smoothies with oatmeal and chia seed from The Yummy Life.
Or these Chia Seed pancakes from Shape Magazine.
Here's a chocolate Chia pudding! (vegan)
I'd love to hear from you if you eat Chia regularly and have experienced the benefits!
Happy health!
Learn more about Chia here at Natural News.com
Have a little sweet tooth, or need an easy recipe for a party or event, but you don't want to ruin your healthy eating habits for the new year? These are a great occasional solution - they are gluten free, low in sugar and really surprisingly, amazingly good. If there ever was a "healthy" cookie, this is it!
