Sweet Cherry Chia Pudding (Paleo, Whole30)
Sweet cherries are the star of the show in this easy and scrumptious protein-packed chia pudding! Top it off with some crunchy cacao nibs, fresh, juicy cherries, and unsweetened coconut, and you'll think you're having dessert over a nutrient-packed breakfast or snack!
Starting the morning off with a healthy, macro-balanced breakfast is priority number one each day in my home. Breaking your fast (for breakfast) with healthy, whole foods that fuel your body and provide satiety is one of my goals for myself and my family. I love this easy sweet cherry chia pudding because it checks all the boxes, and the best part is that I can make a batch and have brekky for the entire week!
Why Chia Seeds are So Good For You!
Chia seeds are the black or white seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant that belongs to the mint family. Since this is a desert plant, chia seeds are to believed to have originated from Central America and was an essential part of the ancient Aztec diet.
Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (thiamine): A water soluble vitamin that is essential in glucose metabolism and supports health heart and nervous system function.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Converts carbohydrates to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which supports energy production [1].
Vitamin B3 (niacin): Essential in healthy metabolism, supports healthy cholesterol and blood pressure [2].
Vitamin B9 (folate): Essential vitamin that supports healthy metabolism, and is key in breaking down homocysteine, and amino acid that is harmful in high concentrations [3].
Vitamin C: Powerful antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables that helps to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Vitamin E: This essential fat-soluble vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in reducing oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals that may result in illness or disease. Vitamin E is essential in vision health, skin health, and reproductive health [4].
Minerals
Calcium: The most abundant mineral in the body and is essential in heart health, muscle function and support strong bones and teeth.
Copper: Essential mineral in the formation of red blood cells and in supporting cardiovascular health and immune function [5].
Iron: Iron is an essential mineral that your body needs and in plants we have non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is more difficult for our bodies to absorb [6], so pairing it with vitamin C rich foods, such as a homemade jam increases the absorption of the non-heme iron in our diets.
Magnesium: The fourth most abundant mineral in the body, it support healthy nerve functions, healthy blood pressure, and detoxification.
Manganese: Essential mineral in supporting blood sugar regulation, glucose metabolism, and supporting healthy brain and nerve function [7].
Phosphorus: Essential in bone and teeth formation, the creation of ATP, metabolic pathways, and growth and repair of tissues [8].
Potassium: An essential electrolyte necessary in nervous system function, metabolism, hydration, and in regulating your heartbeat.
Zinc: Essential in digestion, thyroid health, and a healthy immune system.
Fatty Acids
Alpha linoleic acid (ALA: also known as Omega-3): An essential fatty acid due to our body's inability to create it. It plays a vital role in our body's anti-inflammatory pathways and is an excellent whole food source of EPA and DHA.
Oleic acid (Omega-9): A monounsaturated fatty acid that is essential in cell membrane health, mineral transportation, is a source of cellular energy, is antimicrobial and supports brain function [9].
Antioxidants
Chlorogenic acid: An antioxidant that supports healthy blood pressure.
Caffeic acid: A type of polyphenol that has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral properties.
Myricetin: A plant flavonoid that is considered a strong antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.
Quercetin: an antioxidant that reduces oxidation, fight inflammation, and supports a healthy immune system [10]. Onions are also rich in organic sulphur compounds (this is what gives it its strong and pungent odor) which supports healthy cholesterol.,
Kaempferol: A polyphenol antioxidant that has shown to fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress [11].
Fiber
Adding chia seeds will increase your intake of both soluble and insoluble fiber keeping your gut and digestive tract healthy!
So grab some organic chia seeds and let's get cooking!
Sweet Cherry Chia Pudding Ingredients
Makes 4-6 servings
2 cups Dairy-Free Milk
1/2 cup Organic Chia Seeds
1 Tbsp - ¼ cup Pure Raw Honey or Pure Maple Syrup
1 cup Fresh Cherries, pitted
1/2 cup Fresh Cherries, chopped
2-4 Scoops Collagen Protein Powder *
¼ tsp Fine Real Salt
1-2 Tbsp Cacao Nibs (opt)
Fresh Cherries (opt)
Unsweetened Flaked Coconut (opt)
Raw Pumpkin Seeds (opt)
Pure Raw Honey or Pure Maple Syrup (opt)
* Substitute plant based protein powder if desired
How to Make Sweet Cherry Chia Pudding
1. In a high speed bender add the plant milk, cherries, lemon juice, honey, salt and chia seeds. Blend on medium speed for 60-90 seconds until smooth.
2. Chop up a few cherries and add to the bottom of 4-6 clean 8-12 ounce mason jars.
3. Transfer the cherry chia pudding to the jars, cover and refrigerate 4-hours to overnight.
4. Top with unsweetened flaked coconut, cacao nibs, fresh chopped cherries and a drizzle of honey!
Enjoy!
Watch the Video HERE
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FAQs
Q: Do the chia seeds need to be blended to make cherry chia pudding?
A: No, I do prefer to make my chia pudding by blending the seeds, but you can make the cherry base and stir the seeds in instead.
Q: How long with chocolate cherry chia pudding last?
A: Stored in the refrigerator, enjoy within 3-5 days.
Q: Can I use frozen cherries to make cherry chia pudding?
A: Yes, just be sure they are pitted and defrosted first!
I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. - Amy
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