Meandering through an old growth forest, running along a pristine beach that seems to go on forever, watching the sunset from the top of a mountain.
These are some of the things you can get up to when visiting beautiful Vancouver Island and here are a few snapshots of my recent visit there.
Now I’m back home with stories to tell and recipes to share.
Stay tuned..
Okay, here’s my second post about the wonders of chia and with another yummy recipe.
Did you know that chia can actually help you regulate your hormones? Pretty impressive for such a little seed.
Insulin, the stress hormone that your pancreas produces, can be slowed down by eating chia daily. How you’re wondering? By regulating the amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream. Another byproduct of having less stress hormones floating around in your body? An increase in the amount of testosterone in your system. Something that’s good for both males and females. See here.
Chia can also help with the interconnectivity of brain functioning, which means that it can actually help seratonin do its thing. And increased seratonin improves your mood and makes you more focused!
More reasons to eat chia every day and here’s a delicious recipe to help you do just that:
Blend all ingredients together. Let sit overnight in a covered container in the refrigerator. Layer the pudding with fresh, slices of fruit or top with coconut and chocolate shavings. Serve and enjoy.
After doing a little digging on the internet, I found so many benefits from eating chia that I couldn’t wait to get into the kitchen to whip up a batch of yummy chia pudding.
I have a feeling that these awesome little seeds – also used for the iconic chia pets of the 70’s – are going to be a major player in my anti-aging journey.
I’m also excited to share a few of their health benefits, and a delicious recipe, with you.
Here they are:
Chia seeds have a natural antioxidant concentration that stops up to 70% of free radical activity. Chia seeds are one of nature’s riches antioxidants and antioxidants speed up the skin’s repair systems, as well as preventing any further damage.
Chia is super-high in fiber, providing nearly 11 grams per ounce. One serving provides your recommended fiber intake for the day. Amazing and so easy! Chia seeds also create a gelatin-like substance in the stomach due to the soluble fiber in chia seeds. This works as a prebiotic supporting the growth of probiotics in the gut. How awesome is that? Prebiotics and all the fiber you need in one shot!
Chia seeds’ ability to reverse inflammation, regulate cholesterol and lower blood pressure make it a friend of your <3. Also, because of this, someone is less likely to develop atherosclerosis when they’re eating chia seeds daily.
A recent study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning says chia seeds improve exercise performance for workouts in the same way a sugary sports drink would. But…without all the sugar. Yes!
Chia seeds are also one of the top plant based sources of protein. This is another reason this superfood is amazing to consume for those trying to put on lean muscle, burn fat, and balance blood sugar levels.
Chia seeds pack a powerful antioxidant punch to help replace some of those nutrients lost when exercising. They’re high in essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc (very anti-aging), iron and niacin.
One of the qualities that makes chia so incredible is that it can absorb up to 10 times its own weight in water. Because of this, chia seeds can help keep you hydrated and increase absorption of electrolytes. This also slows digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer reducing those sabotaging fast food cravings.
Can you see why I’m in love with these awesome little seeds? And I’ve found a delicious way to incorporate them into my diet every day with a serving of chia pudding. Here is one of my fave recipes:
Blend all ingredients together. Let sit overnight in a covered container in the refrigerator. Serve.
Mind Body Soul 