Happy National Chia Day!
National Chia Day is a happy day indeed! These tiny seeds are one of the most nutritionally powerful foods on the planet. We’re celebrating with a new recipe: Chia Overnight Oats with Dates!
Chia seeds date all the way back to Mayan and Aztec tribes. It’s thought that the seeds were eaten by these cultures to provide strength and energy. I’m not surprised. These powerhouses contain all the nutritional goodness of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, calcium, and antioxidants. One ounce of Gerbs raw black chia seeds (approximately 2 tablespoons) contains 135 calories, 5 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals.
So why stop at the seeds? Let’s go one step further and incorporate some chia seed meal powder into our lives! After all, this nutty flavored food is not only a rock star when it comes to nutrition – it’s also delicious! The mild flavor makes chia versatile. It can be added to smoothies, cereals, yogurt, baked goods, sauces, vegetables, rice dishes, and oatmeal! And if you’re trying to add more healthy foods into your kids’ diets (who isn’t?), this is one food that can usually sneak past the pickiest of eaters.
Hungry yet?
New Recipe: Chia Overnight Oats with Dates
I’m not sure what I love more about this recipe – the incredible amount of nutrition it packs into a single dish (with the chia seeds, chia powder, gluten-free rolled oats, and dried fruit) or the fact that it is incredibly easy to make! Let’s call it a tie.
I’m a big fan of using mason jars for overnights oats, because it gives me a way to recycle my salsa jars. But you can use a bowl with an air tight lid for this recipe as well. This is an allergen-friendly recipe, but there are a few modifications you can make depending on your dietary restrictions or preferences. For example, if you’re allergic to almonds, you can substitute your choice of milk for the almond milk (or water if you prefer).
Also, if you’re not into the sweet stuff right now, you can omit the vanilla extract and/or maple syrup – these are optional ingredients. The dates are a delicious way to sweeten the oatmeal naturally without any added sugar. However, if you’re trying to keep all sugars down, including natural sugars, you can substitute fresh fruit which is less concentrated than dried fruit.
This fiber-packed, nutrient-rich breakfast is a fantastic way to start your day. The powerful combination of healthy fats, protein and fiber is sure to keep you feeling satisfied all morning long. And it’s great for kids before school, because it fuels them up with nutrients they need to succeed in the classroom! Let us know if you give this recipe a try by sharing it on social media and tagging #GerbsNutritionMoms. Enjoy!
| Servings |
- 1 cup Gerbs Gluten Free Rolled Oats
- 1 tablespoon Gerbs Raw Black Chia Seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Gerbs Chia Seed Powder
- One pinch Gerbs Himalayan Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Gerbs Cinnamon
- 6 whole Gerbs pitted dates (chopped)
- 1 cup unsweetened, vanilla almond milk or water or milk of your choice
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup optional
Ingredients
| |
- Combine oats, chia seeds & powder, salt, cinnamon and dates together in a bowl or mason jar. Pour almond milk, vanilla extract and maple syrup over the mixture and stir. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight. Serve cold or heated up, topped with more dates and your choice of nuts or seeds.