Easiest High Fiber Breakfast: Strawberry Chia Pudding

New breakfast obsession unlocked!

During a recent trip to California, I finally gave chia pudding a try and, surprisingly, I loved it! The version I tasted was made with creamy oat milk and topped with a delightful combination of peanut butter, banana slices, and crunchy gluten-free, vegan granola.

Confession time: the texture of chia pudding always made me a little hesitant. I’m generally not too fussy, but certain textures can definitely “give me the ick,” you know? For smoother, pudding-like foods like yogurt, I always need to add something for that satisfying crunch and to keep each bite interesting. Keep scrolling to see my secret weapon for the perfect chia pudding texture!

Inspired by my West Coast discovery, I decided to experiment and create my own chia pudding at home. And let me tell you, this little powerhouse is packed with goodness! Chia seeds offer a fantastic array of health benefits, providing essential omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to everything from a healthy heart and balanced blood sugar to improved digestion and even potential support for weight management.

While chia pudding is praised for its simplicity and make-ahead convenience (perfect for busy bees like us!), here’s a quick rundown of why it’s so great:

Heart Health: Rich in omega-3s, chia seeds can help reduce inflammation and support a healthy cardiovascular system.
Blood Sugar Regulation: The high fiber content helps slow digestion, preventing those unwanted blood sugar spikes.
Digestive Wellness: All that fiber promotes a happy gut and can aid in weight management.
Weight Management: Fiber promotes feelings of fullness, which may help reduce overall calorie intake.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
Bone Health: They provide essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, crucial for strong bones.
Hydration Helper: Chia seeds can absorb significant amounts of liquid, contributing to your daily hydration.
Versatile & Easy: This pudding is incredibly adaptable and requires minimal effort to whip up!

The Recipe

Alright, let’s get to the delicious part! On my first attempt, I accidentally made a larger batch than intended – enough for four servings instead of two! Luckily, it was so good it wasn’t a problem. 😉

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons chia seeds
½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite milk/plant-based milk)
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon honey

Toppings (for each serving):

½ banana, sliced
A few extra berries (I used 3 more strawberries, quartered)
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
A sprinkle of sliced almonds, other nuts, or your favorite granola for that essential crunch!

Directions:

Wash the strawberries and combine them in a blender with the milk and honey. Blend until completely smooth, creating a vibrant strawberry milk.
Prepare four containers (mason jars work wonderfully for this!). Add one tablespoon of chia seeds to each container.
Pour ¼ of the strawberry milk mixture into each container. Now, this is crucial: stir very well to ensure no chia seeds clump together.
Secure the containers with airtight lids. Give each one a good shake to further prevent clumping.
Pop the containers into the refrigerator and let them work their magic overnight (or for at least a few hours) to thicken into a beautiful pudding consistency.
In the morning (or whenever you’re ready to enjoy!), add your favorite toppings to each jar right before serving. The combination of creamy pudding, sweet berries, and crunchy nuts is simply divine!

Storage Tip:

Your chia pudding will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. For the best texture and to prevent soggy toppings, add them just before you’re ready to dig in.

I’m absolutely thrilled with this new breakfast (or snack!) creation and can’t wait to explore more flavor combinations.

Stay tuned for more gut-friendly recipes, and please let me know in the comments below if you give this strawberry chia pudding a try!

Be well,

Emily