Growing up, I thought the only thing Chia Seeds were good for was to grow fake hair on a made-for-tv product ceramic head.  Turns out they’re a dietary all-star.  They’re packed with fiber, fatty acids, protein, and calcium.  They’ve got more calcium in one tablespoon than a glass of milk, and because they expand when hydrated they can help make you feel fuller when you’re trying to lose weight.

In their crunchy form, chia seeds can be used in crusted fish or chicken coating recipes.  Soak them in water and they expand up to ten times their original size, turn gelatinous, and are great in oatmeal, pudding, smoothies, and a myriad of other things.  Chances are if you haven’t used them in your cooking you will sometime in the near future.  They’re one of the trendiest foods out there right now.

What do do with Chia Seeds

• Add to jams and jellies
• Use in protein shakes and smoothies
• Add to yogurt and pudding as a topping with fruit
• Use to thicken meatloaf or meatballs
• Add to homemade salad dressings as you would poppy seeds
• Use as a crunchy add-in when you make homemade protein bars or energy bites
• If you make your own sushi, use them in sticky rice for added crunch
• In baking, use as an egg substitute.  Grind one tablespoon of Chia seed in a food processor or coffee grinder and mix with 3 tablespoons water.  This can be used as a substitute for one egg in baking.
• Use as a crunchy coating in breading for fish and chicken dishes