the strength of chia seeds

9/14/2018

Earlier this week, we looked at the benefits of flaxseed. Today we’re talking about another seed: chia. Yes, the same seeds that you used to grow green sprouts on your Chia Pet back in the day. Before they were used to decorate terracotta, chia seeds were treasured by the Mayans and Aztecs as a source of energy and strength. Chia is actually an ancient Mayan word that means “strength”! These seeds are currently enjoying a surge in popularity, so let’s see what they have to offer you:

Antioxidants: Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, which can help your skin look younger, grow healthier hair, and slow the effects of aging.
Fiber: Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 30% of your daily fiber needs. Almost all the carbs in chia seeds are actually fiber and they’re 40% fiber by weight. This will help you feel full longer, feed your good gut bacteria, and keep you regular.
Protein: Two tablespoons will net you 4.4g of protein, as chia seeds are 14% protein by weight. Add them to peanut butter and oats and you’ll have plenty of protein to get you to lunch.
Omega-3s: A two tablespoon serving of chia seeds has as many Omega-3 fatty acids as a 4oz serving of salmon.
Calcium: Chia seeds have more calcium per ounce than most dairy products. They also have phosphorus and magnesium to help strengthen your bones even more.

If you’re going to add chia seeds to your diet, they don’t need to be ground up like flaxseed. You can sprinkle them on cereal or yogurt, or add them to juice or smoothies. Their flavor is very mild so it won’t throw off the taste of whatever you add them to.

SOURCES

https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3061/2

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chia-seeds/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds

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Amanda is a mother of three (10, 7, and 5) and has been married for 14 years. My weight loss journey started July 17, 2008, one day after my daughter's first birthday. Tipping the scales at 235 pounds at 5'3, being an over weight, over tired, out of shape role model no longer appealed to me and I knew it was time for a change. Three pregnancies later, I had lost a total of 105 pounds. I had run 2 marathons and dozens of half marathons. Something was missing. I was thin, but I wasn't fit. I wasn't healthy. I could feel it in my insides. I was 136 pounds and a size 8. Something didn't add up. I got my certification in personal training, nutrition, weight management, and dove into supplementation and whole foods. 90 days later, I gained 10 pounds and lost two pants sizes (8 to a 4).

Continuing on this path, all of my clients wanted to know how I was doing it. I always dreamed of creating a business that truly added value to people and improved their health. My husband, Grant, and I decided it was time to take that leap.

December 9, 2016, Simply Prepped Meals was born. Based around the mission of providing whole food based nutrition to people's doorsteps, we set out to create a new idea that fast food didn't have to be expensive or bad for you. Six months later, we built our permanent location in Cynthiana, IN. Then, January 2, 2018, we entered into a partnership with the YMCA of Southern Indiana to continue spreading the word of meal prep and eating with purpose.

Amanda coaches individually as well as continues to drive their business. Any questions about personal coaching can be directed to her at amanda@simplypreppedmeals.com

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