Protein Chia Pudding (2024)

FAQs

Does chia seeds have enough protein? ›

Chia seeds contain an abundance of fiber and antioxidants as well as essential omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based protein, says Volpe. In fact, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds contains 9.7 grams of fiber, 4.6 grams of protein and 6.7 grams of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids.

Chia pudding is a fantastic breakfast that's high in healthy fats and fibre, making it great for your gut and helps release energy slowly throughout the morning. However, it's not a great source of protein – a regular chia pudding recipe only offers around 6g of protein per serving (2g per tbsp of chia seeds).

Limited research in animals and humans has found that taking chia seeds daily can lead to greater weight loss and bone mineral content ( 14 , 24 ). That said, eating too many can cause some side effects, so start with a small dose, like 1 oz (28 g) daily, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

Chia pudding is high in protein, full of omega-3s, packed with fiber and helps keep you full and satisfied all day long. It's also meal-prep friendly which makes it all that much better for busy moms and professionals.

One ounce of chia seeds contains 4.7 grams of protein (more protein per ounce than eggs or milk!).

But you don't have to be a high-intensity athlete to benefit from chia seeds. Bodybuilders love chia seeds because, according to Bodybuilding.com, two tablespoons of chia seeds give you: 5x the omega-3 content of 1/4-cup of walnuts. 2x the iron and magnesium of a cup of spinach.

Chia is rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. These seeds also contain magnesium, an important mineral for brain, digestive tract and heart health. Add chia to cereal, yogurt, salads and smoothies, or use it make puddings for a nutrient-dense snack.

In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size. You'll probably want to break this up throughout the day, adding a teaspoon or two to your smoothie, another teaspoon in your mid-morning yogurt, and the rest in recipes like chia pudding.

Despite their small size, chia seeds boast an impressive protein content, making them an excellent plant-based protein source for muscle growth and repair.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

What time of day is best to eat chia pudding? ›

Chia pudding makes a delicious dish that can be eaten for breakfast or as dessert. If you don't like the seeds' texture, try blending the pudding to give it a smoother finish.

Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. Chia seeds are edible seeds that come from a plant belonging to the mint family, called Salvia hispanica.

"Some people may experience GI and digestive issues from eating too many chia seeds. This is likely because they're an excellent source of fiber," explains Schlichter. "Also, these symptoms may be exacerbated if you're not drinking enough water," she says.

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

Chia seed downsides

It can also cause gas, bloating, gas or diarrhea in some people." People with chronic conditions like gastrointestinal disease (including inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) should avoid chia seed drinks.

These tiny seeds can provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol, boost your heart health and reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. That said, because chia seeds are packed with fiber and are calorie dense, stick with no more than 2 tablespoons per day.

Two tablespoons of chia (about 28g or one ounce) has 138 calories, 4.7g protein, 8.7g of fat, 11.9g of carbohydrates, 9.8g fiber, and no sugar. Chia is an excellent source of phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium, and a good source of calcium and iron.

Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

Like most fiber-rich foods, eating too many chia seeds can lead to digestive discomfort. Although a 28g serving of chia seeds may seem harmless, this tiny amount provides a whopping 42% of a person's recommended daily fiber, and so it would be easy to exceed your fiber limit.