Recipe:
This decadent “dessert” breakfast incorporates the classic combination of chocolate and strawberries. The chia seed pudding is rich and chocolatey and magically thickens overnight into a creamy pudding with bits of crunchy chia seeds. The strawberry yogurt layer tastes like strawberry-flavored yogurt but the frozen strawberries give it a thicker texture and make the dish cool and refreshing. Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect against dandruff and dry hair. Omega-3s also have beauty benefits for skin, gums, and eyes.
Ingredients:
For the chocolate chia seed pudding layer:
1⁄4 cup chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1⁄8 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry yogurt layer:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup frozen strawberries, chopped
2 teaspoons honey
Instructions:
Optional toppings (not included in nutritional info): fresh sliced strawberries, dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs
In a small container or tupperware, combine chia seeds and almond milk. Cover and refrigerate overnight to thicken. (It should sit for at least 2 hours). In the morning, stir in cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine yogurt, strawberries, and honey. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
In a jar or tall glass, layer the chia seed pudding and the yogurt. Top with optional toppings, if desired.
Yields: 2 servings
Per serving: 306 calories, 19.22 g protein, 41.07 g carbohydrates, 16.5 g fiber, 19.9 g sugars, 11.76 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 7.5 mg cholesterol, 216.42 mg sodium, 533.9 mg calcium, 5.8 g omega-3 fats, 1050 IU vitamin A, 40 mg vitamin C, 3.41 mg vitamin E, 2.73 mg iron, 0.91 mg zinc
Lisa Drayer, M.A., R.D.,
is the author of THE BEAUTY DIET and STRONG, SLIM, and 30! For more of Lisa’s Beauty Bites, visit www.lisadrayer.com.