Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Would you be interested in a decadent chocolate pudding that you can eat every day and it's good for you?  A rich and delicious chocolate pudding that will increase your energy and can help you lose weight?  Do I have your attention yet?

This is not your everyday chocolate pudding.  It's rich and creamy and totally satisfying.  
It keeps you feeling full long after you eaten every delectable, creamy, chocolate bite. 

I almost forgot... it's super easy to make.

(topped with plain Greek Yogurt and blueberries)

(topped with blueberries)

Chia seeds are a Nutrient-Dense Superfood - rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants and essential vitamins A, B, D and E, also calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese and iron.  Chia seeds help sustain your energy levels, the rich fiber content helps control your weight by making your stomach feel fuller, longer.   This omega powerhouse is gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, raw, low-carb and paleo-friendly.


      2 Servings

• 1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 2 tbsp raw cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla if desired

Toppings:  blueberries, strawberries, yogurt, walnuts, pecans, fresh coconut, chocolate shavings, and anything else you can imagine.  

Mix all the ingredients together.  I use raw honey because I love the sweetness it adds and it's full of health benefits too.  Once everything is mixed, cover and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. These mighty little chia seeds absorb up to 12x their weight so you may want to add a little more almond milk depending on the thickness you prefer.  

Parmesan Roasted Red Potatoes and Green Beans

I love fresh vegetables.

This dish is one of my favorites and I keep it simple and healthy.

30 minutes in the oven or on the grill 

Ingredients

• 1 pound green beans
• 6 petite red potatoes, cut into eighths
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 

Note:  You can use a bowl for the next step but I use a large food storage bag.

Please all your ingredients into the storage bag and shake to mix and coat your vegetables evenly.

Just empty your bag of coated vegetables onto a 9 x 13 baking sheet and spread out evenly.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes depending on how you like your vegetables.  I don't like squishy green beans, they have to retain a little of their normal consistency for me.  I usually bake about 20 minutes.  Your potatoes are small and they will cook well in this time frame so base your cooking time on your green beans.

This wonderful dish can also be cooked easily on the grill.  
Instead of the cookie sheet I just place my tossed and coated vegetables onto a large piece of folded aluminum foil to make my covered baking sheet and place them on my hot grill for the same 20 to 30 minutes.

Awesome Smoothie Recipes

I wanted to share some Smoothie Recipes that I've found and the taste is almost to good to be good for you.  My first kale smoothie was undrinkable.  

Let's face it, if you can't stand to taste it you're probably not going to drink it, lol.

Hemp Hearts, Blueberries, Chia Seeds, and Spinach are becoming my favorite ingredients.

Recipes

Sleepy Seeds Smoothie helps facilitate sleep naturally by reducing muscle tension and promoting system relaxation. 

Ingredients

• 1 banana, sliced
• 1⁄4 cup blueberries
• 1⁄4 cup raspberries
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 1 tbsp sunflower seeds

Instructions

Place ingredients into a blender, fill to the max water line, and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.

Skinny Blast Smoothie

The Skinny Blast Smoothie naturally promotes weight loss and increases your sense of well being. \

Ingredients

• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 carrot
• 1 orange, peeled
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds
• 1⁄8 pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Place ingredients into a blender, fill to the max water line, and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. 

Fountain Of Youth Smoothie

The Fountain Of Youth Smoothie will help you reenergize and reinvigorate, thus providing a more youthful attitude and appearance. 

Ingredients

• 1 medium nectarine, pitted
• ½ avocado, pitted and peeled
• ½ cup blueberries
• 2 cups kale
• 10 walnut halves

Instructions

Place ingredients into a blender, fill to the max water line, and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. 

Jolly Green Smoothie

The Jolly Green Smoothie is named for the jovial green giant mascot of the Green Giant vegetable company. 

Ingredients

• ½ banana
• ½ orange, peeled and seeded
• 2 cups spinach
• ¼ cup raspberries
• ¼ cup strawberries
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ cup ice

Instructions

Place ingredients into a blender and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. 
Add a few Chia seeds to the top and enjoy.

Original recipes by Elle Kenwood and they are super awesome!