Whether you’re looking to replace a meal, cap off a meal or simply quench your own thirst, there’s little doubt that smoothies are the go-to drink! Unfortunately, along with the great taste of many popular smoothies comes a hefty amount of calories. If you want to enjoy smoothies without having to worry about your waistline, consider chia seeds. Chia seeds bring a lot to the table – they add texture, they are a natural thickener and they’re loaded with fiber, omega 3 and protein. Additionally, they naturally expand to 9 times their original size when soaked in liquid, so they can help you feel more full. We’ve decided to share a few of our absolute favorite chia smoothie recipes.
Chia-Berry Splash
The Chia-Berry Splash smoothie is great for just about any occasion and it’s so simple to make. All you will need are the following:
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries (fresh is always better) – we recommend raspberries, strawberries or blueberries, but just about any kind of berrys will work!
- 1 and a half cups of fruit juice – You could use apple, cranberry, orange or a mixture
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
Here’s how to do it:
Soak the chia seeds in apple juice for at least 10 minutes to make it tapioca-like. If it looks good enough, you may blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Add ice and blend together if you please.
Two (2) tablespoons of yogurt, coconut milk or banana can make your smoothie thicker and creamier.
Chia Pina Colada
A new, healthy twist on an old favorite. Enjoy all the Pina Colada you want without all the guilt. All you will need are the following:
- Half an orange that is peeled, seeded, and chopped
- Half a banana
- Half a cup of diced pineapple – fresh or canned will work
- 1/3 cup of shredded coconut
- Half a cup of water or coconut milk
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
Here’s how to do it:
Mix water and coconut milk together and soak the chia seeds in the mixture for at least 10 minutes.
Blend all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth enough. Add ice and blend together if you please.
Optional – add some fresh mango or berries for an even more explosive taste, or kick it up a notch by adding your favorite rum.
Bananna Orange Chia Delight
This is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a healthy and exotic tropical drink. You will need:
- 1 bananna – the riper, the better
- 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt or coconut milk
- 1 and a half cups of quality orange juice
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
Just like the other smoothies, the chia seeds need to be soaked in orange juice for 10 minutes or so and allow them to soften like tapioca. Blend all ingredients together until a rich, creamy consistency is achieved.
Chocolate Banannabutter Chia Supreme
Craving a devilish dessert? Want to enjoy the richness of your favorite treat without the guilt? Try out our Chocolate Banannabutter Chia Supreme smoothie. Here’s how:
- 1 ripe bananna
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter – we like plain, but you can use chunky
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seed
Soak the chia seeds for around 15 minutes, then blend all the ingredients together until smooth and enjoy!
