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Ch-ch-ch-chia! Maybe it’s just me but the sound of the word chia makes me just want to get up and shake. Chia seeds are such a fun and versatile ingredient that can be added to almost any recipe for a boost of fiber, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
I personally like them in my oatmeal, cereal, smoothies, pancakes, salads, yogurt, jam, sauces, puddings, muffins, cakes … Okay, you get it, I really like chia seeds. I love them so much I even add them to plain water, which is the base of this super refreshing lemonade recipe.
Long summer days call for icy cold drinks. And if you’re going to load up on liquid to stay hydrated, and you should, why not make it tasty and nutritious? Let’s go easy on the sugary soda this summer, shall we?
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You have my word: this raspberry chia lemonade is a breeze to make and can be prepared ahead of time to be enjoyed over a few days from the refrigerator. You only need four ingredients plus water and ice cubes.
Raspberries give it a nice fruity touch, and you’re in charge of the taste. Like it sweeter? Just add more honey (or agave if you’re vegan)! Want more lemon flavor? Give it an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You’re the boss.
Just remember that this recipe uses whole chia seeds and not ground chia seeds. In my experience, you can find whole chia seeds at most grocery stores these days. I’ve seen them at the baking aisle of my local neighborhood supermarket and also in the bulk section of natural foods stores. You can also easily buy them online if that’s more convenient for you.
You’re likely to come across black and white chia seeds. Don’t fret. It doesn’t really matter which ones you get as they both reportedly contain similar amounts of nutrients.
The black seeds may contain more antioxidants, but it’s not a big deal. They mostly come mixed anyway.
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According to my research, this superfood is believed to be first grown and harvested by the Aztec civilization during the pre-Columbian era. Now why are chia seeds becoming so popular?
Well, it appears that ancient civilizations believed chia seeds provided supernatural powers. Legend has it that Aztec warriors consume one tablespoon of chia seeds to sustain themselves for an entire day! The Internet is a great resource, don’t you think?
When mixed with water, fiber- and protein-rich chia seeds expand and turn gel-like. What that does is contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety, which can promote stable blood sugar levels and help curb overeating.
Hey, I like that superpower! I’ve also been told that thirst can sometimes be confused for hunger. So the next time you feel peckish, instead of reaching for the bag of chips, why not try having a glass of chia lemonade first?
It’s a nutrient-packed thirst-quencher that’s also filling. Whoa, what a win!
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup raspberries
- Juice of 1 lemon, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon liquid sweetener like honey and agave, or to taste
- Ice cubes
- Fill a jar with water and add chia seeds. Stir very well or put the lid on the jar and shake well. Make sure the chia seeds are not clumped up. Place in the refrigerator and let sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the chia seeds to expand and turn gel-like.
- In a medium bowl, mash the raspberries with a muddler or the back of your spoon. Add the raspberries, lemon juice and honey or agave into the jar of chia water and stir or shake well to combine. Adjust the lemon and sweetener according to your preference.
- Pour into a glass and top with ice cubes to serve. Garnish with a slice of lemon. Enjoy!