Chocolate and Banana Chia Pudding with Coconut

Whole Foods- Chia PuddingI don't really like to call this dessert chia "pudding". When I think of pudding, I think of a smooth velvety texture and this chia "pudding" is not smooth and velvety. But i'm not quite sure what else to call it, so Chia Pudding it is and it's delicious in its own way. Chia seeds are filled with antioxidants, iron and lots of fibre for healthy bowels. Chia can help give your body long lasting energy, help balance blood sugar levels and help cleans your bowels. WORD to Chia, thank you for existing!

1/4 cup chia seeds
1 1/4 cup homemade unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
1 organic banana
1 tablespoon raw cocoa powder (Fair Trade)
2 tablespoons organic unsweetened, fine shredded coconut
1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup

Method
Note- Omit maple syrup for a low carb version, top with some berries instead.
This is the easiest dessert I have ever made. Ready? Put everything in a blender except for the chia, blend until fairly smooth. Add the mixture to a bowl and whisk in your chia seeds. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes and then stir. Add it to the fridge to thicken, should take 2-3 hours or make this and allow it to sit overnight. Divide the pudding into 4-5 little ramekin dishes, garnish with fresh mint and some shredded coconut

Cook Outside the Box
Don't stop at chocolate; add fresh berries, omit the chocolate and use mango puree and coconut milk instead of almond milk. The possibilities are endless. Let me know how you made this recipe your own! 

Bon Appétit!

Blueberry and Banana Smoothie

1 big handful fresh spinach or fresh parsley
1/2 fresh or frozen banana
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup mango frozen or fresh
1/2 cup coconut water *You can omit this and just add more almond milk
3/4 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 scoop Whey protein isolate powder (I am using Precision All Natural brand, vanilla flavour. I only use 1/2 scoop which is about 18-20 grams of protein.)
1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or almond extract

Method
Note- This is not low carb but still delicious and nutritious.
Buy a whole bunch of blueberries, mangoes and bananas and portion 1/2 cup of blueberries, 1/4 cup mango and 1/2 a banana into small freezer bags.
Done, frozen and ready to go in the morning! In a glass jar with a hand blender or regular blender add all of your ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.
Pure vanilla extract is the flavour of love! I like my smoothies really cold so I add 2-3 ice cubes after I have blended my smoothie. 
*For more information on Whey protein isolate