Gut-loving Probiotic Chia Pudding
Serves 4
Well hellllllo there my long lost blog-friends! It has been quite some time since I have posted anything, but I have good reason! I am currently 8 weeks post partum and I can confirm (if anyone was in any doubt) that life with 3 kids is officially bananas! The juggling act, the need to duplicate myself (several times over!) in order to tend to everyone’s needs, the ensuing guilt that I’m not, the sleeplessness, the utter exhaustion, the overwhelmingly powerful love, the insane neurosis and the hormones, oh the hormones!
There is just zero time to do anything anymore - even nipping to the toilet is a luxury, so styling and taking photos of our food is absolutely out of the question! Fortunately, in true Blue Peter style, here’s one I made earlier...This breakfast takes 5 minutes to prep and is so easy that even my 5 year old can make it all by himself. It is just about as nutritious a breakfast as you can get (you know how much I love my fibre!) and is oh so deliciously sweet and creamy. One portion provides 302 calories, 13g of protein (the same as 2 eggs) and a massive 15g of fibre, which is over 50% of the daily recommended amount! Not to mention it provides 135% of my calcium and 15% of my daily iron.
This healthy and gluten-free breakfast is a lifesaver on those busy mornings (read: every single morning), because not only does it take no time to prep, but it lasts for several days in the fridge so is on hand for an immediate and nutritious breakfast.
I have used Kefir in this recipe, and if you aren’t familiar with it, now is the time my friend, now is the time! It is a pourable cultured yogurt drink that contains gut-friendly bacteria and is a great addition to your diet. There are dairy-free kefir options available too if you have an intolerance.
These days I can often get to 2pm before realising I haven’t even brushed my teeth, so in the interest of transparency I want to make it clear that this photo was taken last year and certainly not whilst in the midst of double homeschooling and newborn madness!
Normally I would wax lyrical about the nutritional benefits of the mighty little chia seed (like being a great source of plant-based Omega 3s, soluble fibre and protein), but this time you’ll just have to take my word for it because in all honesty, I’m absolutely pooped and need to tend to the little one!
PROBIOTIC CHIA PUDDING INGREDIENTS
• 500ml Kefir (I use Biotiful which is organic and unsweetened)
• 5 tbsp Chia Seeds
• 1-2 tbsp Maple Syrup (to taste)
BERRY CHIA JAM INGREDIENTS
• 300g Frozen Berries
• 3 tbsp Chia Seeds
• 1-2 tsp Sugar of your choice to taste (I used Erythritol and the amount depends on how sweet or tart the berries are)
• A squeeze of Lemon
PROBIOTIC CHIA PUDDING METHOD
• Simply add all of the ingredients together and leave to thicken for 5-10 mins while you prep the berry jam (I usually make the night before).
• Serve with the berry chia jam and a sprinkle of granola on top.
BERRY CHIA JAM METHOD
• Put the frozen berries into a medium saucepan with a splash of water at the bottom.
• Gentle heat over a low-medium heat until soft.
• Remove from the heat and mash.
• Sprinkle in the chia seeds, sugar and a squeeze of lemon.
• Mix well and leave for 5 mins to thicken.