Classic Chia Pudding Recipe

The hard truth about mornings is we often don't have much time in the kitchen to make a healthy breakfast. We've all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and wellness coach Miriam Hahn brings us a quick recipe for classic chia pudding that can help us follow through on healthy breakfast intentions.

Hahn says, "Chia pudding has always been one of my favorite breakfasts because it's delicious and satisfying and you can literally grab it from the fridge on your way out the door." The star of the show, chia seeds, are a powerhouse of nutrition. "They are a great mix of protein, good fats, and fiber," Hahn remarks, adding "that combination is what keeps you full and satiated."

When you mix chia seeds with liquid they expand and your mixture becomes thick like pudding — thus the name. The mixture lends itself to all sorts of fun toppings which help pile on the health benefits. Read on to learn how to make this simple recipe.

For this recipe, you will need milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla. You can buy chia seeds online or at most stores; look for them in the supplement area or in the baking aisle. "If you are worried about smiling with a black chia seed stuck in your front tooth," Hahn shares, "white chia seeds are available online and they offer the same nutritional value so, smile freely." You also can use any type of milk, and plant-based milk options available these days are practically endless. As far as maple syrup goes, to get the most bang for your buck health-wise, Hahn says to use organic pure maple syrup over the more processed types of syrup, and honey or molasses can also be substituted.

You can also jazz up your chia pudding will all sorts of toppings. Hahn usually opts for fresh fruit, unsweetened shredded coconut, and chopped nuts. Feel free to get creative!

To start, choose your container. Something with a lid is ideal, but if it has gone missing like most lids somehow do, good, old-fashioned aluminum foil will do the trick. If you plan to add toppings, make sure your container has some room for those down the line. Add your milk of choice and the chia seeds. Give it a good stir and do your best to get rid of any clumps.

Now, add the maple syrup and vanilla and give it another good stir. Put your lid on and stick it into the fridge — it's that simple. In about an hour your chia pudding will be ready to eat, making this a really simple thing to do before bed, so it is ready in the morning.

When you are ready to eat your chia pudding you can enjoy the creamy, sweet flavor as it is, or you can toss in some fresh fruit, nuts, and coconut to jazz it up. Chia pudding will last for up to a week in the fridge. If you love the convenience, it is a good idea to prepare several jars for the week and just change it up with different toppings.