How to Incorporate Chia Seeds into Your Diet for More Effective Weight Loss

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Chia seeds are chock full of nutrients and fall into the category of one of the healthiest and most beneficial foods out there. Chia seeds could only be found in specialty stores previously but as their popularity has increased over the last few years, they have become widely available in most supermarkets and are offered in restaurants as part of a desert or main dish. However, you don’t have to visit restaurants to chia seeds them at home.

What is the Origin of Chia Seeds?

They are tiny black and white seeds derived from the Salvia Hispanica, which can be found in South
America. They were a staple part of the diet for Mayans and Aztecs and were regarded as a strengthening seed.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds & Why They are Useful for Weight Loss

• Chia seeds are loaded with protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
• The carbs in them are mostly fiber making it an excellent low carb addition to a weight loss regimen.
• Their composition allows them to swell up to 10 – 12 times their weight, which will fill you up faster.
• It has a significant amount of protein, which reduces appetite and the need for snacking in-between meals.
• Chia seeds are vegan and gluten free making them suitable for most people.

The only disadvantage with chia seeds is they are quite expensive compared to flax seeds. However, you don’t need a huge amount for your diet so a 16 oz bag should last for a while.

NUTIVA BLACK CHIA SEEDS

How to Incorporate Chia Seeds into Your Diet

• I usually mix 1 full tablespoon into my smoothies after every work out and I find this to be adequate for my needs.
• You can mix a spoonful into your water bottle before your work out. Sip on it as you progress through your work out.
• Mix with almond milk and set aside for 30 minutes. Eat as a post work out snack. Add agave nectar to consume it as a desert after a main meal.
• Sprinkle chia seeds on your breakfast cereal in the morning.

There are many other chia recipes and you can add chia seeds to almost anything but these are the simplest ones you can start implementing immediately.

Keep in mind, adding chia seeds to your diet doesn’t automatically mean weight loss. You will still need to address and eliminate the bad aspects of your diet as well as include exercise in your weight loss plan.

Be sure to check the chia seeds you purchase aren’t brown as these are immature seeds, which don’t have the full nutritional benefits. The most recommended chia seed brands are:

BOB’S RED MILL CHIA SEEDS

NUTIVA ORGANIC CHIA SEED

NATIVAS ORGANIC CHIA SEEDS

If you’re wondering about the differences between flax seeds and chia seeds, have a look at this article.