Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Chocolate Chia Pudding and Raspberry Breakfast Parfait

Today's post is a teaser for Friday's "FAQ Friday" post.  I'll be discussing why it's important to get more protein in your breakfast, and of course why it's important to simply eat breakfast, period (you did see the latest news about men, breakfast, and heart disease, right?!).  I saw today's recipe on Marianne's blog a while ago and knew I had to make it (starting the day with chocolate is never an issue for me, is it for you?).  I made a few minor modifications, as I always do, and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.



It took me a while to get into chia seeds, and in fact I'm still slightly hesitant to include them in my diet on a regular basis because I swear it's no coincidence that when I started eating tiny seeds (chia and amaranth) I got my first cavity.  Ok, maybe it is a coincidence, but I'm not certain (afterall, since starting to enjoy these tiny seeds I now have to carry floss with me wherever I go.  No, I never did that before).

Chocolate Chia Pudding and Raspberry Parfait
Serves 1

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 Tbsp. hulled hemp seeds
1 Tbsp. chopped dark chocolate (any brand)
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. chocolate whey powder (or vanilla)
2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. maple syrup
1/2 cup fresh raspberries


Directions
1. Combine chia seeds, hemp seeds, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, whey, almond milk, vanilla and maple syrup in a bowl.  Allow to sit for 20 minutes for chia to absorb all of the liquid.

2.  In a parfait glass or other dish, alternate layers of chia pudding and raspberries (or simply put the raspberries on top of the pudding, without layering).

**NOTE:  If you are following a low FODMAPS diet you will be happy to know that this is low FODMAPs!


I think this kept me full for about four hours.  That's a lot.  Read below to see if you can figure out one of the reasons why I was full for so long......


Estimated nutrition facts for 1-serving
Source: CalorieCount.com

Nutrition Highlights:  Under 400 calories, good source of protein and vitamin A, excellent source of FIBER (wowza! I think this explains my fullness), iron, vitamin C and calcium.

You can always cut down on the calories by omitting the maple syrup, but in all honestly a 400-calorie breakfast is pretty reasonable.  In fact, I typically suggest making breakfast one of, if not the, largest meals of the day.


Truth be told, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  It used to be the opposite, I despised breakfast! Do you remember when they used to serve breakfast for lunch in school? Yuck, I hated it.  Pancakes, french toast sticks, I was just not a fan.  I'm still not a huge fan of french toast sticks, and I really rarely eat pancakes, but overall the idea of having breakfast for lunch is much more appealing to me now (and even for dinner...who doesn't like a big ol' scrambled egg tortilla with salsa?!).


QUESTION:  What's your favorite breakfast of ALL time?



Thanks for reading!

The Candid Rd

11 comments :

  1. Yum! I've been eating chia seeds for a few years sprinkled on my oatmeal or cereal in the morning, but I still haven't made chia seed pudding. I love the way the pudding looks like the raspberries in the pictures-- pretty!

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  2. Yum! Love chocolate and raspberries together.

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  3. When I saw the title of the blog... I was like, no way can you have pudding for breakfast?! But this recipe looks really REALLY good. Like...I can't believe it's for breakfast!!! I'm so making this for my breakfast tomorrow!

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  4. Wowza-that's a lot of protein in one serving of breakfast! I'm generally not a fan of the taste of hemp {at least milk and protein powder}, but I haven't tried the seeds before. This looks delish-definitely want to try. Favorite breakfast ever is a tough one....let me get back to you on that :-)

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    1. You think 17 grams is a lot of protein? Wait until you see my post for Friday...I'll suggest slightly more :)
      I am with you, hemp has never been my favorite, but the seeds, especially in this recipe, don't have much taste, so I'm a fan!

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  5. Holy cow that's a lot of fiber! I love the thought of chocolate for breakfast, and when I ate oatmeal more I used to put a few chocolate chips on top (melty, mmm), but I've been missing chocolate at breakfast lately.

    Looking forward to your FAQs Friday!

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  6. Oooh love chia seed pudding but never thought to eat it parfait-style. Love it

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  7. I have a tablespoon of chia seeds in my oatmeal every morning. I use them in smoothies and I make a chia jam that is fantastic.http://nutmegnotebook.com/2012/04/chia-berry-jam/

    I will have to try your chia breakfast parfait.

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  8. Such a scrumptious pudding! I can't get enough of raspberries this time of year, so any excuse to eat more is good by me! Great recipe, Gina.

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  9. What?? Not a fan of french toast sticks? It's funny, I have them on menu for next week with strawberries - I am switching my diet up next week - I need to lower my carbs - to 40%, not the 50%+ I've been eating lately.

    I have chia seeds, but no hemp seeds - I'll have to look for those!

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    1. haha, well....I guess my childhood experience with french toast sticks really left a sour taste in my mouth! They were the nasty frozen ones, from a large warehouse somewhere. You know, if they were from YOUR kitchen, I would be all over them!

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