cha-cha-cha-chia!
Welcome to those who were just scanning the web and serendipitously landed on my humble site 👋 whether you are in a rut and don’t know what to make; are in that loop of “sooo, what do you want to eat tonight?”; or have fallen into the infinite black hole of saved recipes from social media (the internet is truly ultimate purveyor of maximalist TL;DR content overwhelm 😵💫🫠🤭). I hope you enjoy — it brings me great joy to sprinkle any ease into your life — cheers to your good health, good love & good fortune!
And per my usual caveat, I do not claim to be a doctor or a chef. I do not dream of being a fancy food blogger. I’m just a gal who enjoys living and eating for optimum well-being. I like to creatively alter, and occasionally create, recipes to make them as balanced as possible, in both taste and health. I’ve come to learn soul-food and body-fueling food are both real and equally important, hence the critical importance and beauty of mind-body-soul eating! ✨ I typically like to begin with a key ingredient or two that I’m hoping to work with, search for a preexisting recipe as a guide, then play with measurements and make swaps to level up nutrient density. Consider this a destination for healthy recipe inspiration, where you’ll never have to scroll through any continuously re-populating ads. One of my primary goals is to add a little simplicity in places I’ve found murky.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS PERSONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT THEIR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE ADMINISTERING ANY OF THE SUGGESTIONS MADE ON THEBALANCEDCALM.COM TO ENSURE THEY ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCE.
The versatility of chia pudding is just phenomenal — it can be a dessert, it can be a breakfast, it can be a snack. I could personally eat chia pudding all day long, but that could potentially lead to some major fiber overload. Moderations really is always the key. Check out my basic recipe below that can be amped up or dialed back pending the current desires :)
CHIA SEED PUDDING
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup almond milk*
(I love to make my own almond milk — I think it’s less watery than store-bought and of course, there’s the benefit of not needing to check the label for preservatives. Plus, for chai seed pudding, I find the slightly thicker consistency more stabilizing)
1 tsp Manuka honey
Optional toppings: toasted coconut flakes, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, kiwi…and basically anything else nutritious + delicious your heart craves!
ALMOND MILK*
1/2 c raw almonds soaked overnight in cool water or 1 - 2 hrs in very hot water
2.5 c filtered water (less to thicken, more to thin)
1 date
1/2 tsp pure vailla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
1. (If making own almond milk) Soak your almonds overnight — it will make the milk creamier and more nutritious.
2. (If making own almond milk) Blend almond milk ingredients in a NutriBullet or Vitamix.
3. Combine all chia see pudding ingredients in a mason jar, shake and chill overnight, or for at least 2 hours.
4. Enjoy! Chia pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
CHIA SEEDS
These tiny little seeds contain a powerful antioxidant called quercetin, which can reduce our risk of developing many health conditions, as well as support beautiful skin and graceful aging. High in fiber, chia seeds can help boost digestion, aid in weight management, fight high blood pressure and reduce our risk of developing heart disease. Chia seeds are also enriched with various nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, zinc and Vitamin A — all of which support our dental health!
PINK HIMALAYAN SALT
Since pink Himalayan salt is less processed than table salt, your body has an easier time processing it, as it doesn’t require as much water to clear out the excess sodium! It also contains more than 80 minerals and elements, including potassium, iron, calcium and (naturally occurring) iodine, aiding our body’s natural detoxification process and promoting the removal of bacteria. This can even help lower blood pressure, as iodine supports our body’s electrolyte balance, allowing our intestines to absorb more nutrients.
***important to note, quality is essential — always shop organic, whole, preferably in season, ideally know where your food is coming from and thoroughly wash those fruits + veggies!
