Saturday, May 12, 2012

Mamma Chia!

I am not new to the benefits of Chia Seeds, I've recently switched from Ground Flaxseed to Chia in my smoothies . . . . but ever since I read Chia Lookin' Swell over at Crunchy Betty (Subscribe, she rocks and is very humorous!) whenever I look at one I giggle . . . *fairy eyes*
My mom has had me using them from six months.  They are a complete protein source (read: brain food!) and a balanced ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Which my inflamed body can always use!
Which I had not read before I started adding them to our morning oatmeal . . .but really helps explain my 10 year old stepson's reaction to them.  Of course, he didn't notice that I had been adding them to his oatmeal for at least a week. 

I had to run to the East side of town today for an account, so I stopped at Pet People for rat food.  Our rats are picky, they refuse to eat anything but Oxbow Regal Rat Food. I've tried, they choose to redecorate with any other food. I think if it would fit through the bars of their cage, they would throw anything else back at me.  Seriously, they are awesome pets!  They will be a year old in a couple of weeks!

Whenever I stop there, I park in between Pet People and Whole Foods and hit two birds with one stone. (Which reminds me, I forgot to grab more Chia Seeds!  Oops!)

Anywho, I grabbed a snack for on the way home. Cut fresh mango and a bottle of Mamma Chia. I decided on the Coconut Mango! Yum!!!  Click Here for a Coupon

It is a juice drink, lightly sweetened with agave and it has a serving of Chia Seeds in it. It is delicious! However, it was also $3. Yipes!

It got me to thinking that I can make something very similar, using stuff I regularly keep on hand.
So, I washed the bottle out and put a tablespoon of Chia Seeds in it. Added about 4 ounces of Lakewood Organic Tart Cherry Juice, a teaspoon of raw honey and topped off the 10 Ounce Bottle with filtered water.
If you've heard the Buzz about Tart Cherry Juice from Dr. Oz. Tart Cherry Juice is a good source of melatonin.  When I can find them, I buy bags of frozen tart cherries and make a smoothie with them and a scoop of vanilla whey protein powder.  Since I need to take my immunosuppressants with food, this helps protect my tummy and helps me sleep.

Anyway, my DIY Chia Drink was delicious!
When I'm on the West Side tomorrow, I'll stop at  Earth Fare and see if they have Organic Tart Cherry Concentrate.  So I can mix up my own, as $4.50 a bottle is a bit steep . . .
I'll take a pic of my drink tomorrow and Pin it!
Sweet Dreams Folks! Let me know how you like this drink. Or if you have any other recipes!  I'd love to hear . . . This would probably be really good with Tamarind Nectar (If anyone knows of a brand WITHOUT high fructose corn syrup, PLEASE let me know!) . . . .a la Agua Fresca  . . . yum!