Chocolate Chia Parfait with Almond Butter Sauce

I love starting my day with a nutritious breakfast. It definitely sets me up for success, and gives me the fuel I need to power through all of my daily responsibilities.

Chia seeds are the small black or white seeds that come from the chia plant. They were rediscovered as a “superfood” in recent years, and have become quite popular in the health community.

Chia is the Mayan word for “strength”. In fact, ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures considered chia seeds to be a fundamental part of their diets because it gave them energy and endurance during battle.

They are a great ingredient to incorporate into your meals because they are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Chia seeds can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. I like to put them in my smoothies, yogurt, baked goods, energy balls, and I also turn it into pudding.

When chia seeds are soaked in liquid they turn into a gel and expand 12x their weight. Because if this, they are a great way to keep your body feeling fuller longer!

Now that you know the scoop on chia, I hope you enjoy this creamy, decadent, and delicious pudding recipe.

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Chocolate Chia Pudding with Almond Butter Sauce – serves 2

1. Chia pudding: Soak 1/4 cup chia seeds in 1 cup liquid. (I used almond milk, and put it in a recently emptied almond butter jar so the pudding would pick up all the yummy goodness plastered to the sides)
2. Chocolate pudding: blend one banana with 1/2 of an avocado, 1 tbsp cacao, and stevia, or another sweetener (optional)
3. Almond Butter Sauce: blend one banana, one heaping tbsp of almond butter, and 3 medjool dates.
4. Layer each ingredient in glass (chia, chocolate, then almond sauce) until you reach the top, adding berries in between (optional)
5. Enjoy!!!