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Chia seeds are a staple of the plant-based diet— and have grown on me over the years. I read the book Born to Run, then instantly became hooked on chia seeds. I put chia seeds in most of my smoothies, as well as bring them on long trail runs in an agua fresca drink. Chia seeds are a superfood, so get ready to drink to your health with this chia seed smoothie recipe.
Table of Contents
What makes chia seeds a superfood?
According to the US National Library of Medicine, chia seeds contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber and vitamins, as well as minerals. These tiny seeds also contain some potent antioxidants. And as an upside they are pretty mild-tasting, and shouldn’t alter the taste of your green smoothie, making them a perfect addition.
Bottom line: chia seeds make an excellent fitness buddy.
Why I put chia seeds in smoothies
I started adding chia seeds to smoothies to up my protein + healthy fat intake. They keep me full longer as well as help process the natural sugar from fruits I add to smoothies. This helps me avoid a mid-morning sugar crash.
Chia seeds also act as a great smoothie thickener, so if your blended smoothie comes out a bit thin, toss in a tablespoon of chia seeds, then blend again. This will thicken that smoothie right up.
Blending tips
If you’re using a non high-powered blender, place a tablespoon of chia seeds (per smoothie serving) in a bowl, then add in 3 tablespoons of water. Mix, then let sit for 5 minutes. The chia seed + water mixture will turn into a gel, making it easier to blend. Chia seeds in smoothies act a little like raspberry seeds, so you want to make sure they are blended well to avoid getting them stuck in your teeth!
Other uses for chia seeds
Chia seeds are an important part of a plant based diet, because they are super healthy as well as super versatile. Here are a few ways to use them:
- The coconut chia pudding recipe in my our Seasonal Cleanse cleanse turns them into a tapioca-like snack.
- They make a great topping for any smoothie bowl.
- Use them as a great workout recovery quencher in this chia fresca drink.
- Replace eggs in a variety of baked goods with a vegan chia-egg, which I talk about in my Simple Green Meals cookbook.
- Make a healthier strawberry jam recipe using chia seeds
- Add to protein bars for a health punch on a busy day
- Turn your next smoothie into a meal replacement with the addition of chia seeds
If you can’t feel my love for chia seeds yet, then know that it is 1 of three ingredients in my very own plant based protein powder, homemade protein powder! I believe in these powerful seeds,
you should too. Blend up the chia seed smoothie below, or add them to your next smoothie creation, then leave a comment letting me know how you liked them. I love your feedback!
Workout smoothie recipes
If you’re looking for more smoothie recipes to enhance your workout game, then check out this delicious list:
- Pre workout smoothie
- Post workout recovery smoothie
- Caramel protein shake
- Pineapple ginger smoothie
- Vanilla protein shake
Chia Seed Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup water
- 1 orange peeled
- ½ cup pineapple frozen
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Blend spinach, water, and oranges together until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again.
Equipment
Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
- Swap chia seeds with 1 serving homemade protein powder
I made the recipe just as is with the chia seeds. It was delicious, refreshing and fulfilling. Not too sweet or overbearing. Great breakfast starter or afternoon drink!
Tried recipe with the wife. I loved it and she did also! Can’t wait to try another recipe. Thank you very much.
Love the protein boost from the chia seeds!
Been reading lots lately about how chia helps us stay hydrated. Thank you for another recipe to help me incorporate more chia seeds in my life.
Yum! This is a great post-workout smoothie.
Swapped coconut water in and this was a great post-workout drink!
Used coconut water. Delicious and refreshing!
Fantastic swap Marva!! 🙂
Bam done great!
Awesome!
I see this makes 2 servings, is this for two people or do I drink both servings for myself before going for my run?
I’d like to try this recipe. Can you substitute chia powder for chia seeds? Would you still use 2 tbsp?
After moving past the 10 day kickstart. I ordered some Chia seeds and Cocoa powder yesterday. I think its Maca and coconut oil next 🙂
Rawk on, Andi!
Hi, do you think one should be concerned about nitrate in leafy greens?
Hi Marie,
Concerned about oxalate build up? It’s definitely something you need to keep in mind. But it’s easy to avoid. Simply rotate your leafy greens. Learn more about avoiding oxalate build up from leafy greens + rotating your leafy greens here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/leafy-greens
what do you think of vacuum blenders
Hi Mike,
I actually don’t have any experience with vacuum blenders. Guess it’s something I need to look into ASAP!