Easy 5 Ingredient Overnight Almond Paleo Chia Seed Pudding

This paleo chia seed pudding with almond milk and almond extract has a light flavor that packs a punch of nutrition! Top with your favorite fresh berries for an easy healthy breakfast.

Chia seeds - they're not just for Chia Pets anymore, huh? These tiny warriors pack a punch in a small package.

Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica, which is related to the mint.

They were an important food for the Aztecs and Mayans back in the day. They prized them for their ability to provide sustainable energy.

In fact, “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength.”

Health benefits of chia seeds

There are lots of benefits to adding chia seeds to your diet. Here are just a few:

Chia seeds are high in antioxidants.

What's that mean for you? Antioxidants slow down aging signs, resulting in younger looking skin, healthier hair, and can even reduce the risk of cancer.

So, yeah, I'd say that's a win.

Chia seeds are a great source of fiber.

Fiber keeps you feeling full for longer, and it makes you have regular bowel movements. TMI? Maybe. But it's a fact of life, so there it is.

Chia seeds are a great source of Omega-3's.

Omega-3's are fatty acids that have been found to reduce depression, improve sleep, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

There aren't very many foods that supply omega-3s, which is why many people use supplements.

But chia seeds have it! (So do fish, walnuts, and flax seeds, if you're looking for food sources.)

One of my favorite chia seed recipes are these No-Bake Chocolate Energy Balls. They taste like dessert, are so good for you, and kids love them!

How to make paleo chia seed pudding with almond milk

Chia pudding is one of my favorite things to make because it's so dang easy, and so dang healthy.

To make this paleo chia seed pudding, you're simply going to combine all of your ingredients in a jar and stir.

Then, stick it in the fridge overnight. When you wake up in the morning? Chia pudding.

The chia seeds absorb the almond milk a bit and swell and expand, creating kind of a "gel" effect. They're in suspension, and make a thick and flavorful breakfast - or anytime snack!

You can use any alternative milk here to keep this dairy free, just keep the ratios the same.

One thing I do like to do is give the jar one or two shakes. At first the seeds can sometimes float to the top, before they've had a chance to expand.

If you think of it, pop in the fridge and shake them up, then stick them back in and let them finish setting!

What to put on top of paleo chia seed pudding

I like to top this one with lots of fresh berries and a few cocoa nibs, but get creative! Here are some other ideas for toppings:

• sliced bananas
• sprinkle of cinnamon
• coconut flakes
• sliced almonds
• fresh mint
• chocolate chips (I use this brand from Thrive Market!)
  

We love to make this the day before, then let it sit in the fridge overnight. When you wake up, you top with berries or whatever you like, and breakfast is ready! It's fun for kids to help make, too, and they love to shake the jars to mix it all up.

What do you put on your chia seed pudding?

Other ways to use chia seeds in cooking

Chia seeds pack a pretty big health punch, but there are lots of other ways to add them to your foods other than chia pudding.

I love these Blueberry-Chia Muffins. You can also use them to make Chia Jam like this one, or substitute them for eggs in recipes if you are looking to go vegan.

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