October 2020 - #083 - Chia Seeds for Weight Loss

Hello All

Ever wonder how Taylor Swift loses weight whenever she wants?

It’s all about chia seeds, yes, these tiny little seeds are her “go to food” when she wants to lose weight.

But in recent years scores of people have turned to chia seeds for help by adding them to their everyday routine.

Chia seeds are not only an amazing weight loss tool, they also are packed full of nutrition and by many, considered a super food, when it comes to healthy eating.

And that’s not even the best thing about chia seeds. The best thing about them is that they are so convenient and easy to eat as there is no cooking or fuss involved enjoying them.

What exactly are chia seeds?

Chia seeds are an edible whole-grain seed that comes from a flowering plant which belongs to the sage and mint family of herbs.

They are native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala but are grown commercially today in countries where the climate is favorable for cultivation.

The seeds are small, oval and are usually gray or black with white spots.

First let us look at what nutrition the chia seed offers.

Chia Seeds Contain an Abundance of:

Omega 3 essential fatty acids (highest of any plant food)

Antioxidants

Fiber

Protein

Magnesium

Potassium

Phosphorus

Niacin

Vitamin C

Calcium

Zinc

Iron

And is Gluten Free

Since they contain all these vitamins, minerals and nutrients the following health benefits are believed to be obtained through digestion:

One of its best benefits is that it helps relieve and prevent constipation

Helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure

Known to help lower the risk of stroke, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease

Provides tryptophan (amino acid) which helps regulate intestinal movements, provides a feeling of well-being, regulates appetite, sleeping patterns and helps with cognitive functions such as memory and learning

Omega 3 acids also convert into prostaglandins which are known to have pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties

Helps stabilize blood sugars making it ideal for diabetics

High in antioxidants and packed full of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, folic acid which are essential for good health

Known to help increase energy levels

Assists in weight loss by providing bulk and nutrients while adding few calories

Not only helps with constipation but may help relieve other digestive issues

How do chia seeds help with weight loss?

One important reason why chia makes a great weight loss tool is because they can absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid which then turns into a gel type texture.

Why is that so important?

Because when you eat or drink these seeds they bulk up in your stomach and create a feeling of being full, this is a wonderful weight loss tool to have.

Not only that, but that feeling of fullness also helps with stomach bloating as you tend to eat much less giving your digestion a chance to rest.

1 ½ tablespoon of chia seeds runs about 70 calories which is very reasonable for what these tiny seeds offer.

These unprocessed seeds are a whole-grain and are high in fiber and protein, both top tools for weight loss.

Foods high in protein help burn fat and that is why many people will use a high protein diet for a short duration, to lose weight quickly, such as the “Holiday Diet”.

Chia seeds are also known to increase metabolism.

RECAP of How Chia Aids in Weight Loss

Creates a feeling of fullness

Reduces a bloating stomach

High fiber source helps relieve and prevent constipation

High protein source aids in weight loss by increased fat burning

Increases metabolism……

And is good for your health

Best way to use chia seeds for weight loss:

To get the most out of what chia seeds have to offer is by adding them to your daily diet.

Adding them to beverages and meals is the key; it just takes a little effort to figure out how to use them specifically in your daily routine.

My favorite way to have chia is in my morning breakfast smoothie.

Here is my recipe:

Around 1 cup of coconut water (depending on how thick (or thin) you want your drink)

1 cup of fresh or fresh/frozen spinach

1 ripe banana (you can also use frozen bananas)

1 – 2 tablespoons of chia seeds

Blend well and enjoy

My other way to eat chia is called “my lazy way” to add chia to my diet.

This is when I eat them dry by the spoonful and then just drink a bottle of water afterwards.

This is a great solution if you don’t want to snack between meals or if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to make a proper meal. It’s like a temporary mini meal replacement that helps me avoid junk food or fast food situations.

Other Ways to Add Chia To Your Everyday Diet:

Add them to:

Yogurt

Hot and cold cereals

Sprinkle on salads

Any kind of dressings, such as salad dressings

All sauces and gravies (like pasta sauces)

Smoothies

Fruit juices

Water

You can add them to your children’s pudding, what a great way for your kids to eat something really healthy.

One Friendly Note:

There is only one negative point when it comes to eating chia seeds, they can and will get stuck in your teeth.

Even when you soak them in juice, some of those little jellified seeds somehow get stuck in your teeth. Just saying…

I’m sure many of you can get much more creative in ways to add chia seeds to your daily routine, so I hope you try them and have some fun with this.

Take care of yourself and each other and see you next month.

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Use our Contact Us page - or our Weight Loss News page (Your Story Counts).