Don’t ‘tap’ out! Fortify your water with chia seeds—a superfood that provides protein, fiber, plus a plethora of nutrients that will keep you hydrated and healthy.
You may have noticed chia seeds popping up all over Baked Bree. That’s because chia seeds are a superfood. I don’t know what constitutes a superfood (TM) but I don’t doubt that chia seeds qualify. These little black dots that, for a certain generation, meant green hair on pets accumulated fame in the past little while as something that can actually be eaten. Mind blown, am I right, gen Xers? Not only can they be eaten but we are actively encouraged to do so. And why? Well, chia seeds contain pretty much everything you consider healthy: protein, fiber, omega-3s, antioxidants. They also provide a delightful crunch to whichever dish you add them to. What’s not to like!
Today, though, we’re not adding it to a dish; we’re adding it to a beverage. And not just any beverage, we’re adding it to water! Underwhelmed? Don’t be. Such a little thing can make such a big difference. Heck, some of the biggest game-changers in my recipe oeuvre have also been the simplest, so don’t knock these little seeds till you’ve tried ’em.
Luckily, you’ll be able to try ’em in no time (well, 15 minutes, to be exact). That gives them enough time to gel and attain their superpowers. That also gives you enough time to think about how your life is going to change with this new elixir. Morning, noon, and night, pre-gym, post-gym, pre-meal, post-meal… this heap of hydration is the only drink you’ll ever need.
What can I add to chia-seed water?
You know what I love the most about this recipe? Its impact on my health despite its simplicity. Because of this, I fight the urge to load it up with flavors and textures beyond lemon juice. That said, I get that my approach isn’t for everyone, and if an additional ingredient is what it takes to make chia seeds a regular part of your diet, so be it. Here, then, is a list of some suggestions:
- Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup can be added. Just stir/shake it up vigorously so the water and thick syrups can meld as well as possible.
- Fruit and Juices: While you can add fresh juices, like orange, lime, grapefruit, apple, or cranberry, I recommend actual fruit. Think strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries, which provide more nutrients than mere juice.
- Spa Ingredients: This is my own category and includes things like mint leaves, cucumber, aloe vera gel, and coconut water.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 lemon
How to Make Chia-Seed Water
Step 1: Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze out about 1 ½ tablespoons of juice from one half and set aside. The other half can be thinly sliced for added flavor.
Step 2: In a glass, add the water, chia seeds, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Drop in the lemon slices for an extra zing.
Step 3: If your container has a lid, seal it and give it a vigorous shake to mix everything well. If not, simply stir with a spoon to combine.
Step 4: Allow the mixture to rest for about 15 minutes. This wait time lets the chia seeds swell up and gel, giving your water a unique texture and boosting its nutritional value.
Step 5: After the seeds have gelled, it’s ready to drink. Enjoy it as a refreshing beverage any time of the day!
FAQs & Tips
Pour the chia seed water into a pitcher and keep it refrigerated for no longer than three days. Bear in mind, the longer the seeds sit in water, the more they’ll absorb, and the more gelatinous they’ll become. They may get to the point where you no longer care for their consistency. I admit, it does get some getting used to.
Drinking water before any meal is a good strategy when wanting to lose weight, as it fills you up so you eat less. Chia seeds contain fiber, so adding them to the water is a great way to feel fuller longer. And what with all the nutrients in the seeds, your body will still get what it needs.
It would, thanks to the protein in the seeds and the hydrating quality of water (haha… that made me laugh out loud). I recommend, though, adding some coconut water to the mix and/or freshly squeezed juice for the electrolytes and energy you’ll need when you sweat up a storm.
There are about 90 calories in a glass, assuming you stick to the tablespoon of chia seeds and 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice.
It’s best to let the seeds absorb the water and turn all gelly. It makes the texture easier to swallow (literally), their nutrients easier to absorb, will help you feel fuller longer, and slows down the seeds’ absorption of water in your digestive system. Oh, and trying to swallow hard seeds poses a choking hazard.
Other Recipes Featuring Chia Seeds
- Chia-Seed Pudding with Mango and Blueberry: Want to know what a healthy dessert looks like? Make this recipe.
- Mixed-Berry Vanilla Chia-Seed Jam: I don’t usually think of jam as a health food, but with chia seeds added, your usual jelly can become super-charged.
- Overnight Chia Pudding: Wake up to this breakfast made only with chia seeds and almond milk.
Chia-Seed Water
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze out about 1 ½ tablespoons of juice from one half and set aside. The other half can be thinly sliced for added flavor.
- In a glass, add the water, chia seeds, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Drop in the lemon slices for an extra zing.
- If your container has a lid, seal it and give it a vigorous shake to mix everything well. If not, simply stir with a spoon to combine.
- Allow the mixture to rest for about 15 minutes. This wait time lets the chia seeds swell up and gel, giving your water a unique texture and boosting its nutritional value.
- After the seeds have gelled, it's ready to drink. Enjoy it as a refreshing beverage any time of the day!
