The Best Three Chia Drinks to Suit Your Mood
Chia is the goddess of all seeds, packed full of iron, calcium, zinc and proteins these minuscule dragon-egg looking things will microboost your morning routine to new highs! We have played around with chia at Go! Vegan for a while to give you what we think are the three best juices and smoothies to suit your mood.
There are many awesome benefits to regular dried chia seeds but there is a technique to increase the rate of absorption the nutrients, as well as slow digestion to make you feel fuller for long. What’s this secret mystical technique you ask?
The key to unlocking the full potential of chia flows freely from your tap. Hydrating your chia seeds overnight allows them to absorb up to 12 times their weight in water. This turns the chia into a gooey gel-like substance and it’s a bit like magic. You can also use this gel as an egg substitute or a thickening agent in your recipes.
Of course you don’t have to soak your chia at all, and will still be rewarded with a plentiful dose of nutritional goodness. If you have a little time and/or forgot to soak overnight you can always soak for a couple hours, or even give them a good shake and leave for fifteen minutes.
To soak, use 2 – 3 Tbsp. of chia seeds with 1 cup of water. Mix together in a jar and shake well. Leave overnight for best results.
Breakfast Chia & Goji Berry
P-P-P-Packed! full of anti-oxidants. This juice will energise and help keep your body in fighting form.
The goods:
- 1 cup of pomegranate juice
- 2 or 3 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 2 Tbsp. of dried goji berries, rehydrated in 1 cup of water
- Agave or maple syrup to taste
Soak the 2 tablespoons of goji berries in 1 cup of water overnight. In the morning, blend your goji berry mix and strain into a large glass. Add in your soaked chia or dry seeds and mix well by hand. Add your cup of pomegranate juice and mix well. Served chilled and sweeten to taste.
Not-Quite-Chocolate-Milk Milk
Here we have a deliciously dark twist to the chia-shake line-up. With its milky smoothness and a beautiful balance of bitter and sweet, this smoothie will provide you with a dose micronutrients in a uniquely luxurious way.
The goods:
- 1 cup of almond or coconut milk
- 2 or 3 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp. of raw cacao (where to buy)
- 1 Tsp. cacao nibs
- 1 tbsp. of agave nectar or maple syrup to taste
Mix your cup of milk with maple syrup and raw cacao in blender. Mix this chocolate liquid with your hydrated chia gel or simply add your dry chia seeds as well as the teaspoon of cacao nibs. Stir well and enjoy!
Lean & Green
The healthiest choice, and a personal one too. For those of you who already have a green juice recipe, why not add some hydrated chia to keep you going for longer? If you don’t already have a recipe then it’s time to experiment. Simply vary the quantity of these fruits and veggies and add or remove to your pleasure.
The goods:
- 2 or 3 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 cup of green juice
- 2 green apples
- 4 celery sticks
- 1 cucumber
- ½ lemon
- A handful of spinach
Mix your chia with 1 cup of fresh green juice. Stir well and energise. Change it up with some kale, mint, ginger, parsley, pineapple, lettuce, lime or coriander.