Chia Seeds - Running Benefits

Chia seeds are a great addition to any runner's diet, no matter the age. Our youngest (10-years old) is not on-board with chia seeds yet or any other healthy foods for that matter, but we keep hoping for a miracle. We'll save that discussion for another post... 

Chia seeds can provide you with more energy, sharper focus with high levels of omega 3 and 6, increased nerve and muscle reaction, is an anti-inflammatory, and increases hydration. If you can add them into your family diet your child's nutritional running value will increase. These are the two ways we use them.

Wet Seeds

We love to use the chia gel as a fat/binding agent substitute in recipes. To make the gel you simply add the seeds to water. The suggested amount in the article below to make chia gel is 9 parts water to 1 part chia seeds. You then use that gel as the fat substitute. The amount you use as a substitute is up to your family's taste preference. We usually substitute 1/3 or 1/2 the fat (butter or oil) in our recipes. 

We've found that the colder the liquid the longer it takes the seeds to gel. On average you are looking at 15 minutes. As for drinks, our family likes the seeds in an electrolyte or vitamin drink more than plain water. When you have a bunch of seeds in water it can taste a little like cardboard.  

Dry Seeds

Our family has found a convenient way to spread chia seeds on just about anything. We're using a dried chili pepper shaker which has holes big enough to allow the seeds to spread evenly. We tried a black pepper dispenser but the seeds were just a little too big. Using a spoon from the sack to the food always ends up with a few dropped seeds on the counter and floor. 

By having the seeds in the dried chili pepper shaker we can keep it out on the counter which encourages us to use it more often. The seeds have a very mild taste which allows you to use them on anything.  

More Detail and Additional Resources

http://chiaseeds-benefits.com/running-food
www.chiaseedsguide.com
www.getchia.com/nutritional Information