Hemp + Chia SUPERFUEL Bowl

When I find a new recipe that I like, and it's easy to prepare, I find myself becoming a bit obsessed...Especially when it's uber healthy, gives you superwoman energy, and keeps you full half the day. 

And one of the many things I love about my two health-conscious sisters is that they appreciate and enjoy nourishing, healthy food....AND we get to steal recipes from each other. So thank you to my sister for my new breakfast obsession! You can modify this recipe however you prefer, but the combo below has been the ULTIMATE!  

Ingredients:

Organic shelled hemp seeds, 3 Tablespoons

Organic chia seeds, 2 Tablespoons

Coconut or Almond milk, 1 Cup

Stevia, 3 Drops

Cacao Green Superfood, 1 Scoop

Slivered Almonds, Handful

Organic figs

Banana

Agave, Drizzle

Place the hemp seeds, chia seeds, stevia, and milk into a container or small bowl. Stir, cover, and allow to sit overnight to thicken. In the morning, stir the mixture to get an even consistency. Add cacao, green powder, cinnamon, nuts, fruit, or whatever toppings you prefer. That's it...EASY! If you're really craving it in the morning and you forgot to make it overnight, you can allow it to thicken for an hour or so to get the same results.

I prefer to make 2-3 batches at one time so I can grab and go for the next few days. I have been super spoiled lately and have been using homemade almond milk from my sister, which elevates this bowl even more. She's going to teach me her tricks so I can start making my own...so stay tuned!

**Hover over the ingredients above to find links to some of the specific products that I use.

No-Bake Energy Bites

My sister gave me this recipe a few years ago, and I completely forgot how amazing these energy balls taste, as well as how easy they are to make! 

They are a better alternative to the packaged energy bars, which are definitely convenient, but these have no preservatives, are gluten free, dairy free, raw, and all that fun stuff. If you have kids, have them get in on the action and help you form the balls, and even do a little taste testing!

Ingredients:

Makes 15-20 energy balls.

Oatmeal, 1 cup

Almond butter, 1 cup

Agave, 1/3 cup

Raw unsweetened coconut flakes, 1 cup

Chia seeds, 1/2 cup

Mini dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup

Vanilla, 1 teaspoon

Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl. Let mixture chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Wet hands with water and form mixture into balls. Store in an airtight container up to one week.

I recommend doubling this recipe if you have fans of these energy bites. The day after I made these, I peeked in the refrigerator, and there were only about five left...looks like my guy approved!

The Amazing Chia Seed

You may have heard a lot of buzz around this little seed recently, and I like to think of chia seeds like...flax seeds on crack!

Chia seeds were an ancient staple in the diet of Mayans and Mexicans, and were used for sustained energy while hunting, as well as in religious ceremonies. Today, they are gaining popularity due to their unending nutritional benefits, and can be found in many health food stores. 

I could make a laundry list of the benefits of chia seeds, but here are a few of my favorite:

1.  Chia seeds are great for weight management. They absorb up to 12 times their own weight, and they expand in liquid, curbing your appetite, giving you a full feeling.

2.  Chia seeds contain a high concentration of omega-3, as well as omega-6, which is needed to support heart health, and may lessen your risk for cancer and arthritis.

3.  Your digestive system will start movin' and groovin' thanks to the high fiber content of the chia, which also has a beneficial effect on cholesterol. 

4. Chia seeds are a complete source of plant protein and contain all nine amino acids, great for vegetarians/vegans.

5.  Per ounce, chia seeds provide three times more calcium than skim milk, preventing osteoporosis.

I use chia seeds in smoothies, baked goods, granola, salads, etc...but my favorite snack when I need an energy boost that keeps me feel full is...

Chia Pudding

It's super simple to make...just combine 1 cup of almond, hemp, or coconut milk with 2 Tbsp of chia seeds. Stir mixture every 10 minutes or so as the chia seeds expand and create a tapioca-like pudding. Add cinnamon and agave to taste!