This morning I got up, headed off to my typical Wednesday morning BodyPump class and pounded out 30 minutes of light cardio on the elliptical. I was in a bit of a daze throughout my entire workout. By the time I felt like I finally snapped out of it, I was done!
My friend Merri joined my gym yesterday and was there at the same time I was this morning. I found her running on a treadmill when I was about to leave and asked her if she would be interested in accompanying me and Sadie on our morning walk!
She said yes and Sadie may have peed a little when we opened the door to my apartment and she saw Merri. These two became best buddies when Merri stayed with us for a week or so a couple of months ago.
It was great to have a (human) buddy to walk with and I loved the extra time with Merri. We actually have plans to meet up again tonight!
After our walk, it was time for breakfast.
Breakfast
Maybe I live under a rock, but I didn’t realize that chia seeds are, in fact, the same lil’ seeds used to grow chia pets!
Yup, they’re one in the same. Sometimes the blondness in me really shines through.
This morning was my first time trying chia seeds.
I first became intrigued by chia seeds when I started to see them pop up on blogs (like Brittany’s!). Since I am a texture freak, anything that adds a little crunch to something immediately grabs my attention.
After doing a little more research into the benefits of chia seeds, I found that they’re a great source of omega-3s and since I love healthy fats (hello, peanut butter!), I knew I had to try them.
I incorporated the little seeds into a yogurt bowl along with honey roasted pecan pieces and strawberry puff cereal.
The chia seeds didn’t really add much flavor at all, but they did amp up the texture of this dish.
I love putting a bunch of random ingredients on top of Greek yogurt. It’s fun to play around with different toppings. Like topping fro yo with sprinkles, perhaps?
And now for that work thaaaang…
Kathie @ Frugal Fit and Fabulous says
hey! I did not know that either!! LOL!!
I LOVE Chia Seeds. Been using them for almost a year!!! I put them in almost everything!!! (mostly my oats in the AM and my green smoothies)
Maria says
I’ve recently started eating chia seeds too! I liken them to kiwi or raspberry seeds, with the tiny crunch they add, which I love!
Jess says
I only very recently made that connection too lol. I like the little bit of texture they add because I am a total texture freak and can’t eat yogurt just plan–chia seeds (and granola) to the rescue!
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says
I haven’t tried chia seeds yet, but have also been seeing them everywhere. I feel like I need to jump on the bandwagon just so I’m not left out 🙂 I also had no idea they were the same as Chia Pets, though it does make me a bit concerned that a product could do that and also be healthy for ingestion 🙂
Alicia says
Ahaha I never knew that!! Interesting…
kelsey @ un-american in france says
Your link to “Emily’s” blog is actually to Brittany’s Eating Bird Food 🙂
peanutbutterfingers says
omg! i’ll fix that! totally meant brittany! i was emailing someone named emily at the time i was writing this post. eek! thanks!
Maddie says
WHOA. I had NO IDEA that they were the same seeds. That just blows my mind! hahaha I feel you on the blondness, but I don’t have that excuse because I most definitely have brown hair 🙂
Hope says
I didn’t realize that chia seeds were the same seeds for the chia pet either! Haha! They look interesting. I might have to try them sometime!
Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl says
I remember being weirded out when I found out about the chia seeds. I love them in overnight oats – they make them so creamy! I use them whenever I accidently put into too much milk and they suck it right up! 🙂
Gill (snaxandthecity) says
haha i’ve never even heard of a Chia Pet! how random.
i LOVE chia seeds. try putting some with oats and water in a bowl and leaving them overnight. They’ll be all thick and yummy the next morning – i learnt this from Angela at Oh She Glows and it’s genius!
Jenny says
I adore chia seeds — except when they get stuck in my teeth. Not a good look for me.
I agree with Gill, Angela’s chia overnight oats are ballin!
Jamie says
I love chia seeds but they really bother my stomach, which is strange because they are supposed to be much more gentle than flax seed. I never knew they were the same seeds used to grow chia pets.. maybe that’s why they make me sick… 😀
Chicago Cuisine Critique says
I have yet to give chia seeds a try, but I have to say I too did not put two and two together that they were the same seeds, that make the chia pets. I mean it makes sense, I just never thought of it like that. You are definitely not alone there! 🙂
BIOCHEMISTA says
My favorite chia combo is soaking oats and chia seeds overnight in almond milk then heating them in morning and adding protein powder, diced banana, cinnamon/nutmeg, stevia, and a drizzle of SF syrup 🙂
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
I love chia seeds! And I used to have a chia pet as a kid. LOL. Chia seeds can really make a meal more filling- especially oatmeal. As time goes by, I find that I tend to throw them into everything!
eliza says
that is so weird about the chia seeds! haha thanks for sharing
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
I love chias! They add so much VOLUME to stuff if you let them thicken for awhile. I like leaving a tablespoon to sit in a 2 T of water for 10ish minutes before adding them to a smoothie or oats. Instant texture and fluffiness.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Ha, I never realized that either!! So, definitely not a blonde moment for you, because I’m a brunette!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says
I’ve been wanting to try chia seeds for a while now but just haven’t forked over the money yet! Did you order yours online or buy them at a store? I
peanutbutterfingers says
i ordered them online at iherb.com – it was a promotional thing, so stay tuned for more info and a giveaway!
Fallon says
Chia seeds are great! I love them for their health benefits and the fact you can’t taste them at all! They thicken up oatmeal and smoothies real nicely too.
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
I’ve never had chia seeds but they seem to be on all the blogs now! I need to follow the trend! 😉
Gen says
I’ve never eaten chia seeds….hmm I do love anything that adds texture to a dish though!
carlee says
Your so cute Julie! I want to try chia seeds however they are SoOoOoOoO EXPENSIVE!
Glad you had a walkin buddy this morning! 😉
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
Chia seeds are also great for hydration!
You can make “chia pudding” by putting chia seeds and milk in a dish and letting it sit overnight in the fridge.
Allison says
I haven’t had the chance to try them, but I never knew they were such a great source of Omega-3s.
Amber K says
I am huge texture freak as well, which is why I can’t stand adding crunchy stuff to creamy stuff. My yogurt must stay creamy!!
Meghan says
I have to show Fiance your post tonight, he just laughed at me last night when I said Chia Seeds, and he told me they were pronounced Chai!
dana@mylittlecelebration says
I think you’ll like chia seeds more the more you try them. I especially like the texture they add to dishes like oatmeal and yogurt. If you let them set and really absorb the liquid, they REALLY puff up and create a gel-like texture that’s quite appealing : )
Megan says
Oo I too have been debating trying chia seeds for a while. They’re just so expensive though! Were they cheaper to buy online? Also – how would you say they compare to flaxseed?
Shanna, like Banana says
Chia seeds kinda freak me out because I associate them with the silly plants. Is that weird?
Brittany says
You’re not the only one! I realized that the Chia seeds you eat were the same as Chia PET seeds not too long ago….haha. Kinda weird…but they’re good for you! 🙂
Amy says
Check out http://www.runningfood.com. Lots of information about the chia seed and free shipping on chia anywhere in the US!
Laura @ Meet Virginia says
I had NO idea they were the same thing. So funny!
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) says
Chia seeds kinda freak me out a little. I just imagine one of those chia pets growing in my stomach. 🙂
LeeAnn says
Love chia seeds…I put them on my oatmeal with berries, banana, creamy peanut butter and a few chocolate chips. Breakfast heaven!
Brittany says
CHIA SEEDS!! So glad that you were inspired to try them. i love the texture and volume they add to yogurt, pudding and oats! Plus, they’re better than flaxseeds because you don’t have to grind them to be able to absorb the nutrients.
Thanks for the shout out. 🙂
Katie says
I recently started using Chia seeds too! I love them..If you let them sit for 15-20 they expand a lot in oatmeal or yogurt 🙂
Annette says
I didn’t know that either….and I am going to have to try those out also 🙂
MJ says
I love chia seeds in my smoothies, or added to my yogurt. I do want to try chia “jam” where you mix chia seeds with water and let sit to form a “gel” then you mix it with your favorite fruit in a blender and puree till a “jam” forms. I can’t wait to try that.
Allison @ Happy Tales says
I’ve heard alllll the rave about chia seeds, but I have never actually tried them! I think the cost has kept me from them, but I’m beginning to think that they would last a while! Plus, you can’t put a pricetag on health 🙂
Also! What is that strawberry puffed cereal called and where did you find it? I’m intrigued…
Joanna says
Don’t feel bad, I never made the connection until reading your post! I have to admit it makes them slightly less appetizing now. LOL I would probably still try them though, they are just kind of expensive 🙁
Kat says
Haha, I’m a brunette, but I swear when I looked in the mirror after reading about the chia seed-pet connection I could see a few blonde highlights.
I should try them!
Laura (LunaChickRuns) says
I love chia seeds! Whenever I add them to oatmeal or yogurt bowls it seems to keep me full for so much longer.
Lisa (Dishes of Mrs. Fish) says
I have never tried chia seeds for the texture reasons. Maybe I’ll try them now!
ashley@quasichick says
I love chia seeds, but am currently out! I need to restock soon 🙂
Angela says
I need to get on this chia seed thing…I’ve always wanted to try them but I am super hesitant. Are there studies that show my stomach won’t grow grass? jk. I will have to get some from iherb.
Liz says
If you put the chia seeds in something yummy like Light Choc Silk (for example) stir and let it sit for about an hour the chia seeds with soak up the liquid and grow up to 10 x’s their size. They will taste kind of gell like with a tiny crunch in the middle. They will keep you full longer, hydrated better, and improve your digestion. AND they will taste like whatever they have soaked up! YUMMY!