The Chia plant is believed to have originated in Mexico. It is a flowering annual herb that is a member of the mint family. The seeds are small, oval-shaped and typically have a color combination that includes brown, black and gray. Within the last century, these amazing little seeds have reached the status of superfood. These nutritional seeds are now a part of a healthy eating plan and are also an important and very popular ingredient in a weight loss diet.
Weight Loss and Fiber
There’s a variety of weight-loss diets to choose from. Finding the diet that best fits your lifestyle, budget and eating habits is the best way to assure success with your weight loss plan. Almost every weight loss diet emphasizes the importance of eating foods that have high fiber content. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain approximately 40% of the daily recommended intake of fiber. That alone makes them an excellent food to include in a weight loss diet. Adding these healthy seeds to recipes, smoothies and snack foods can enhance your overall feeling of fullness. When you feel full faster during mealtime you are not as likely to overeat. Portion control is a key part of a weight loss plan. Feeling fuller longer can reduce the snack cravings that jeopardize a weight loss diet.
Energy Booster
Typically, weight loss plans focus on lifestyle changes in addition to dietary changes. They often recommend the implementation of some type of exercise plan. Chia seeds offer a balanced proportion of protein, fats and fiber. This makes them an excellent source of energy. They are also a low-carbohydrate food which helps prevent spikes in blood sugar. It’s difficult to find the motivation to exercise when you’re feeling sluggish or somewhat depressed. Adding an energy-boosting food such as chia seeds to your eating plan can help prevent sluggishness. The antidepressant effect of these seeds can lift your mood which can increase your motivation to exercise.
Weight Loss and Other Health Issues
Quite often, there are multiple health issues associated with being overweight. Adding a superfood such as chia seeds to your diet can have health benefits that can improve your overall health. If you require a gluten-free diet, chia seeds can still be a part of your weight loss plan. If you’re having to watch your cholesterol, chia seeds would be an acceptable part of your weight loss plan because they are cholesterol-free. Chia seeds can support heart health, bone health and reduce inflammation. Their high antioxidant content can help protect against cancer and age-related health problems.
Incorporating Chia Seeds into Your Diet
Not only are the health benefits of chia seeds amazing, but the variety of ways you can incorporate them into your diet is also astounding. It is important to note that the amount of chia seeds you use in something like a smoothie will impact the consistency of the drink. The more you use and the longer the seeds sit in liquid the thicker the drink will become. Chia seeds can be sprinkled on salads, added to salad dressings, incorporated into homemade baked goods, stirred into your hot or cold cereal, added to yogurt and puddings or used in a coating mix for meat. Chia seeds can be used to turn items such as pancakes, which usually have little nutritional value, into a healthy breakfast food.
