We love silly national holidays. Not only do we enjoy any reason to celebrate, but we also like the fact that they frequently encourage us to eat different foods than our normal diet.
National Chia Day is this week. Chia seeds are exceptionally nutrient-dense. When compared to gold-standard foods, they stand out. They have eight times more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon. They are 25 percent higher in fiber than flaxseed. They have 30 percent more antioxidants than blueberries. They have twice as much potassium as bananas. And they have six times the amount of calcium than milk. They knock the competition out of the park. However, many of us only consume them in the form of pudding or in a smoothie. So today we are branching out and sharing chia recipes that aren’t puddings or smoothies!

This is an excellent recipe for people who miss grits and don’t like chia but want its benefits. It was designed by someone who doesn’t like the earthiness of chia. Putting them through a coffee grinder and adding them to beef broth changes the flavor perception and texture. The recipe still relies on the properties of chia seeds to thicken the grits. A serving has 382 calories, seven grams of carbs, four grams of carbs and 33 grams of fat. Get the recipe.

The chia seeds in this bread give it a nice crunchy bite. And the seeds on the top add extra texture. Plus, it takes less than two hours to make a loaf. Because it’s made with psyllium husks, chia seeds, ground almonds and Greek yogurt, it’s high in protein with 12.3 grams per serving. A serving also has 240 calories, 11.1 grams of carbs, 5.2 grams of fiber and 17.3 grams of fat. Get the recipe.

These savory pancakes can be a breakfast option or a side dish. They are excellent as a side with a meat dish. And they are perfect for mopping up gravy. They are ready in under a half hour. A serving has 200 calories, 11.5 grams of carbs, seven grams of fiber and 14 grams of fat. Get the recipe.

These salmon cakes are like a fish burger patty. It can also be served alongside a salad. In many ways, the recipe is a tuna salad, but with canned salmon instead of tuna. It’s closer to tuna salad than a crab cake. The cakes are cooked in a pan like a crab cake. A serving has 260 calories, 14 grams of carbs, eight grams of fiber and seven grams of fat. Get the recipe.
We hope that these recipes help you branch out and try new ways to enjoy chia seeds as you celebrate National Chia Day.

