Cooking with Chia For Dummies

Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber are the superstars of cardiovascular health, and chia seeds contain them both in spades. They're also great sources of iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, and have been linked to better cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure levels. It's no wonder they've been a staple in Central American diets since the Aztecs, and are once again growing in popularity. Chia is truly a superfood, both nutritious and versatile. Both the seeds and sprouts are edible, but there's so much more to chia than that!

Cooking With Chia For Dummies explores the benefits and many uses of the chia seed, and guides you through a multitude of ways to add chia to your diet. Featuring over 125 recipes, you'll learn how to choose among the different types of chia options, how to use and how to use it, and exactly how much you need to reap the health benefits.

• Camouflage your chia or make it the star of the dish
• Incorporate chia into your favorite meal
• Adapt the recipes to be vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free
• Discover chia recipes that even kids will eat

Learn why you shouldn't harvest the sprouts from your Chia pet, and where to buy high-quality seeds to eat. Chia is already fueling endurance athletes and is beloved by dietitians. You deserve to feel great, and there's no reason your taste buds should suffer for it. Chia is a delicious addition to any meal, and there's no reason for you to miss out. Cooking With Chia For Dummies is your comprehensive guide to adding chia to your diet, and your companion on the journey to ultimate health.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Chia 5

Chapter 1: Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia: An Introduction to the Nutrient-Dense Chia Seed 7

Chapter 2: Getting Your Nutritional Facts Right: The Tiny Seed with a Mighty Punch 15

Chapter 3: Unleashing the Disease-Fighting Power of Chia 27

Chapter 4: The Endless Versatility of Chia 35

Chapter 5: Buying, Storing, and Using Chia 43

Part II: Starting Your Day the Right Way: Breakfasts 53

Chapter 6: Getting Chia into Your Breakfast Bowl 55

Chapter 7: Taking Your Time in the Morning: Cooked Breakfasts 71

Chapter 8: Smoothies and Juices: Nutrition in a Glass 89

Part III: Appetizers, Main Courses, and Something for Everyone 105

Chapter 9: Let’s Get This Party Started: Before the Main Course 107

Chapter 10: Mouthwatering Main Courses and Sides 127

Chapter 11: Satisfying Dietary Restrictions 149

Chapter 12: Especially for Kids 167

Part IV: Boosting Your Baked Goods with Chia 185

Chapter 13: Delicious Breads, Muffins, and Jams 187

Chapter 14: Chia on the Go 203

Chapter 15: Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too: Chia Desserts 213

Part V: The Part of Tens 231

Chapter 16: Ten Tricks for Get ting Chia into Your Everyday Diet 233

Chapter 17: Ten Ways Chia Is a Superfood 237

Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Sneak Chia into Your Kids’ Food 241

Appendix: Metric Conversion Guide 245

Index 249

Barrie Rogers is cofounder of Chia bia and chiabia.com, an Irish chia company and website that provides a wealth of information about chia seeds and health and offers a number of chia products for sale, including seeds, bars, and beverages. Debbie Dooly is Marketing Manager of Chia bia.