Overnight Vegan Vanilla Chia NRgy Bowl
My mornings tend to be really busy, a lot of the time with super early morning calls. And— if I exercised just before the meetings I barely have time to take a shower and prepare breakfast before jumping on the zoom call.
You may have heard it said before, but breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. It can provide you with the right energy and boost your performance all day long.
This is why I am always looking for ways to make my life easier, but keep a delicious and healthy lifestyle. This way I can keep my productivity up, my weight healthy and my stress down.
No more grabbing the first thing that you see in the fridge or a piece of toast and coffee, which do not nourish your cells, so you become hungry fast. (Hint: This is your body telling you that it didn’t get the right nutrients.)
What if you have a delicious, quick, energizing breakfast waiting for you every morning? Something packed with the nutrients your body needs most? This superfood vanilla chia pudding is it!
Oh! And did I mention that it is the easiest thing to make? Literally 3 minutes to prep the night before and it will be ready in the morning for you. You can add different toppings and spices to change the flavors and nutrients. Check out my recommendations below (it even includes a Pumpkin Spice version for you).
What are the benefits of this vegan vanilla chia pudding?
Before we look at the recipe and my topping combo recommendations I wanted to tell you a little bit more about the powerhouse that Chia seeds are and the benefits of it being vegan.
Nutrition Tips:
CHIA
Chia seeds have been used for centuries by the Aztecs and the Mayans. In fact, they were recognized for their ability to provide sustainable energy and the word “chia” in Mayan means “strength”.
They are an amazing source of fiber and high quality protein and have been shown to reduce appetite and cravings for snacking.
Mixed with water, they can replace egg in vegan cooking.
They can be eaten raw or cooked, added to other foods as a topping or soaked before eating (which is the method for the chia pudding). Check out this incredible Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Bread for other ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet.
ALTERNATIVE MILKS
If you are vegan or looking to introduce more plant-based food into your diet, this is the perfect breakfast for you. You can even have this as a mid-afternoon snack.
For some people cow’s milk can create an allergic reaction or they may be lactose intolerant, for some others it can cause inflammation. Alternative milks can be a great option if you have any of these health concerns.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE TOPPING COMBINATIONS:
Pears, pumpkin spice or cinnamon, maple syrup, and walnuts- yummy combo of warming flavors with omega-3 from walnuts (great for hormone balance) and cinnamon (which may help with insulin resistance or blood sugar balance).
Strawberries, blueberries, mint and bee pollen- amazing combo with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which may help decrease inflammation and boost immunity.
Bananas, mangos, cacao nibs, coconut flakes- such a delicious combination of flavors with antioxidants, good fats, potassium and fiber.
Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
With chia seeds for an extra dose of nutrition!
Overnight Vanilla Chia NRgy Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Cups alternative milk (unsweetened almond or coconut milk work well)
- 8 Tbsp Chia Seeds (7 if you prefer it less thick, 8 if you prefer a thicker consistency)
- 1tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 tsp monk fruit sugar or coconut sugar — (optional)
- Toppings- fruit, nuts, dried fruits work great or see my favorite combinations
Instructions
- Mix the milk, chia seeds and vanilla in a bowl, cover and leave in the refrigerator overnight (it will last up to 5 days in the fridge before you add the protein powder).
- The next morning or when ready to eat, add the sweetener if using and mix well.
- Serve in bowls and add toppings.
Notes:
TOP TIP: Once it’s ready, divide it into glass containers ready to add your toppings. And as it lasts for 5 days you will be covered for breakfast all week long!
Here are some of my favorite topping combinations:
Pears, pumpkin spice or cinnamon, maple syrup & walnuts
Strawberries, blueberries, mint & bee pollen
Bananas, mangos, cacao nibs & coconut flakes