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My New Favorite Way To Drink Lemon Water – The Aqua Zinger

The Aqua Zinger

Benefits of lemon water

If you have read my post, 5 Reasons To Drink Lemon Water In The Morning, you will know I’m a HUGE fan of lemon water.  I feel like I can’t function well in the morning without hydrating with lemon water, and I always have it before my cup of coffee in the morning.

two lemon halves

Now that I know about this awesome water bottle called AquaZinger, I have been drinking lemon water all day long!

aqua zinger grinder

This is really the coolest thing.  It is a water bottle that has a built in grinder in the bottom.  It also has a filter, so seeds and chunks stay at the bottom.

Aqua zinger grinder

You simply start by cutting a lemon in half.  I’ve learned that by cutting off the very end of the lemon, it makes grinding a whole lot easier!  When I first purchased my water bottle, I felt frustrated at how much muscle it took to do the grinding.  Now that I watched the below “tips” video and know the tricks, it is easy and I love it!

Filter of aqua zinger

You then take the filter piece and push it down into the fruit.

aqua zinger grinder and filter

Like so…

aqua zinger water bottle

…then you take the water bottle part and twist it on.  The twisting action is what grinds the fruit.

Grinding a lemon in the aqua zinger

See?  Isn’t that so nifty? It really is easy.

AquaZinger bottle

Here is a view inside the AquaZinger bottle.  That filter keeps all the seeds and chunks of fruit from going down your throat!

Cold filtered water in water bottle

Add cold, filtered water.  Then give it a little shake.

lemon water made from the AquaZinger

I refill it all throughout the day, and usually only use one lemon half a day, sometimes two if I am extra thirsty and find myself filling it up more often.

 

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 5 Reasons To Drink Lemon Water Every Morning 

 

Number 1

It balances pH–Lemon is an acidic food, but once metabolized, it becomes alkaline.  I work very hard at keeping my body alkaline.  Why?

To put it most simply, alkalies help keep the oxygen in our blood at a safe pH level, and this helps our body heal itself, assimilate nutrients and fight off unwanted sickness.

-Nicole Bennet

Number 2
It keeps skin clear and glowing!   I have noticed this.  Hydration from drinking lemon water is great for moisturizing our skin from the inside out.  Lemon also contains lots of Vitamin C, which helps with wrinkles and blemishes.
 
Number 3
It kick starts the digestive system–a big glass of lemon water is a great way to start the day.  It encourages the liver to produce bile which in turn aids in digestion.  It increases urination which helps purify it.  It also helps with heartburn and constipation.
Number 4
It helps with weight loss–I have read that keeping the body in an alkaline state helps people lose weight faster.  Lemons are high in fiber pectin, which helps keep one full, longer.  They also have a diuretic effect, which helps with water weight gain.
Number 5
It helps control the coffee habit–I will drink coffee sometimes, but only if I have had my entire glass of lemon water.  Many days I feel like the lemon water wakes me up more than coffee does…
…which brings me to bonus Number 6:
It helps kick the pop habit--I have found that adding lemon to sparkling water and adding a whole lot of ice satisfies any soda craving I might have.  I gave up soda pop the minute I was diagnosed a year ago, and I really don’t miss it.  I don’t think I could stand the sweetness of it now, but I DO miss the fizz, so my “Lemon Spritzer”–lemon +sparkling water+ice–is the perfect solution!
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AquaZinger and CitrusZinger

My sister-in-law has the Citrus Zinger and loves it.  I may eventually get one of these, too, but I have really grown to love my Aqua Zinger.  I like that it grinds the lemon peel up, too, so the lemon flavor is extra strong and I get the benefits of the essential oils in the peel.  If you watch the video below, you will see that the Aqua Grinder is not just for lemons, but for any type of fruit.  I have not experimented much with other types of fruit, but when I do I will let you know!

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To purchase the Aqua Zinger & Citrus Zinger – Click here.

To purchase the Aqua Zinger- Click here.

To purchase the Citrus Zinger – Click here.

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21
Healthy Eating/ How-Tos/ RECIPES/ Sides

5 Reasons Why I Love To Roast Vegetables + 19 Roasted Vegetable Recipes

5 reasons to roast vegetables

Why do I love roasting vegetables?

1. It makes the house smell awesome.

2. It brings out the best flavor of the vegetable-complicated and caramelized deliciousness!

3. It is a great way to use up produce that would otherwise go to waste.

4. My kids like the flavor of roasted vegetables and eat them up.

5. It is easy!

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4 things you need for perfect roasted vegetables:

1. High heat.  I find the best roasting temperature of most vegetables is 425 degrees.

2. Surface space – do not pile the veggies on.  Spread them out evenly onto the pan giving each piece enough surface space to get all nice and brown and caramelized.

3. Vegetables cut in similar sizes.  This helps them all cook at the same rate.

3. Oil, salt & pepper.  Simple ingredients let the veggies themselves shine!

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Oils I use:

1. Unrefined Coconut Oil ~ Refined has more health benefits, but unrefined is still plenty good for you and does not have the coconut flavor.

2. Olive Oil ~ This is a commonly used oil for roasted vegetables.

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What you are looking & listening for:

Cooking times are going to vary with each vegetable.  You are listening for a sizzle as the natural moisture is released from the veggies.  You are looking for a nice browning effect on the bottom of the vegetables.  Most vegetables are done when fork tender.

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Here are some awesome sounding roasted vegetable recipes from my Vegetables Pinterest Board.  

Keep in mind, simple salt, pepper and oil let the veggies shine, but for a little extra special something, try these recipes!

 

Roasted Parmeasean Green Beans

 

Butter & Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts

 

Honey Balsamic Carrots

 

Easy Roasted Tomatoes

 

Roasted Fall Vegetables with Lentils

 

Lemon Rosemary Roasted Asparagus

 

Parmesan Roasted Brussels, Butternut Squash & Kale

 

Roasted Broccoli-Pinner says “Best Broccoli of Your Life”

 

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Asparagus: Leave whole; peel if necessary.

Bell peppers: If not roasting over an open flame, cut these into 1-inch chunks.
Broccoli: Cut into 1- to 1½-inch diameter individual florets, the tips of which get charred beautifully crisp. Peel, then halve or quarter thick stems (which are delicious!).
Brussels sprouts: Halve them.
Cauliflower: Treat like broccoli.
Corn: Cut into kernels; will cook very quickly and you may only want to brown one side.
Carrots: Cut a 1-inch chunk off the top end at a 45-degree angle. Roll the carrot a quarter turn and repeat. This weird oblique shape gives you lots of surface area to caramelize its abundant sugars. ½-inch coins or half-moons also work well.
Eggplant: Cut into 1½-inch chunks.
Fennel: Cut into 1-inch pieces.
Green / string beans: Really! They’re great. Just make sure they’re tender; old, tough ones get tougher in the oven. Leave whole, stems removed.
Onions: Cut into 1½-inch wedges, and break apart into individual layers.
Parsnips: Treat like carrots.
Radishes: Leave whole if small, about 1 inch in diameter; otherwise cut in 1-inch pieces.
Sweet potatoes: Cut into 1-inch pieces.
Tomatoes: Cut 1-inch-wide wedges or ½-inch slices. They won’t really brown well but can have a nice concentrated flavor.
Turnips: Cut into 1-inch chunks.
Zucchini / summer squash: Cut into 1-inch chunks, or oblique-cut like carrots.
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Here’s more roasted goodness from past New Nostalgia Posts:

New Nostalgia: Roasted Strawberries

New Nostalgia: How To Roast/Steam Corn On The Cob In The Oven …

 
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What about YOU?  

Do you have any roasted vegetable tips to share?  
What is your favorite vegetable
to roast?

 

6
HEALTH/ Healthy Eating/ How-Tos/ RECIPES

The Amazing Benefits Of Coconut Oil + Ways To Use It Topically & In Recipes

Nutiva coconut oil

I am a HUGE fan of coconut oil, for many reasons.  I LOVE IT!
The main way I started using coconut oil was topically.  This was because I read about how so many body lotions contain parabens and chemicals, and with my cancer history, I am being very purposeful about getting rid of as many toxins in this house and on my body as possible! 
Its been all over the news that they are finding parabens in the breast cancer survivors breast tissue.  My ears perked up with this because I have been in the beauty business for years as a cosmetologist, and parabans seem to be in EVERY beauty product.  I have also met way too many young hairstylists that also battled breast cancer, and it has made us all say “hmm.”
Parabens are a group of compounds widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, including underarm deodorants. Parabens are absorbed through intact skin and from the gastrointestinal tract and blood.
Measurable concentrations of six different parabens have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors (Darbre, 2004). The particular parabens were found in relative concentrations that closely parallel their use in the synthesis of cosmetic products (Rastogi, 1995). Parabens have also been found in almost all urine samples examined from a demographically diverse sample of U.S. adults (Ye, 2006a).
Parabens are estrogen mimickers, with the potency of the agonistic response being related to the chemical structure (Darbre, 2008). They can bind to the cellular estrogen receptor (Routledge, 1998). They also increase the expression of many genes that are usually regulated by estradiol and cause human breast tumor cells (MCF-7 cells) to grow and proliferate in vitro (Byford, 2002; Pugazhendhi, 2007). Nevertheless, parabens as a class do not fully mimic estradiol in the changes in cellular gene expression nor are the effects of all parabens identical (Sadler, 2009).
    “Parabens are estrogen mimickers.”  This really made me pause, as my cancer and the majority of breast cancers are fed by hormones.  I had symptoms of estrogen dominance for years and I often wonder if this contributed to my diagnosis.
    As I have been trying to avoid parabens, I have been on a kick of making my own beauty products. There are some wonderful healthy organic body products out there, but they usually end up costing “an arm and a leg,” so have been quite motivated to make my own or to figure out a simple, inexpensive & healthy alternative.

    Coconut oil used for shaving

    My Favorite Pre-Shave & Post-Shave For The Softest Legs

    homemade natural lip balm

    Homemade Natural Lip Balm 

    homemade coconut lime sugar scrub

    Homemade Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub

    I’ve also used coconut oil as my main cooking and baking oil for a couple of years now.  The below recipe has been viewed over 632,238 times! It is one of the most popular recipes here at New Nostalgia, and for good reason.  It is delicious. Funny how my most popular recipe was created by a mess up!
    chocolate recipe

    The Best Recipe I’ve Ever Messed Up

    oatmeal whole wheat quick bread

    Oatmeal Whole Wheat Quick Bread

    The above Oatmeal Whole Wheat Quick Bread is a great recipe to have on hand.  It takes just minutes to throw together and it is good for you.  I often make it when we are having pasta and I need a quick bread to dip in the sauce.

    nutiva coconut oil

    –I buy a large container on Amazon, I love the Nutiva brand.  It is organic and wonderful.  Trader Joes also started carrying coconut oil.  Yay!
    –Coconut oil is very unique.  It is a solid up to I think 76 degrees, then becomes a liquid.  So depending on the temperature of your house, you will either be scooping the oil if solid, or pouring it if liquid.  
    — For beauty purposes, I scoop some out and store in a small 8 oz mason jar.  I love the Elite series glass jars.  They have a nice wide mouth and are a cute shape.  I also keep coconut oil in a small 4oz jar to throw into my gym bag.

    benefits of using Coconut Oil
    –From Lindsey @ Passionate Homemaking-
    Part 1 & Part 2 – detailing the best oil choices being coconut oil & olive oil
    –From Kitchen Stewardship-
    A great post about the controversy surrounding coconut oil

    Have you ever tried coconut oil?
    What are ways you use coconut oil?

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    Healthy Eating/ How-Tos/ RECIPES

    6 Reasons To Replace Sugar With Coconut Palm Sugar

    banner

    coconut palm sugar

    I am new to Coconut Palm Sugar, and have quickly become a big fan.  I use it in my coffee, on my oatmeal and have even tried it in a Wholegrain Blueberry Coffee Cake recipe (which came out fantastic, I will post the recipe soon).

    I was first introduced to coconut palm sugar when I visited my friend Karen in California.  She is a sister survivor that I met through this blog (read more of our story here).  We are both now very dedicated to health, and seeking out ways to improve our nutrient intake.  Karen wrote a bit about coconut palm sugar on her blog, I Choose Hope.  She uses it in her Choose Hope Chai Latte.

    This pretty bag of organic coconut palm sugar caught my eye recently at our local health food store.  I  have wanted to try coconut palm sugar, and I’m a sucker for pretty packaging!  The price was much higher than what I wanted to pay, $6.99 for 16oz! Next time I will order from Amazon, it is $2 bucks cheaper!

    replace sugar with coconut palm sugar


    Despite the crazy price, I have really enjoyed using coconut palm sugar.  It DOES NOT have a coconut taste.  It is sweet, with just a slight hint of caramel-ly flavor. It is “pure coconut flower blossom nectar.”  It does wonders for my bowl of oatmeal in the morning.  Delicious!

    What sold me on this product was that it is a sweetener that also has nutrient benefits for the body.  It is naturally nutrient-rich.  You use it just as you would normally use sugar, it is a perfect 1:1 ratio.  It is unrefined, vegan & gluten free.

    Here are 6 reasons to replace sugar with coconut palm sugar:

    1. Magnesium & Nitrogen
    Regulated blood sugar levels and blood pressure.  Helps prevent and manage hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

    2. Zinc
    Called the “nutrient of intelligence” and is necessary for mental development.

    3. Low Glycemic*
    Slow absorption into the bloodstream, which means a happier and healthier body. No “sugar crash” like other sweeteners give you.

    4. Potassium
    Electrolytes help with muscular strength, cramps, diabetes maintenance and brain function.

    5. Calcium 
    Builds strong bones, reduces high blood pressure and kidney stones, and aids in weight management.

    6.  Amino Acids
    Coconut sugar contains 16 vital amino acids, the building blocks for all life.


    *These statements have not been approved by the FDA.  Those with sugar related illness and disease should consult with a doctor before consuming any sweetener.

    7
    Drinks/ HEALTH/ Healthy Eating/ RECIPES

    My Personal 31 Days Of Tea-LC Challenge + Another Tea Giveaway

    31 days of tea

     I just chose a winner for my last Celestial Seasonings 31 Days of TeaLC giveaway, and there was so much excitement about it that I though we should do one more!

    I talked last week about just how much I love hot beverages in the winter.  I love chai, coffee and tea, but because I am a cancer survivor, health and immunity are super important to me. With this in mind, I have been wanting to drink less coffee and more tea, and joined in on Celestial Seasonings 31 Days of TeaLC Challenge.  My personal challenge is to replace my typical 2nd cup of coffee, the one I usually drink in the afternoon, with tea! 

    Henry James Tea quote

    My friends at Celestial Seasonings recently sent a bunch of their new wellness teas, just in time for my 31 Days of TeaLC Challenge.  I have LOVED trying out their new products, and have been really impressed with the emphasis their teas have on health!  This month is more than half way over and I have found that this 31 day challenge really isn’t much of a challenge for me because it has been a very delicious challenge!
    +++
    During my last giveaway, I asked you to comment on what your favorite Celestial Seasonings teas are.  I loved the response I got from you!   Here are the most popular flavors according to New Nostalgia readers!
    ~ Sleepytime teas were by far the most popular.  Many of you commented on how they really do work and help you fall asleep.  The Vanilla, Peach and Sinus Soother were the most popular flavors.

    ~Raspberry Zinger was also very popular, and came in second.

    ~Mandarine Orange Spice was a close 3rd.

    ~Honey Vanilla Camomille was 4th

    ~Peppermint was a favorite for a few of you!

    +++

    Ok, now on to a couple more of my favorite teas from Celestial Seasonings.

    Celestial seasonings tea
    This tea is very timely for what I have seen and experienced here in the Midwest.  It seems like EVERYONE is battling colds and flu.  We have managed to stay fairly healthy.  I do have one girl with some cold symptoms. When she told me she had a sore throat one evening, I was excited to experiment with Sleepytime Throat Tamer.  I made her some, added some honey, and she said she really liked it and that it definitely helped. She drifted right off to sleep after her tea. She is 11 and is really starting to enjoy tea, especially herbal teas!

    *
    When the seasons change, minor throat irritations are all too common. Steep yourself in soothing goodness with Sleepytime Throat Tamer™. This special blend features all of the calming and relaxing qualities of our beloved Sleepytime tea, including aromatic spearmint from the Pacific Northwest and soothing Egyptian chamomile. Sleepytime Throat Tamer adds licorice root and slippery elm bark to coat and soothe a sore throat, while the rejuvenating infusion of lemongrass and ginger provides a comforting aroma and flavor. You’ll feel soothing relief from the very first sip! *

    These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

    Metabo Balance Green Tea
    The next tea that I have really been enjoying is the Metabo Balance Green Tea.  I am on a medication for 5 years due to my cancer history.  This particular medication makes you gain weight.  It messes with hormone levels and because of this I have noticed a change in my body shape, and in my tendency to gain weight around the middle.  I have been blessed to never have had to worry about weight gain, until now!  I’m hoping this tea will help regulate my metabolism. This tea is delicious–it has hibiscus, orange peel and grapefruit flavor.  It is a green tea which is great for everyone, but especially cancer survivors!
    For many of us, maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge. Support your metabolism by adding Metabo Balance™ wellness tea to your healthy diet and active lifestyle. This all-natural blend features authentic green tea leaves and potent green tea extract for sustained energy and metabolism support, plus garcinia cambogia and a delicious tropical grapefruit flavor for great taste with no calories!*

    *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
    Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle
    I own an electric tea kettle, and it is by far one of my most favorite kitchen appliances, especially in the winter.  I fill it with water in the morning, then flip the button to “on.”  In just a minute or 2, I have hot water for my tea.  The kettle keeps the water hot for a long time, so I refill my mug often.  If it has been a couple hours since my last cup of tea and I want more, I simply flip the switch to “on’ again. It is a great way to have hot water handy all throughout the day. I LOVE it.
                                                                                       +++
    Would you like a chance to win a month supply of Celestial Seasonings tea?

    If so, enter below!
    39
    Drinks/ Healthy Eating/ RECIPES

    My Personal 31 Days of Tea-LC Challenge + A Tea Giveaway

    I am a HUGE fan of warm, comforting drinks in the winter months.  There is just something I love about having my hands wrapped around a big, warm mug of a hot beverage. I love chai, coffee and tea, but because I am a cancer survivor, health and immunity are super important to me! With this in mind, I have been wanting to drink less coffee and more tea, and have decided to join in on Celestial Seasonings 31 Days of TeaLC Challenge.  My personal challenge is to replace my typical 2nd cup of coffee, the one I usually drink in the afternoon, with tea!

    My friends at Celestial Seasonings recently sent me a bunch of their new wellness teas, just in time for my 31 Days of TeaLC Challenge.  I have LOVED trying out their new products, and have been really impressed with the emphasis their teas have on health!  I have so enjoyed experiencing their different teas that I find myself drinking much more tea than I anticipated. This 31 day challenge really isn’t much of a challenge for me because it has been so much fun!

    I own an electric tea kettle, and it is by far one of my most favorite kitchen appliances, especially in the winter.  I fill it with water in the morning, then flip the button to “on.”  In just a minute or 2, I have hot water for my tea.  The kettle keeps the water hot for a long time, so I refill my mug often.  If it has been a couple hours since my last cup of tea and I want more, I simply flip the switch to “on’ again. It is a great way to have hot water handy all throughout the day. I LOVE it.

    There are 2 teas from Celestial Seasonings that I must talk about.  I will start with my most favorite–Natural Detox Wellness Tea.  I was super excited to see a Celestial Seasoning tea containing Milk Thistle.  I have taken Milk Thistle in supplement form ever since I finished chemo & radiation.  Milk Thistle is known for its detoxing properties, and is great great for the liver.  Chemo wreaks havoc on the liver, which is the bodies main detoxing organ, so restoring my liver to its full working condition was really important to me.  I was hoping I would like this tea, especially if it meant eliminating an expensive supplement that I would usually take in pill form.  This tea did not disappoint. The creamy vanilla flavor is really comforting.  It is interesting for something to taste “creamy” when it is not, but it does!  I love it, have drank a ton of it already, and I’m not even close to being tired of it.

    Antioxidant Max Green Tea Blackberry Pomegranate 

    My second favorite tea that they sent is their Antioxidant Max Green Tea Blueberry Pomegranate.  Green tea is another really important ingredient in a healthy diet.  Green teas provide powerful flavonoid antioxidants that can help reduce the cell-damaging effects of free radicals.  This is not only good for cancer patients whose treatment is so harsh and damaging, but also for healthy people who want to stay that way.  Cancer is simply cells misbehaving that are damaged, so it makes sense that reducing free radicals that damage cells is cancer preventative.

    This tea would taste great in the warm months, too.  It would be really refreshing to serve it iced.

    78
    Brunch/ Healthy Eating/ How-Tos/ RECIPES

    13 Favorite Ways To Eat Chia – A Mega Energy Food

    13 Ways To Eat Chia Seeds- A Mega Energy Food!

    A little bit about the superfood Chia.  The word “Chia” is actually a Mayan word for “strength.”  The seeds were used by ancient cultures as mega-energy food.  Especially for their running messengers.  Chia has been called “Indian Running Food” and is knows in the world of super marathon runners as a staple for sustained energy.

    {click here to buy on Amazon}

     
    Chia seeds and I are like best friends. I try to enjoy them everyday.
      Why?

    ~the are jammed packed with protein and minerals and healthy fats and fiber
    ~they provide more plant based Omega 3’s than any other food, even FLAX
    ~5 times the calcium of milk, plus boran which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium to bones
    ~8 times the omega 3’s found in salmon
    ~3 times more iron than spinach
    ~2 times the amount of potassium than bananas
    ~more antioxidants than found in blueberries
    ~they have 5 GRAMS of fiber PER TABLESPOON!
    ~the are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids
    ~can be stored for years without deterioration of flavor or color
    ~they are flavorless and dissolve in juice, soups, stews, shakes etc..

    ~they are low calorie way to get super FULL!

    ________________

    Here are a few of my favorite ways to eat Chia:

    Chia oats

    Chia Oats

    This is a no cook way to eat your oats.  Many call them “overnight” oats, as you make them the night before and let them sit overnight. My daughter begs me to make these and often eats them as a super healthy afternoon snack!

    Chewy no bake granola bars

    Chewy, No Bake Granola Bars

    These are super delicious and a great way to get fiber in!

    Anytime chia oats

    Anytime Chia Oats

    The same as above, but they do not need to sit out overnight.  Just throw the ingredients into a blender. It makes a textured banana oat chia pudding.

    chocolate peanut butter chia pudding

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

    A great and healthy way to satisfy those chocolate cravings!

    Green smoothie

    My Everyday Green Smoothie

    Sometimes I add chia, sometimes I don’t.  This is a GREAT go-to green smoothie!

    peanut butter banana chia seed roll up

    Peanut Butter Banana Chia Seed Roll Up

    These make a good after school snack.  It gets those Omega’s into your kids.

    chocolate almond chia oats/ apple dip

    Chocolate Almond Chia Oats / Apple Dip

    Another favorite after school snack.  My 9 year old daughter likes to whip this up all by herself.

    blueberry banana chia oat smoothie

    Blueberry Banana Chia Oat Smoothie

    Super filling and full of antioxidants!

    strawberry banana breakfast chia oats

    Strawberry Banana Breakfast Chia Oats

    This is one of my favorite ways to eat Chia Oats.

    ziplock smoothie freezer packs

    Ziplock Smoothie Freezer Packs

    I often put a spoonful of chia seeds into our smoothies made from these Ziplock Freezer Packs.

    Rips big bowl for breakfast

    Rips Big Bowl For Breakfast

    I love to sprinkle chia seeds on our cold breakfast cereal.  This one is a fav around here.

    orange almond polenta cake with strawberries

    Orange Almond Polenta Cake With Strawberries

    This cake is super refreshing, and uses what is called a “Chia egg.”  A chia egg is an egg substitute.  Great for vegans or if you just happen to run out of eggs!

    ___________________

    GT's chia kombucha

    GT’s Chia Kombucha

    I LOVE these drinks.  Kombucha is fermented and great for your gut.  It has a bit of “fizz” which makes me feel like I am drinking a soda.  These Kombucha’s with chia are filling & make a great snack.  Buy them at your local health food store.

    ___________________

    How To Make A Chia Egg Substitute

    1 Tbls Chia to 3 Tbls water–mix and let sit until a gel like consistency, about 10 minutes.

    ___________________

    One of the most common ways to eat chia is to first soak the seeds.  They can very rapidly absorb a large amount of liquid- between 9-12 times their value, in under 10 minutes.

    Basic Chia Gel

    To make a basic chia gel, simply add 1/3 cup of seeds (2oz) to 2 cups of water.  Stir the mixture well, to avoid clumping, then leave it in your fridge, in a sealed mason jar.  This will yield around 17 oz of chia gel.  You can begin to eat the gel almost immediately if you like.  Just 10 minutes is enough time for the get to be formed.  More of the nutrients will be easily accessible after a few hours however, so many people alike to make up a batch like this and leave it in the fridge.  It will stay good for about three weeks.  You will have ready-made gel whenever you need it.  You can add to smoothies, mix it with salad dressings, puddings or granola, or simply take it by the spoonful.

    ____________________

    You can buy Chia seeds at Trader Joes, health food stores, and many grocery stores in the health food section.  You can also click here to order them from Amazon.  Amazon has a great deal, and I will get a small percentage of your purchase if you use this link!

     

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