Just another typical day ….a chocoholic is always looking for a way to get some chocolate in! I am not gonna lie, I have my 85-90% piece of dark chocolate after lunch and dinner. That’s my “mint” if you will, after a meal. Sometimes/days, my chocolate fix just can’t be satisfied by a small square piece – so I try and create ways to get that fix without sacrificing health. Of course a paleo version of a chocolate chip cookie, muffin or cupcake would do ….and has but today, I craved a gelatinous type dessert and here’s what happened!
I love that this dessert is filled with nutritional benefits all the while satisfying my chocolate tooth! Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants and are a great source of protein. They are also high is Omega 3 fatty acids as well as high in fiber! They have several nutrients that are good for bone health – calcium being one of them. And since I don’t eat dairy (with the exception of grass-fed butter), chia seeds are a gram for gram, higher than most dairy products so I like to include them in wherever I can, especially now that I’m in menopause. Along with the nutrients found in chia seeds, the fiber and protein will help with those who are trying to lose a few pounds by keeping you satiated a little longer and providing the right fuel to do so. I would add to a smoothie perhaps, just so you can get in more nutrients while allowing that smoothie to hold you over. (Side note: I don’t suggest replacing full on nutritional meals with smoothies but simply stating that when you might make smoothies, boost up the nutrients by adding chia seeds)
I also added Vital Proteins Collagen to this pudding. I started adding collagen peptides and/or gelatin to my diet about a year ago. Prior to using these products, I had achy knuckles and elbows. I just attributed to aging and possibly arthritis and pretty much had the mentality of “such as life”. I remember asking my daughter to rub my hands and/or elbows while we watched a movie on Netflix because they ached pretty badly. Holding my cell phone to text or even typing on a computer was annoying and had to take breaks to rub my hands out. WELL —– all of that nonsense disappeared after incorporating these amazing products into my diet!!!!! I specifically remember a day when snuggling up with my daughter on the couch and her saying, “Mommy, (yes, she’s 18 and still calls me mommy! :)) you don’t ask me to rub your hands or elbows anymore….” I smiled and thought, “OMG! You’re right!!!” It honestly hadn’t even dawned on me that I was ache free until that moment and I haven’t had any aches since then! You can read more about Vital Proteins here.
Well there’s the nutrient facts about this little chocolate delight. Aside from this being a “not so bad” treat for you, it’s tasty and really does resemble the snack pack pudding taste from yesteryear! The recipe is for the chocolate chia pudding but in the notes you’ll see how I made it into a little parfait. Happy snackin!
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop Vital Proteins collagen
- 1/4 tsp date syrup (maple syrup or honey will work)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- In a bowl, mix the chia seeds with almond milk using a fork.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and use an immersion blender (or blender) to combine.
- Place a lid or cling wrap to cover bowl and place in fridge overnight (or at least 6 hours).
- Serve in bowls or .... See notes *
- *You can layer the pudding with coconut whip as shown in photo. Place can of full fat coconut whip in fridge for 6 hours+. Take the top, thick cream and in a bowl, mix with hand mixer or immersion blender. I like it 'as is' but you can add a dab of your favorite sweetener if desired.
- You can also layer with your favorite crunch! I added chopped dark chocolate almonds here
Order of layers --> - •chocolate chia pudding
- •coconut whip
- •chopped "crunch" of choice
- •chocolate chia pudding
- •dollop of coconut whip
- •sprinkle of crunch
I have wanted to try those crackers forever! I want to try them with your chicken salad!!
They are perfect with chicken salad!!! Good luck
Winner announced on Monday’s email!
This pudding sounds pretty yummy, can’t wait to try it. Okay so I have wanted to try the Jilz crackers fir quite done time but they are it locally sold, I would like to try them with a chicken salad for a new lunch item.
Thank you so much! And yes, these crackers are delish with chicken salad!!!
Good luck
Winner announced in Monday’s email!
This recipe looks soooo yummy !! I definitely need to try this:)…… I would so look forward to having the opportunity to try all 3 scrumptious flavors of Jillz Crackerz! Thanks for offering this chance:)
Thank YOU! All flavors are amazing!!! And you’re welcome!
Good luck
Winner announced on Monday’s email!
I would love to try the crackers on my tuna salad yummy and this chocolate chia pudding looks delicious
Tuna salad and Jillz are a perfect combo! And thanks so much!
Good luck
Winner announced on Monday’s email!
Tuna salad and Jillz are a perfect combo! And thanks so much!
Winner announced on Monday’s email ….good luck
Looking forward to trying the crackers with a meat and cheese platter!!
Yummm! Sounds so good!
Stay tuned for Monday’s email. Winner announced then…..good luck!
These look delish and take chia pudding to another level. I have never thought to blend my chia pudding mixture. Can’t wait to try that and adding whipped coconut!! So yummmm!! Thanks for posting!
You’re welcome! And thanks so much Athena!
Can’t wait to try Jillz Crackerz!
They are the best! Good luck
Winner announced in Monday’s email!
I would most like to try Jillz Crackerz with some almond or nut butter. I used to have crackers with peanut butter all the time as a kid and miss it!
Omgosh. That’s one thing I haven’t tried! I must do that. Sounds so good. I have swiped some ghee on them….which sounds weird but it’s actually so good AND addicting! Good luck
Winner announced in Monday’s email.
I would love to win Jill Crackerz. I love anything i can add to my pantry for recipes or just as a side and knowing they are extremely healthy Yes please!! I would love to make a Paleo butternut squash soup and crumble them on top…. or a nice paleo spinach dip….
Ooooh! Spinach dip is a fav of mine! Good idea …..I have an artichoke/broccoli dip on the blog and I might just have to whip that up and enjoy with Jillz Crackerz! Sounds amazing. Winner announced on Monday! Good luck
I can’t wait to try this recipe! As for the crackers, I would crumble them over my salads or dip them in some kind of roasted bell pepper dip. Yum!
Thank You! And yes…that is a perfect use for these crackerz! Good luck