Eat-Clean Recipe :: Banana Chia Pudding

Have you ever craved for dessert so bad that you just gotta satisfy it no matter rain or shine? But at the back of your mind, you thought of how guilty it would be?

Well ahoy there, welcome aboard, because we are on the same boat!

Did I mention that I have a sweet-tooth, and could totally diss dinner for some deliciously sweet dessert? It's always been a tough one for me. In the past, way before I started out on this journey, I would shamefully have my dessert after my somewhat heavy dinner. And in Singapore, you can find dessert anywhere, everywhere, and talk about cost, just with a dollar, you could easily get your hands on those street ice-cream. You can say, I am guilty as charged for being a dessert monster!

So I am going to spill my secret today to those people who are onboard with me. 

Let's talk about ch-ch-ch-chia seeds for a minute. 

In case you’re not familiar with the trendy superfood, these unprocessed seeds, which come from a desert plant grown in Mexico, have been around for thousands of years and were a staple in the diet of the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. Aztec soldiers used to crush chia on the reg to boost energy, and the seeds were thought to have magical powers based on their ability to increase stamina over long periods of time.


It is considered a “superfood” because of the maximum amount of nutrients with minimal calories. The seeds are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fabulous antioxidants that protect your body against free radicals, prevent cancer, and fight aging. Chia also contains significantly more protein than other whole grains, and it has a ridiculously high fiber content. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 11 grams of fiber (40% of your daily value!), which will keep you feeling full and satisfied while improving digestion and regulating blood sugar. Oh yes!

Most importantly, chia seeds are the best plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids on the planet. Omega-3s are glorious, and because they are not made in our bodies, we need to get them from our diet. These fatty acids help build new cells, reduce inflammation, regulate physiological functions, and prevent heart disease and diabetes. They also reduce depression levels (be happier!), improve cognitive function (be smarter!), and promote healthy skin, hair and nails (be prettier!). What's up, plant-based peeps! 

Another thing for Asians, I am pretty sure you are familiar with Basil Seeds, the one you easily found in the local dessert, yes those black, weird-looking seeds. To clear the air, both have similar characteristics, however, Basil Seeds is bigger as compared, and black in color, found mainly in the Mediterranean and Asia. Now, before I hear people saying how expensive chia seeds can be, you could totally use Basil Seeds instead. Well, obviously it would be great if you could get your hands on Chia Seeds, but Basil Seeds are good for those who are looking for a cheaper alternative.

Alright, enough of me talking, ready for the recipe? 

Aye aye Captain!

Recipe

Ingredients

Basic:

2 cups Unsweetened Soy Milk/ Almond Milk (any preferred milk)

6 tbsp Chia Seeds/ Basil Seeds

1 tsp pure Vanilla extract

Sweetener to taste

Optional Combo:

- Mashed Ripe Banana with Cinnamon 

- Matcha powder with Berries

- Cocoa Powder with Sliced Banana

- Strawberry with Soy Yogurt (greek yogurt for non-vegan)

Directions

In a big bowl, combine all the ingredients and give it a good stir. Transfer to a jar or a sealed container and allow to chill for at least an hour or, best, overnight. 

Note: It takes practice to get the texture "just right", so you can always feel free to adjust the amount of chia seeds used or the milk to achieve the desired texture (thick or thin pudding).

My favorite combo is to mash a very ripe banana (super sweet!) and mix it with the chia pudding, what can I say, purrffecctttt combo! There are simply way too many combos that I can think of but have yet to give it a try, hopefully I can show you some of my unique combos soon. As of now, enjoy this smooth and crunchy pudding as a dessert, or even breakfast. This is perfect to have it on-the-go as well, so now you have no excuse to skip your breakfast! 

I hope you have a clearer understandings regarding these super seeds, and oh don't forget to share with me your favorite combo below..

As always, 

eat clean, and stay fit! 

Eat-Clean Recipe :: Chocolate Protein Oat Waffles

Grattis International Våfflor dagen, killar! Alla älskar våfflor rätt, som inte?
[Happy International Waffles Day, guys! Everyone loves waffles right, who doesn't?] in Swedish

Food makes everyone happy, but what makes me happier and ecstatic is when I can turn those delicious food into a healthier one where everyone can still enjoy it. It's just my new definition of sharing happiness with people like you! :-)

Waffles, waffles, waffles! Brilliant for any meals of the day and never can anyone get bored of it, I meant it's soooo waffle-liciously delicious! Perfect pair with <3 ice-cream <3, peanut butter, nutella, fruits or anything.. it's like heaven on a plate! 

But hold up, how about healthy waffles that's gonna make you feel happier and guilt-free after devouring it? Yes, sounds like we are on the same page. 

To celebrate International Waffle Day (originated from Sweden), I will be sharing waffle recipe today!

You are just "2 steps" away from having a wonderful plate of heavenly waffles, no joke! ;-)


Recipe:
Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup oat flour 
• 1/2 tbsp coconut flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract/ powder
• 1/2 stick stevia (or preferred sweetener)
• 1 tbsp greek yoghurt
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 2 egg whites
• 3 tbsp unsweetened soy/ almond milk
• Optional toppings: Strawberry, Berries, Banana, Chocolate Sauce*, Nut Butter, Tahini, Pure Maple Syrup, Honey, Date Syrup, Greek Yogurt etc.

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, till a thick batter is formed. 
2. Heat up the waffles maker (make sure it's hot), cook for about 4-5 minutes till golden brown. 
3. Serves best when it's fresh from the maker!

For Chocolate Sauce*: Mix 1/3 cup unsweetened soy/ almond/ skimmed milk, 1/8 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, 1/4 cup fat free cottage cheese, 1/2 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder and honey to taste.

See, it's that simple! If you do not have a waffle maker, you can always turn this into a pancake. Now, who dare says that eating-clean is boring? 

On a side note, I am gonna try to post healthy recipes every fortnight, well, at least this would get you to anticipate for the next recipes. It's worth waiting for these recipes, right right? Again, Happy International Waffle Day, guys! 

As always, 

eat clean and stay beautiful!

Eat-Clean Recipe In A Minute :: Chunky Monkey Overnight Oatmeal In A Jar (OIAJ)

Hey guys!

Now that there are two recipes up on this blog, have you given a shot on those healthy recipes? I hope you did! 

Oatmeal, who doesn't love oatmeal? I know I do! If you haven't noticed, most of my recipes use oat flour or rolled oats, in fact I would try to use it whenever possible and basically put all other flours such as whole wheat flour, or spelt flour aside. 

For today's post, it would be Recipe In A Minute again because I realised something about the people in Singapore. Whenever I am out in the morning, no matter if it is weekday or weekend, Singaporeans (or everyone on the street) would always be in a rush. So, I decided to share more recipes that are easy to prepare (in fact, most of my recipes are quick and simple)!

If you are one of those people who seems to be running out of time in the morning and always failed to have breakfast before leaving the house, then I suggest you give this recipe a try. It requires no baking, really, all you need is a jar, a few ingredients, a fridge and do some harlem shake with the jar (nah no, harlem shake is so last year!! lol). 

 

This got to be my most favorite Overnight OIAJ, Chunky Monkey. Nothing can go wrong with some nut butter, chocolate, and bananas!

Recipe:

Ingredients 

• 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup Soy/ Almond/ Skimmed milk
• 1/4 cup low-fat Greek Yogurt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon honey (to taste)
• 1 medium banana
• 1 tsp Natural Unsweetened Almond Butter/ Peanut Butter
• Optional: 1 tsp Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions: 

1. In a jar (or a lunchbox), add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey, and nut butter.
2. Put lid on jar and harlem shake until well combined. 
3. Remove lid, add bananas, and chocolate chips and stir until mixed throughout. 
4. Return lid to jar and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days. Eat chilled. 

How much simpler can it get! I always make this whenever I crave for some pudding or maybe, ice-cream (chances are I would go get myself a scoop 'cos I am seriously a sucker for ice-cream, only ice-cream! :-p). I reckon you give this a try, and add in whatever toppings you want to be inside your OIAJ. I will post more OIAJ recipes with different combinations of toppings, hopefully you can also come out with your own unique combooo!

As mentioned earlier on my latest Instagram post, I'm pretty sure that most of you skip breakfast just because you've no time. While some may argue that the importance of breakfast is a myth, I think otherwise. When you skip breakfast, you tend to be hungry before lunch hour, and guess what, you will start to eat more than you should for lunch! And that's bad, so always prepare easy breakfast to avoid over-eating.

Shake your laziness away, and stay healthy! :-)