Raw Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Ever since everything turned upside 4 months ago (has it already been FOUR months??!), there have been some major changes occurring in my life.
Part of what has been changing for me is the way I eat. For those of you who know me, know that I have never committed myself to one style of eating. I like to think of myself as always evolving (in all aspects of my being). Though Fork and Beans became mainly an homage to gluten-free and vegan baking (something that will not change), I have never professed to be a vegan, especially when I found that my body really did not respond well to giving up all animal products. Every body is different.
So with that said, expect some changes to be going on around here.
And while I am re-vamping the direction of Fork and Beans (I do hope you continue to stay cozy over here and enjoy the new options!), why don’t you try on for size this easy, on-the-go breakfast. Chia seeds never tasted this easy and so good!
Raw Cacao Chia Seed Pudding (for One) Recipe
Raw & gluten, dairy, egg and refined sugar-free
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 Tbs chia seeds
- 1 c. non-dairy milk
- 1 Tb raw cacao powder (or regular ol’ cocoa powder)
- drizzle of agave for sweetness (optional)
- Toppings of choice (I love berries, hemp hearts, and chopped almonds on mine).
DIRECTIONS:
- Place all ingredients into a mason jar. Screw top tight and shake vigorously.
- Place in refrigerator overnight (chia seeds will expand as they set).
- Mix with a spoon and pour desired toppings on top. Take it to go.
Fork and Beans 
Cara, I tried this recipe and it was amazing. I’m definitely making it again, but I am also writing a post on it… pimping this recipe and your blog with links and all. Hope you don’t mind! I need to get back on track with my eating and this is just the kind of thing I need in my “go-to” breakfast arsenal. Thank you for such an inspiring recipe!
HOORAY!!! So glad that you liked it!! I just saw your post too–I like the banana addition… xoxo!
I’m making this today! It’s been on my mind since you posted it. Hope you are well…
I love that you are sharing this. I admire the vegan lifestyle very much but I too struggled with the transition away from animal protien. I look forward to your recipes and more!!
It is just so important to listen to your body and be gentle to yourself, right? Glad to hear that you are doing that, Bridget! Thanks for the comment. xo
Hey Cara, just had to pop in to say that I am super impressed and proud of you for doing what needs to be done with your diet – it will always be an evolving process and I support you 100% in listening to your body. Yup, I say this as I sit here in France – enjoying a full array of foods I normaly avoid at home (*unless I don’t), and am feeling amazing! There is nothing wrong with changing things up – everyday if you like too!! Love it friend! 🙂 xx
I’m so excited about your raw recpies, Cara. You probably didn’t know, but I became raw and veggie about 3 months back. Best decision I’ve made in my life. Would love to share some of the recipes I’ve whipped up if you’re keen. Kisses and hugs. xo
Girl, send them over! myforkandbeans@gmail.com
I cannot wait to hear all about your transformation!!
Chocolate is soooo my weakness. I love this. I can’t wait to make this soon 🙂
Chocolate is rather bewitching, isn’t it 🙂
This looks like a fantastic breakfast – or dessert – or snack 🙂 I have to experiment more with chia, I really only use them as egg replacer and I think I am missing out.
HAHA! Precisely! A food that fits into any hour of the day 🙂 Love it.
how do you use chia seeds for an egg replacer???-My granddaughter is allergic to eggs and I would love to find healthy replacements!! marolnatvig@hotmail.com
For one egg, used 1 Tb ground chia seeds (preferably white chia seeds, since the blacks ones will color your baked goods) plus 3 Tb water. Whisk until combined and then allow to sit for 5 minutes as it gels up. Good luck! xo
I think I will certainly stay nice an cozy over here to see just what your cookin’ up next – honestly you have awesome recipes but you are way more awesome, that girlie is why I keep coming back!
I so need to try this out, to easy not too!
Goodness, you know how to make a girl blush. You are so wonderful Heather. Thank you for ALL the love you give me!!
And I have this bag of chia seeds in my pantry that I meant to make into pudding a while ago…good timing! And it’s NO FRIEKIN COOK, which has been the theme of my entire summer. It’s in the running to be the hottest summer on record!
Gonna make it right now for tomorrow morning, in fact!
Can’t wait to see where you’ll go with the blog. I’m not 100% vegan, either (never was)! Still trying to see what works best for me, as I think so many of us are, sometimes “less” vegan works, sometimes “more” vegan works, is what I’m finding. All the conflicting nutritional advice out there doesn’t help, either 🙂 But, I do love Dr. Greger!
You are so right, Dawn! It’s best to listen to ourselves first than anyone else (even if that includes nutritional advice). We are smart. We know what’s best for our bodies. Love this comment! xo
good to see you back! i hope you find what makes you feel best. Sometimes the body signals are messed up though. mine definitely are:) you would think the way i crave chocolate these days, there is probably something called ccd chronic chocolate deficiency:)
i love all the pudding toppings! i havent tried any chia pudding yet. dont know if i will like the texture:)
I think there IS something called CCD! Yes, in fact I just read it on the internet the other day. It says that the only way to cure said deficiency is through MORE chocolate. So, get on it girl! 😉
i am definitely going to have to give chia seeds a try! this pudding looks so delicious!
I am in the background chanting:
Do it! Do it!
🙂
although i used to HATE chia seeds or the gooey weird thing it made in your mouth i started to absolutely love them! i just had to figure out how to make them taste niiiice i.e. with chocolate powder or some berries and banana mixed in and topped with all kinds of superfoods like you did! i sometimes mix some oats in it and let them soak together because i still find it overwhelming at times to have 4 tbsp of soaked chia on its own!
Oooh, that is a great idea about the oats! I also like to warm it up just a little–I find it gives it a good texture (maybe that is just in my head) but it tastes better 🙂 xoxo
Why is chia so freakin’ awesome? I love it and I love chia pudding even more. Though not nearly as much as I love you 😉
Clearly you do not love it (or me) as much as I love YOU!!!!
Um, wha? Are you mad at me for not coming to disneyland? 😉 xoxo
haha. The only thought that crossed my mind is how much I simply adore you, that’s all!!! 🙂
Phew 😉 xoxo!
Chia seeds are amazing.
Life is all about journey: choice and direction. We are not all one thing and nothing of another. I will follow where you lead, my friend. Anywhere.
My god, have I told you that I love you??? Because I really really really DO!!! xo
Is this when I confess that I’ve never had chia seeds?
And did you know that lots of soy isn’t good for you? I read somewhere that Americans don’t know how to cook soy properly so it doesn’t do weird things to you. Since Asians have used it for a long time, they know how it needs to be cooked. There’s your random bit of info for the day (or night). I’ll join you in a toast to grass-fed cheeseburgers 😀
I love your random bits 🙂 ha! Thank you for that… Now go eat some chia seeds!!!
Nothing snarky. Just Yuuuuuuuummm… 🙂
Missing snarky… 😦
I’ve never put so many add-ins into my chia pudding. I usually just throw in some berries. Interesting. I guess I need to kick it up a notch.
I’m a girl who likes a lot of options 🙂
the recipe looks really tasty! guess what’s for breakfast?!
i am vegan (a long-time vegetarian before that) , and wondering if you would mind explaining what your body did to respond and let you know that giving up “all animal products” was not right for you? not judging at all… just curious.
good luck with your new path.
Hi LB! Veganism was never something I was super serious about. I went vegetarian (which I LOVED) and still ate eggs and dairy. But then when I was told I was allergic to dairy, I gave it all up, making me a GF vegan. My body just didn’t like it. I got these HORRIBLE sores in my mouth from vitamin deficiencies (despite taking vitamins) and was advised to add some animal products. I still prefer eating vegetarian (which I eat mainly during the day) but I also enjoy seafood and an occasional hamburger.
Thanks for the wonderful comment!
Lovin’ the hemp seeds lately 🙂
Meeeeeee tooooo!! I had no idea they are so good!
Love this recipe! Can’t wait to try it!
Hope you enjoy it! xo
Hey Cara – I’m a recent addition to your long list of devotees (Shira sent me!).
I’ll be trying your chia pudding down here in Syders and wishing you some good old fashioned good vibes as I eat it!
Goodness, what a totally fun comment! Thank you so much–it put such a big smile in my heart!! xoxo
I certainly hope that you’ve found a way of eating that makes you feel your best. I can’t wait to see what changes the future brings! 🙂
Same goes to you, friend! xo
I’ll be interested to see what changes you are making, although to be honest, I’m very “to each their own” when it comes to food choices. Everybody (and every body) is so different, and I know that you are introspective and compassionate in any decision you make. I’m currently about 90 percent vegan and hate when people judge others for not being “vegan enough” or including certain things in their diet. We all have our reasons, and I support you 100 percent (unless of course you’re going to start eating endangered bald eagles or something. Then all bets are off.)
Slowly putting down my fork full of charred bald eagle. haha. That is terrible–never!!! Thank you for the hearty laugh out loud (dare I say, HLOL). You always make me smile, Abby!!!
I LOVE you! It’s funny how I’ve felt that I was committing a major felony when I found that my body just did not work AT ALL without some grass fed animal protein. I still wish I could do without it but survival is an awfully old instinct. Thanks for ‘fessing up for me. Can’t wait. xoxox
No no no, I love YOU!!!! It’s so important to always listen to our bodies, isn’t it?? Well, then again, it’s always important to trust ourselves that we have all the answers in life in general, huh? It’s what you are always tell me, anyway 🙂 xoxoxoxox!!
Well, now that I know you’re paying ATTENTION, erherm, am I correct that you can’t do dairy? If you can’t, this is the book that is currently blowing me away.
http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Vegan-Cheese-Miyoko-Schinner
/dp/1570672830/ref=lh_ni_t
I swear they give away at least half a dozen recipes in the ‘Look Inside’ feature.
Love this recipe Cara! I’m completely behind you changing the direction of your blog. Not that I don’t love your blog as it is, but I can’t wait to see what else you have up your sleeve! Glad you are finding an eating style that works for your body! I’m still struggling to find mine…hopefully I can join you that zone soon!
Oh and I love your choice of toppings. I love hemp seeds and walnuts too!
I think it will always be an evolving process… one that we have to open to constantly. I will gladly join you in that zone 🙂 xo
Are you going to start including non-vegan stuff? I struggle with that, too. I’m not a vegan, though most of what I post is. Most is also low-sugar/no refined sugar, but I don’t_always_ eat that way either. I sometimes wonder if it wouldn’t be more honest to show the breadth of things I eat….
Exactly! It’s easy to get pegged into a category but then you realize that you are doing yourself a disservice by not broadening the options. At first I thought I was supposed to have the narrowed, specific vision for the blog and then I realized, this is my freaking blog. Who cares! haha. I will be interested in hearing what you decide on, Deanna!
I thought you were allergic to almonds! Now I feel less guilty about all my almond recipes ; )
Nope, just pecans 🙂 xoxoxoxoxo!!!
wooo hooo!! hamburger lovers unite!
I was just about to forward this post to you 🙂 Aren’t you so proud??? ha!
it’s true, every body is different. i hope you are getting into the swing of things and are finding happiness in your new life. i can’t believe it’s been 4 months, either! i’ve sincerely missed you!
chia seed pudding looks incredibly delicious! you know, i’ve never had chia seed pudding but oddly enough i’ve kind of been craving it. now i’ve got a recipe so i’m good to go xo ❤
I really miss you too, Caitlin. I’m hoping I can finally get my mojo back–it’s been hard this summer! In the meantime, go try out this recipe. You are going to fall in love 🙂 xoxo
(hug) (hug) (hug) for you, because I miss you. interested to see what the changes will be, and I hope for a smooth transition with no speedbumps or meanies. XXO
did i mention I MISS YOU!?
Ugh, I miss you too! I love seeing your face, missy 🙂 Hopefully I can get my butt back into gear soon (sans meanies, yes!) Much love to you!!! xo
Love it! I am a self confessed chia seed lover….This looks delicious and total power house to get you through your day. Keep it up Cara! Can’t wait to continue reading and trying your recipes. xo
Chia seed lovers unite 🙂
Thanks for such a sweet comment and for your support, Suzanne! xo
I’ve been the same way. Egg eating, rotisserie chicken loving lady as of late – and my body feels so. much. better. Looking back, following a vegan/gluten free diet is EXTREMELY restrictive, and it’s no wonder I felt like shit all the time. But, hopefully things have been better for you, my love. You truly deserve all the happiness in the world.
PS – your package is still sitting on my dresser. It’s been hot, ok? And trekking to the post office in the heat is not an option. I suppose I should open it back up and throw in something extra special for how long you’ve had to wait.
I actually forgot about it so you could have not said anything I wouldn’t have known any differently 🙂 haha! I think I kinda like getting these comments, letting me know where the package is in your house more than actually getting it. HA.
So happy to hear that your body is happy lately–hooray! That has been a long time coming! Dude, I was getting funky weird symptoms lately and I couldn’t handle all the soy products, etc. Just didn’t make sense to me… Here’s to eating a hamburger 🙂