Banana Nut Chia Pudding

Banana nut chia pudding is a delectable treat that can be eaten for breakfast, snack time, and even as a dessert! Chia seeds are the spotlight ingredient here, which are minuscule seeds that were used by our early ancestors as a source of dietary fiber and omega-3 (anti-inflammatory) fats. What most individuals do not realize is that the omega-3 fats can only be absorbed by the human gut if the chia seeds are finely ground. This is due to the fact that the chia seed is just too tiny for the human gut to break open.

Looking at the picture of this recipe, you may be wondering why Miss Alexa is using whole chia seeds and not ground. In order to obtain that perfect pudding texture, chia seeds are best used whole. When whole chia seeds are allowed to soak in a liquid, they form a gelatinous substance similar to pudding. Therefore, the chia seeds in this recipe are a great source of fiber, but to get a boost of omega-3 fats as well as additional protein, Miss Alexa has added in chopped walnuts. This pudding recipe is layered with chopped banana for healthy carbohydrates and maple syrup for that extra hint of sweetness. The presentation of this recipe is so eye catching and a delight to eat!

Ingredients:

Serves 2

• 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)

• ¼ cup chia seeds

• 1 medium banana, sliced

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1) Mix chia and almond milk in a bowl.

2) Place in refrigerator and allow 5-10 minutes (or longer) for mixture to thicken into a pudding-like consistency.

3) Place chopped banana and walnuts in bottom of two serving glasses. Evenly divide chia pudding between both glasses.

4) Drizzle with maple syrup and top with walnuts and more chopped banana. Enjoy!

Chickpea Pizza Crust (Egg-free!)

Yes, you read the title of this one right. A pizza crust made exclusively from a bean (as well as flaxseed for some binding support). Since the majority of my patients have many dietary restrictions, one of my major goals is to provide them with recipes that are delicious, nutritious, and free of any food intolerances. This is a recipe that is loved by many, due to its clean ingredient list that excludes all gluten, dairy, grains, and eggs.

You may be wondering how a pizza crust can possibly be made with just chickpeas, water, and some flaxseed? The magic is in the proportion of ingredients as well as one of my favorite egg substitutes, known as the “flax egg”. When ground flaxseeds are allowed to soak in water, they form a gelatinous and thick substance similar to an egg. This flax egg acts as an emulsifier by binding the other ingredients of this recipe to form a nice dough. This recipe is loaded with fiber, which helps regulate cholesterol, blood sugar, and healthy bowel movements. In addition, the chickpeas provide calcium, zinc, and Vitamin K, all of which promote healthy bone structure. It’s time for a new take on pizza that will nourish your body while treating your taste buds!

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp ground flaxseed

• 6 tbsp water

• 1 can of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) strained and rinsed

• 1.5 cups of chickpea flour

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1) Soak 3 tbsp of ground flaxseed in 6 tbsp of water and let sit for 5 minutes to form flax egg. Add all ingredients (including flax egg) to food processor and blend until a nice dough forms (feel free to add extra water if necessary).

2) Spread dough onto a pan lined with parchment paper or a pizza stone (brushed with coconut oil). Make sure to spread the dough thin.

3) Bake at 425 F for 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and add preferred toppings (tomato sauce, spinach, olives, sautéed onion, arugula, basil, etc.). For dairy-based and dairy-free cheese toppings approved by Miss Alexa, please click here: https://www.missalexanutrition.com/fermented-foods

4) After toppings are added, place pizza back into oven and cook for another 10 minutes or until crust is to your liking. Enjoy!