I’d be 100% lying if I said I didn’t fall victim to a midnight snack. If I’m really being honest, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t midnight binge on occasion. Being a mid-shift working RN, I’m used to coming home well after midnight, usually starving. It’s not easy fitting a day’s worth of calories into a busy 12 hour shift! And what’s even harder, is not ruining a day of healthy eating with an unhealthy or oversized midnight snack.
Maybe I’ve put too much thought into this midnight snacking dilemma; but reflecting on this, I know I just can’t go to bed on an empty stomach. Anyone else? It’s important to me to round out my day of healthy, balanced eating, with a midnight snack reflecting just that. I tried munching on mixed nuts in the car on the way home, also tried shaking up some whey protein when I walk in the door. But what really helped satisfy my midnight snack craving, and made me FEEL GOOD about a day of clean eating, I’m about to share with you!
3 ingredients, 30 seconds of prep, NO GUILT – Chia Pudding
Before I dive into the SIMPLEST. RECIPE. EVER. Let me share with you a few reasons why I love chia pudding for a midnight snack!
- Chia Seeds are a fabulous low-carb food. 3 tablespoons of chia seeds have 15g of carbs, all of which are appetite-curbing grams of Fiber. That means zero net carbs!
- Chia Seeds are rich in heart healthy Omega-3s. Not to mention, omega 3 fatty acids help fight depression & anxiety, promote better sleep, and are good for your skin! Check out this Healthline Article to read more.
- Chia seeds, when mixed with any sort of liquid, gel into a pudding-like consistency. Chia pudding is quick to make the night before work, or in the morning before you head out for your day.
- Chia seeds are full of tryptophan – the stuff in turkey that makes you sleepy! Tryptophan helps the body produce serotonin – the good-mood booster! Medical News Today taught me quite a bit about foods that boost serotonin, like chia seeds!
- Chia pudding holds up well in the refrigerator. I usually prep 2-3 single serving size jars of chia pudding. I feel they stay fresh for up to 5 days. These copper lid 8 oz jars are just the cutest!
Chia Pudding
- 3 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/8 cup sugar-free maple syrup
Place all ingredients in mason jar. Shake gently to mix. Refrigerate a few hours, or overnight.
Liquid substitutions: any unsweetened nut milk (coconut is my favorite, but almond, cashew, and macadamia are also great!)
Sweetener substitutions: for low-carb reasons, I use sugar-free maple syrup, but agave nectar, honey, brown sugar are also delicious options!
Seasonal additions: In the fall, I love to add in a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. And in the winter, instead of maple syrup, I’ll add in a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, a packet of stevia, and a teaspoon of peppermint extract.
I hope I’ve sparked some excitement in your hearts (and bellies!) to make this quick and guilt-free midnight snack! COMMENT your favorite time of day to enjoy chia pudding! POST your chia pudding creation to Instagram using the hashtag #newcottonblend
