About the Recipe
What I absolutely love about this recipe is that it ticks so many boxes at once. You're stabilising your blood sugar with all that fibre and healthy fat, which means steady energy and mood throughout the morning. You're reducing inflammation with the antioxidants. You're supporting your gut health with the prebiotic fibre from chia seeds. And you're doing all this while enjoying something that tastes like an indulgent treat!
This is exactly the kind of habit that makes healthy eating sustainable, because it doesn't feel like a sacrifice at all.
Chia Seeds:
These tiny seeds are absolutely incredible! They're one of the richest plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which are brilliant for your brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting your heart. They're also packed with fibre (about 10 grams in 3 tablespoons!), which helps keep your digestive system happy and keeps you feeling full for hours. Plus, they've got a decent amount of protein, calcium for your bones, and magnesium which is fantastic for energy and mood.
Cacao Powder:
Raw cacao is one of the highest sources of antioxidants you can find! It's loaded with flavonoids that support heart health and improve blood flow. The magnesium in cacao is wonderful for relaxation, sleep quality, and reducing stress. It also contains iron and a little boost of mood enhancing compounds that can make you feel genuinely happier. No wonder we all love chocolate!
Maple Syrup:
While it's still a sweetener, pure maple syrup contains beneficial minerals like manganese and zinc, plus some antioxidants. It's a much better choice than refined sugar because it provides some actual nutrients along with the sweetness.
Coconut Water:
This is nature's sports drink! It's naturally hydrating and packed with electrolytes like potassium, which is brilliant for muscle function and keeping your blood pressure healthy. It's also low in calories and gives the pudding a lovely light sweetness.
Cherries:
These gorgeous little gems are anti inflammatory superstars! They contain anthocyanins and other antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in your body, which is important for everything from joint health to heart health. Cherries are also one of the few natural food sources of melatonin, which can help support better sleep. They've got vitamin C for your immune system and potassium too.
Ingredients
3 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 Cup coconut water
1-2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp raw cacao powder
1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
1/2 Cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (or left whole if you prefer)
Preparation
Whisk together the chia seeds, coconut water, maple syrup, cacao powder, vanilla, and salt in a jar or bowl. Really get in there to break up those cacao clumps!
Stir in half the cherries (save the rest for topping). If you're using frozen cherries, they can go straight in, no need to thaw.
Let it sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to prevent clumping.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Before serving, give it a good stir and top with the remaining cherries.
Extra cherry goodness:
If you want to get really fancy, you could make a quick cherry compote by gently heating some cherries with a tiny drizzle of maple syrup until they're soft and jammy. Let it cool and swirl it through the pudding. It's like having black forest cake for breakfast!