You’re on a long flight. When you land you’d like to look and feel rested and fabulous. So how do you do that without drinking litres and litres of water and running to those teeny tiny airplane bathrooms every half an hour?
This is my solution.
Chia Seeds and Hydration
Chia seeds are hydrophillic. Simply put, they absorb a lot of water. About 10-12 times their weight to be exact. In water, they take on a gel-like consistency, perfect for thickening smoothies. You can even use them in place of eggs for many baked items like cookies, bread and cakes.
One of the reasons I love bringing chia seeds while travelling, especially flying, is they keep me feeling hydrated. So I don’t feel so dry and crusty once I’ve landed.
Do you still need to drink water on flight? Yes. Chia seeds simply help keep you hydrated.
Another reason why it’s one of my favourite travel foods is you only need to add water to them and you have a snack in minutes. Either cold or hot water will do.
Why Chia Seeds Work As a Travelling Snack
These little nutritional powerhouses are very high in fibre. Fibre helps slow down digestion, keeping you feeling full longer and blood sugar levels stable. Chia seeds are a great source of iron, protein, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for a healthy brain and nervous system. They’re also have a good amount of selenium, which we need for many things including good thyroid health.
And they’re so tiny, taking up minimal amounts of space in your carry on bag.
Now I get that munching on chia seeds may sound about as appealing as eating air. So I’ve got ya covered with a flavourful recipe that’ll have you singing their praises too.
This recipe is completely versatile. Use it as your inspiration point. You can add in whatever you like. Hemp seeds, nuts, spices…..you get the idea.
I’ve added in coconut sugar and goji berries because they add a dry sweetness. Perfect for going through security at the airport and keeping the minimal liquid requirement in check.
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, which is great for tissue repair post surgery, skin and thyroid health. Zinc is also needed in fully converting plant based sources (i.e. chia seeds) of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Raw cacao is loaded with antioxidants, which you need for good immune health and to curb aging. It also gives you a really good burst of energy.
Now I leave you to make this. It’ll take you all of two minutes to put this together. Get creative and have fun.
Chia Seed Mix
makes approx. 1 cup
1/2 cup chia seeds
2 Tbsp shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1 Tbsp goji berries (optional)
1 1/2 Tbsp raw cacao nibs
1 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 tsp coconut sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
How to:
- Add all ingredients into a small glass storage jar
- Cover with a lid and shake until well combined
- Will keep in the fridge for about 2-3 months
To serve as a breakfast or snack:
- Place 3 tbsp of chia seed mix into a small bowl
- Add in 1/2 cup hot water
- Stir until well combined
- Let sit for about 2 minutes, until it starts to thicken
- Enjoy
Note: The longer the water and chia seed mix sit together the more mucilaginous (gel-like) it becomes. Feel free to add in more water or milk to desired consistency.
Now I’d love to hear from you. Share with me in the comments below one of your favourite foods to mix with chia seeds.