Food Trends in My Kitchen: Chia Seeds

As you may or may not know, I am a rather picky eater. That was just the understatement of the century. I’m the pickiest eater I know. I’ll own it, I know it’s obnoxious and annoying and within my control. There are always improvements to be made.

Anywho, that tangent was supposed to bring us to the idea that I’m not the most receptive eater when it comes to new ingredients. This month, however, in the spirit of the new year, I’ve tried to incorporate a couple new/different foods into my regular routine. One of my new faves: chia seeds.

chia seeds

I know, I’m late to get on this bandwagon, but better late than never! I’ve dabbled with them previously, but I’m definitely starting to eat them on the regular these days.

Chia seeds are a funny thing. I have thrown them into granola bar recipes in the past, and they came out quite well. I flipped on the TV while I was getting dressed for work the other day, and the first thing I saw was Dr. Oz telling me to put a tablespoon of chia seeds into water for a quick snack to satisfy hunger. I am always hungry so this intrigued me. Then later that same day, I saw a quick video on the internet about several super foods and their benefits, and chia seeds were first on the list because they help burn fat. Sign me up!

So that was a long way to say that I bought some chia seeds and have started adding them to my oatmeal, or putting them in water for a quick afternoon snack to hold me over to dinner. They get a slightly weird gelatinous texture when they are submerged in water, but they have no taste so you can add them to anything really. Since I’ve only started eating them regularly a couple weeks ago, so I can’t brag about any specific ways they have changed my life, but I’ll keep you posted!

Here’s the play by play of my oatmeal assembly:

Chia seeds on top, mixed in, then some almond butter and walnuts and it's a meal!
Chia seeds on top, mixed in, then some almond butter and walnuts and it’s a meal!

What new/different food has found it’s way into your pantry lately?

The Perfect Beach Day

If you are ever in Stone Harbor, New Jersey on a Tuesday, here is my plan for the perfect day.  This just happens to be a recap of my day off on Tuesday.  Of course, you need to start your day at the Bread and Cheese Cupboard.  I happened to start my day with a blueberry scone and a cup of coffee.  Then I walked around town to do a little morning window shopping.  I went to the beach around noon to sit and relax.  I met a few friends so I could catch up on all the latest gossip.  Around 2:30, we decided to go for a long beach walk.  With my feet splashing through the shallow water, I was at peace with the world.  After we returned from our walk, it was time to leave the beach.  I went back home to grab a refreshment and sit by the pool and unwind.  I took a quick dip and then read my book for a little while.  Around 7:45, I met up with my friend Tara for dinner at Marabella’s Family Restaurant.  They are celebrating their 40th season this year and make old world Italian dishes to satisfy the tastebuds.  In fact, Dr. Oz happens to think so as well since he ate there this past Memorial Day Weekend.  After dinner, we headed over to the Windrift for Wing Night.  I checked out the newly renovated space and I was amazed.  The Windrift has transitioned itself from a beach bar into an upscale beach lounge.  It was the perfect end to a wonderful day.  There is nothing better than sipping a beer with the ocean breeze surrounding you.Image