Sunday 12 August 2012

Chia Seeds

Being involved in the 'spa wellness industry', I am looking more and more into what our clients can benefit from not only externally but also internally. We recommend a great selection of anti-ageing creams, serums and treatments, however if you don't look after your insides as well as you do your skin, then chances are you could be fighting a losing battle. Our skin care is results driven with proven reults, however at the end of the day, there is only 'so much' a cream can do to plump up the skin. If you suffer from particularly sagging skin, it could just be related to a depleted diet rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Australian Chia Seeds are a great source of Dietary Fibre, Protein, Antioxidants and Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are well known for creating healthy brain function, a healthy heart, increased immunity and healthier skin.

Widely advertised sources of Omega 3 are types of oily fish and/or fish oil. But for those of us who struggle to swallow oil or get tuna and salmon down in regular doses, commonly referred to as 'cat food' by my husband, the Chia Seeds are an awesome plant based alternative!

They are virtually unrecognisable and undetectable by both husbands and kids.
You can throw them into your cereal, porridge, dips, pasta, mix them with water and blend into smoothies, muffins or bread, almost anything you can think of.

Along with some other awesome healthcare products, you can now buy Chia Seeds directly from Cove Spa and if you are investing in anti-aging skin care, then we recommend that for $7.50 you buy some Chia Seeds too, not only for yourself, but to keep your family healthy too.

For more details about Australian Chia Seeds and/or recipe ideas, follow this link http://www.thechiaco.com.au/discover-chia/discover-chia

This afternoon I made healthy Chocolate Chia Brownies. Due to the large amount of sweet potato, to be honest, the kids raised one eyebrow so I put a light layer of icing on top and they ate every last crumb!

Recipe below:

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Chia Seed
  • 300g Sweet Potato, steamed and mashed
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 100g dark chocolate
  • 3 egg whites
  • 3/4 cup plain flour
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
Preparation time: 40 minutes Cooking time: 20 - 25 minutes
Servings : 24

Directions:

1. Pre heat oven to 180 degrees celsius.

2. Mix the chia seed with 120g water and set aside.

3. Peel the sweet potato and cut into small pieces. Place in a steamer and steam for 15–20 minutes. Once the sweet potato is tender either mash or place in a processor until smooth and free of lumps. Using the kitchen mixer, beat the eggs to form peaks and set aside in a separate bowl.

4. Melt the chocolate over a double burner.

5. Add the flour, cocoa, walnuts and sugar to the mixing bowl with the chia seed paste, mashed potato, light olive oil and melted chocolate, and lastly fold through the egg whites. Spread the mixture across a 30 x 20cm baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 20–25 minutes, cut into squares and store in air tight containers.

ENJOY!

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