Orange Creamsicle Chia Pudding
Chia seed pudding is perfect for breakfast or a healthy dessert. This one is made with a crave-worthy orange, vanilla flavor combination!Made with fresh oranges, creamy coconut milk, chia seeds and a splash of vanilla, it’s an easy dessert or slightly decadent snack or breakfast.Protein-rich desserts have become very popular lately, and with good reason as one of the main principles of healthy eating is learning which foods help fill you up without overeating. Protein-rich foods help you feel fuller because they take longer to digest than other nutrients. This is a REALLY important technique for combatting mid-afternoon or evening binge sessions or sugar cravings, especially if you live an active lifestyle. A lot of people feel hungry and tired at this point in the day because they haven’t eaten enough protein at breakfast and lunch.Aiming for an adequate serve of a quality protein-rich food at every meal, especially for breakfast and lunch, will keep you in much better control of your appetite. You will also feel less inclined to tuck into an unhealthy snack late in the afternoon. Long term, you are better off eating more good-quality food like healthy carbohydrate sources and good sources of protein, than skimping on these healthy foods only to overeat unhelpful (high sugar, high processed) foods later on.I love this protein pudding recipe because it uses protein powder which typically has around 30 grams of protein. The addition of chia seeds gives some much needed fiber and is a great way to make our protein pudding nice and thick.This is the low sugar, high protein pudding recipe you have been looking for! Its a healthy snack that is thick so it sticks with you for a while, only uses 6-8 simple ingredients (you can customise it) and can be ready in just a few minutes!One recommendation I always give as a fitness professional is to try and get at least 25-30g of protein at every meal - and yes, that includes breakfast! In fact, spreading protein intake throughout the day allows our body to utilize it most efficiently.With that said, I totally get that people struggle with protein at breakfast. I get asked all the time for high protein breakfasts that aren't eggs, and some of my faves are smoothie bowls, cottage cheese avocado toast and high protein oatmeal. Chia pudding has been one of my all-time favourites for about eight years now. It’s truly the best snack and if you are looking for something new, this orange chia protein pudding is pretty delicious and is such an easy way to bump up your intake for the day.It sure makes it easy to boost your intake when your protein-rich creation tastes like a fabulous dessert.Hands down, this simple easy to make pudding is the secret to helping you stay energized, enjoy what you eat, and meet your fitness and wellness goals.This healthy pudding is an easy make-ahead breakfast. When you make it with coconut milk, fresh oranges, chia seeds and a splash of vanilla, it tastes like a creamsicle! You can also enjoy it as a healthy dessert or any time nutritious snack.
Servings 2
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups coconut (or any other) milk
- 1/2 cup orange segments (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 scoop protein or collagen powder
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tasty Add-ins Or Toppings
- Dollop of whipped coconut cream (recipe below in notes).
- Orange segments or other fresh fruit
- Chopped nuts
- Shredded coconut
- Swirled nut butter
Instructions
- Puree the coconut milk, orange segments, cashews, vanilla extract, protein powder, honey and orange zest in a blender until smooth. Pour into a bowl and add chia seeds. Let sit for 5 minutes. Stir again to make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.Pour into 2 bowls or jars and place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (or overnight) to allow the chia seeds to expand and the pudding to thicken.Top with fresh orange segments and a dollop of whipped coconut cream – recipe below in notes.
Notes
Add even more nutrition and healthy qualities to many other dishes with nutrient-dense, fluffy, delicious, whipped coconut cream. Packed with healthy fats, tons of other good stuff and amazing flavour to help support a healthy, fit body.
Go here for the simple recipe: Whipped Coconut Cream
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
