Chia Seed Pudding with Jujube Dates

This is one of the simplest recipes ever! And it is great as breakfast, but I especially like to have it as a healthy dessert about 2 hours before bedtime to help with sleep and dreaming.

Chia Seeds and Dreams
Chia seeds are packed with nutrients such as omega-3s, fiber, calcium, vitamins B1 and B3. It also contains magnesium and tryptophan, both of which contribute to our nocturnal endeavors for sound slumber and sweet dreams. Magnesium is needed for the relaxation of body muscles, and it works in tandem with tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin and melatonin. And because of their gelatinous quality when soaked for several hours, chia seeds are also soothing for the gut.*
The other star ingredient in this recipe is jujube dates. How can a date go wrong with that adorable name, right? Well, actually, jujube date is not a date.
What is it?

Jujube Benefits
Jujube fruit has been eaten and used in traditional medicine for over 3,000 years. There are multiple health benefits associated with this naturally sweet fruit, including:

  • Helping with weight loss

  • Balancing your blood sugar levels

  • Alleviating constipation

  • Promoting better sleep

Jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba) is also known as the Chinese date, jujube, or red date. The plant is native to China and has been grown in the U.S. for more than 175 years. It is in the buckthorn family.

*Because chia seeds do contain lectin, I do not recommend eating them raw. They must be soaked for at least 4 hours before consumption.

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons raw chia seeds
1/2 cup coconut milk, full-fat
(You can also substitute with almond milk)
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/8 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 - 4 Jujube dates, seeded and chopped
5 - 6 raw walnuts, chopped
1 Tablespoon cacao nibs (optional)
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I encourage you to try this without adding in any sweeteners, as the Jujube dates' natural flavors, spices, and coconut milk provides plenty of sweetness.

However, if you want, you can add:
1 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup (optional) OR
1 teaspoon Lokanto Sweetener if you want to make it sugar-free

1. Place the chia seeds in a glass jar or container and pour the liquids in. Mix well.

2. Add in the spices and vanilla. Stir gently.
3. Cover the mixture and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
(The seeds will swell and thicken.)
4. When ready, top with the Jujube dates, walnuts, and cacao nibs.
5. Enjoy!

Here’s where to find organic dried jujube dates:
Just Jujubes



Cooking, Well-BeingKaren Wang Diggs