We are constantly bombarded with new ideas of what is healthy and good for our bodies: do a cleanse, drink green juice, stay away from gluten, stay away from soda, stay away from sugar, eat organic … and there’s coconut oil, turmeric root, ginger tea, maca maca, and chia seeds, among dozens of other super foods. For some, it may feel a little overwhelming. However, if you’re a glass half full kind of person, you can look at all of the advice and pick a few things to work on and benefit from.
For example, chia seeds have become a new “thing” in the world of food. The only thing I remember hearing about chia as a child was the little chia pets that you would see on commercials that you could water and they would sprout green things (ch-ch-ch-chia!) However, the history of chia goes back centuries. It was first used by the Aztecs as early as 3500 BCE; it was used for medicinal purposes, used as food, mixed in drinks, ground into flour (which could be stored for a long time), and pressed into oil. It served as a high energy food and was often taken on long trips.
Chia seeds have many benefits. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids; they are rich in antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium. They are also high in fiber; just one ounce of chia seeds provides 10 grams of fiber.
Are chia seeds allowed on the GAPS Diet? Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, founder of the GAPS Diet, states:
“Flax and chia seeds and oils are allowed on the Full GAPS diet. As a whole seed they are very fibrous and should not be consumed until diarrhoea has cleared completely. People who are prone to constipation find it useful to take a teaspoonful of these seeds every morning, after the seeds have been soaking in water over night (they become jelly-like).”
Here is a delicious recipe incorporating chia seeds. As the seeds are not soaked, this would be an advanced recipe after digestive healing has taken place on the GAPS Diet. Enjoy!
Chia Energy Bites
1 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut (divided into 1/2 cups)
1 cup almond butter (you could also use 1/2 c. almond butter, 1/2 c. peanut butter or another variation)
1 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
1/2 cup raw honey
1/2 tsp. sea salt
2 Tbs. chia seeds
3-5 drops of orange essential oil
Mix all of the ingredients together (using only 1/2 cup shredded coconut). Roll the dough into balls and coat with the other 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Place balls in a 9×13 pan and store in the fridge.
These are honestly so delicious that you won’t think about how healthy chia seeds are for you — promise! 😉
~ Alicia
Healthy Home Body LLC 
This made me think of one of my favorite snacks/condiments, cranberry-orange relish. You take fresh or frozen cranberries, about 16 oz, one whole orange cut into small chunks and seeded, several thin slices of pickled ginger root (less if fresh), and a dollop or so of honey to taste. Run it through a food processor until it’s the consistency you like, chunky or more of a slurry, and let it sit for a day in the fridge. It goes great with chicken, turkey, yogurt, and just by itself can be a quick spoonful to get your blood sugar up. I have some in the fridge pretty much constantly, and when cranberries are out of season I use half dark cherries and half dried cranberries and let it rehydrate before I blend it.
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That sounds delicious! I’ll have to try it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Do you know if maca root is allowed on the Gaps diet?
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Hi Kristine,
No, maca contains polysaccharides that are not allowed on the GAPS Diet. We avoided it for the entire time we were on GAPS. However, after coming off of GAPS Diet or when on a Paleo type diet, maca would be a good addition as it is considered a “superfood” for its many benefits. I do add it to my smoothies now for both energy and nutrients.
Alicia
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Did you soak the chia seeds first?
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Hi Julie!
No, I did not soak the chia seeds first. You could if you needed to, however. I’m not sure how the texture would turn out. Definitely could experiment with it!
Alicia
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Hello Alicia. Love this recipe! I’m still trying to figure out what snacks I can enjoy… these are perfect! Thank you for sharing. I used only peanut butter and swapped out cranberries for dates (chopped) and they came out so, so good. But I will try your recipe with other butters and dried fruits soon! Take care, Marlene
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Marlene,
I’m so glad that you like them! That is one of my favorite things about this recipe: you can improvise with whatever you have available or what works with your particular needs. 🙂 Thanks for trying it!
Alicia
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Hi there! I’m wanting to make this recipe with Chia seeds for my 16 month old son who is on full GAPS, but I’m wondering what benefit he would derive from raw unsoaked chia seeds? Wouldn’t they just pass through his young little system? Thank you!
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