Berry Chia Protein Pudding. [Vegan + Gluten-Free!]

Hi friends and Happy Humpday! Is anyone else kind of ecstatic that we’re halfway through the week?!

I’ve been running on very little sleep after flying home to NY for a hot second to attend my one of my best friends’ weddings, so I apologize in advance if any of this is incoherent! I landed back in LA super late Sunday night and did a major grocery haul Monday after work since the only things in my fridge were some leftover cashew milk (which comes in handy!), coffee grounds (duh) and my probiotics. Not exactly the makings of a meal my friends.

After a long weekend of indulging, I’m really trying to get my a$$ in gear, partially so that I can fit into my old summer clothes and partially because I know that when I eat healthier, my stomach feels so much better. I tried chia pudding way back in the day, and honestly wasn’t the biggest fan, but the other day I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts (Almost 30 – I’m obsessed) and they were talking about a chia pudding made with protein powder for natural sweetness and a more filling snack or meal. The other thing about chia pudding is that it’s really not that many ingredients and fairly cheap now that chia seeds are so common.

I’ve had this recipe for breakfast two mornings now, and it’s so delicious. I still need my 11am snack (as per usual), but this is something I can feel good about eating. There’s no added sugar, the berries are nutritious and full of antioxidants, and the chia seeds are loaded with fiber, omega 3’s and protein. You can easily sub out ingredients in this recipe as well, like the berries for another fruit or vanilla protein powder for chocolate, or even none at all. It’s your call, just make whatever works for you! Food should be delicious, so pick your favorite flavor combo and go from there 🙂

Berry Chia Protein Pudding

(makes 2 large servings)

1/2 cup chia seeds

2 cups non-dairy milk (I used cashew, it’s super creamy!)

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 cup mixed berries

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (if you’re vegan, make sure it’s a plant-based protein – I use Garden of Life!)

1. In a large bowl, combine the chia seeds, non-dairy milk, protein powder and coconut flakes. Stir for about one minute and then let sit for for at least 2 hours or overnight. *I make this recipe the night before in a tupperware so it’s ready to take with me to work the next day!

2. Add the berries and enjoy! If not eating right away, the chia pudding will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What about you? What breakfast do you have on repeat these days?! Have you tried chia pudding yet?

xo jordan