Best Time to Drink Chia Seeds for Weight Loss
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Are you looking for a way to lose weight that’s healthy and sustainable? If so, you may want to consider drinking chia seed water. Find the best time to drink chia seeds for weight loss with our guide.
Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, and research shows that they can help reduce the amount of calories you take in by creating a feeling of fullness.
So why not give chia seed water a try?
In this article, we will look at the trend of drinking chia seed water for weight loss and the best time to drink chia seeds, discuss how they can help with your weight loss efforts, investigate the nutritional benefits of chia seeds, share a delicious recipe and examine other ways to enjoy chia seeds as part of a healthy diet.
Drinking Chia Seed Water for Weight Loss
You may have seen this popular trend on Tik Tok or other channels, but it’s been really picking up steam. A lot of dieters and influencers swear by it, and there is some solid research to support the weight loss benefits of chia seed water.
How does it work? Well, chia seeds are loaded with fiber, which can help promote a feeling of fullness, and they can swell to 12 times their size when placed in water.
Consuming chia seeds can help reduce food intake at a meal, and one article I read discussed how the author found he could only eat half his normal portions when drinking the chia seed water before meals.
When is the Best Time do Drink Chia Seeds for Weight Loss?
The best time to drink chia seed water is 30 minutes before meals. This will give the seeds time to expand in your stomach and create a feeling of fullness, helping you to eat less at your meal.
So, start your morning off with a glass of chia seeds, either in plain water, or jazzed up a bit like our recipe below. I don’t really enjoy plain chia water, so this one has some flavor to it.
If you only want to consume chia seeds once per day then the morning is definitely the best time. It will help you feel full, give you some energy, and get your digestive system moving.
Nutritional Benefits of Chia Seeds
In addition to promoting weight loss, chia seeds offer a host of other health benefits.
They are high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. They are also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and they contain calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are important for bone health.
Chia seeds are also a good source of protein, and they contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein. They contain soluble fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol and helps promote regular digestion.
These tiny seeds can help control blood sugar levels, help prevent heart disease by reducing cholesterol and even help reduce blood pressure as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
So, if you are looking for a healthy way to lose weight, chia seeds are a great option. Not only will they help you reduce the amount of calories you consume, but they will also provide your body with a host of other health benefits.
Nutritional breakdown of a one ounce serving of chia seeds:
Calories: 138
Protein: 4.7 grams
Fat: 8.7 grams
Carbohydrates: 12 grams
Fiber: 9.8 grams
Sugar: 0 grams
Learn more about the health benefits of chia seeds here
Chia Seed Water for Weight Loss
Equipment
- measuring spoon
- 8 oz glass
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut water (or plain water)
- 1-2 Tbsp chia seeds (start with less and work your way up)
- 1 tsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp honey (or other natural sweetener)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and stir well.
- Allow to soak at least 15 minutes and preferably 30 before drinking.
- Try to drink 30 minutes before your meal so you have time to feel full.
Video
Notes
Other Ways to Enjoy Chia Seeds
Smoothies
Here at I Live for Greens we have a ton of smoothie recipes, and many contain chia seeds! So, if you don’t like the idea of chia seed water, try a smoothie with chia seeds to help you feel full longer (and you get the added nutrients of the fruits and vegetables!).
Overnight Oats
I adore overnight oats and the addition of chia seeds makes them even more satisfying!
Overnight oats are super easy to make, and you can make them ahead of time so that you have a healthy breakfast ready to go in the morning. Simply combine your favorite oats with some milk (dairy or plant-based), dry chia seeds, and toppings of your choice, and let them sit overnight in the fridge.
Chia Pudding
Soaking your dry chia seeds overnight in milk (either dairy or plant based) and adding some natural sweeteners gives to a delicious pudding that is healthy and filling. The best part is that there is no end to all the customizations you can do with this easy base.
Get creative and add in your favorite flavors, fruits, and toppings.
Top Your Smoothie Bowl with Them!
Chia seeds make great toppings for smoothie bowls. If you sprinkle the seeds on top, you will still get a crunch, and they will still absorb liquid in your stomach and help you feel full faster. I also like to add fresh fruit to my smoothie bowls as toppings.
So, next time you are making a smoothie bowl, top it off with some chia seeds!
Common Questions about Using Chia Seeds for Weight Loss
If you want to drink chia seeds for weight loss, then the best time is 30 minutes before meals. This will give the seeds time to expand in your stomach and create a feeling of fullness, helping you to eat less at your meal, so the answer to this question is the morning, as it will help you push back your breakfast time and consume less.
Yes, you can add chia seeds to your regular diet. They are a great source of fiber and protein, and they can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, and more. Or you can just try drinking the chia seed water before your usual meals to see if it can help you eat less.
No, you don’t need to soak chia seeds before adding them to water. Just add them to a glass or bottle of water and let them sit for about 30 minutes before drinking. If you like, you can soak them overnight before drinking.
The most common side effect of consuming chia seeds is increased bowel movements due to their high fiber content. Other potential side effects include bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. If you experience any of these side effects, reduce your intake of chia seeds or discontinue use altogether.
There is no one specific way to use chia seeds to reduce belly fat. However, incorporating them into your diet in a way that helps you feel full, such as drinking chia seed water before meals, can help you consume fewer calories and lead to weight loss. Additionally, the high fiber content of chia seeds can help promote regularity and may help reduce belly bloat.
Final Thoughts on Chia Seeds for Weight Loss
The bottom line is that there are many potential benefits to adding chia seeds to your diet, including weight loss. If you’re looking for a new way to help with your weight loss goals, give chia seeds a try.
Just be sure to drink plenty of water and start slowly to avoid any side effects. And, as always, consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
