Breakfast of Champions ... Chia Seeds and T'eff

This is my new favorite breakfast that is not only good looking; it's delicious and very healthy!

I've combined Farina with Teff, Chia and a splash of Maple Syrup. It's that simple!

Teff is the world’s tiniest grain and it hails from Ethiopia. It's name is Amharic for 'lost' which is a completely sensible name given the tiniest of things tend to get lost. Teff grains can't be refined or processed, they are so small and it's a cereal grass that packs a nutritional punch. I purchased my Teff from the Bob’s Red Mill which I found at the organic market.

From nutricionysaludenjaume.blogspot.com 

“Teff leads the grains in calcium content, which helps strengthen bones and may reduce PMS symptoms. One grain of Teff is up to 40% resistant starch, which can help you lose weight if you replace the other carbs you’re filling up on, what I call “carbage” (processed foods like white bread, potato starch, sweets and the like). Teff can be white or dark in color and can be found at your local health food store or online for about $8 per pound. One serving size is about 1/4 cup and 160 calories. Sweeter and milder than wheat, Teff has a molasses-like flavor. Teff can be cooked hot for a nice breakfast cereal – 1 cup of Teff with 2 cups of water or juice, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until it’s thick and the liquid is absorbed. Add fresh fruit on top. Teff is also available in tortillas for a great wrap or to make quesadillas (a lot better than refined flour tortillas and gluten-free too!).” From Dr. Oz

This is how Teff looks as it's growing ... pretty!

From en.wikipedia.org

My breakfast also contains Chia Seeds, Salvia hispanica, which when I first heard about them, could only think of the Ch Ch Ch Chia Pet commercial you see on television. Chia Seeds are chuck full of Omega 3 – fatty acids and are full of antioxidants. Chia is high in Fiber, and it expands making it fill you. It’s great for weight loss and good digestion. Chia has pretty much no taste at all and so it can be added to many dishes to increase nutrition. You can soak the Chia Seeds in a cup of water for about 15 minutes before use or soak the seeds in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator. They will stay for about 4 or 5 days.

From www.nomeatathlete.com

“Chia absorbs up to 12 times its own weight and expands to curb your appetite, so adding just an ounce or so of chia seeds to your diet can reduce caloric intake and help lower the energy density (or calories) of foods, plus double the amount of fiber you receive.” From Dr. Oz

Look at how beautiful it looks whiles it grows!

From deborahsmall.wordpress.com 

Prepare the Farina according to instruction, as it starts to thicken, add a tablespoon of Teff and a tablespoon of soaked Chia. Once thickened, add maple Syrup and your choice of fruit or nuts.

Absolutely delicious!

~~~ Sharing is always appreciated and your comments make my day.