Blueberry Coconut Chia Seed Pudding

I love this Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding with shredded coconut. Blueberries and coconut isn't a combination I use often, but I may have to change that. Something about the tart, sweet berries paired with the sweet, creamy coconut just works.  I also love all the different textures it brings to a traditional chia seed pudding. 

Lately, I have been getting a lot of questions about meal prep, especially for breakfast. Chia seed pudding is such a wonderful option for prepping breakfast in advance. It only takes a few minutes to toss together and can be kept in the fridge for up to five days. It's also very easy to create different flavor combinations so you don't get bored. For example, this recipe can be made without the blueberries. Then each day you can take the coconut chia seed pudding base and add different toppings. Use blueberries one day, mango another day. One day add almond butter and bananas, you get the idea.

This is also a great option for anyone looking to switch up their low carb breakfast routine. Most low carb dieters have a few staples in their breakfast rotations - egg dishes, chia seed pudding, and low carb pancakes. At least that is what I hear folks talk about the most. So to keep things interesting, it's helpful to have lots of variations of these in your arsenal. This option kicks up a standard blueberry chia seed pudding is by adding shredded coconut. Not only does this add flavor, it also adds good for your fat. You can use any fruit you like in this dish but berries are the lowest in carbohydrates. 

Nutritional Benefits of Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding

The combination of chia seeds, blueberries, and coconut in this recipe makes its nutritional powerhouse since each one of these ingredients is packed with health benefits. 

• Chia seeds: Chia seeds are a superfood that is packed with over 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon. Plus it is loaded with vitamins and minerals like manganese, calcium, and zinc, They also contain protein and heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids.
• Blueberries: Blueberries are packed with fiber, antioxidants, potassium, folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. They are known to help reduce inflammation, fight cancer, support brain health, and help digestion.
• Coconut: Coconut meat is high in fiber and healthy fats. It helps keeps you full and according to many has many health benefits.

What to put on your Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding?

There are so many different options when it comes to topping this blueberry coconut chia seed pudding. Here are some of our family's favorite ideas:

• Peanut butter and jelly: Everyone loves a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich, so why not top this one with a dollop of peanut butter. Combined with the chia and blueberries, its like a PB&J but so much healthier. This also adds some additional protein.
• Citrus zest: I love adding some orange, lemon, or lime zest to this chia pudding. Add it right into the milk while making the pudding and it will flavor the entire pudding.
• Bananas and almond butter: Banana and coconut is a great combination and this is even better with some creamy almond butter.
• Yogurt: I like to top my chia pudding with yogurt. To add flavor, you can use a flavored yogurt like coconut, lemon, cherry, or vanilla.
• Nuts and seeds: If you need some more texture in your blueberry chia pudding, toss some chopped nuts and seeds on top. I use almonds most often since we always have them in the house but cashews, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, and pecans all taste great. 
• Fresh fruit: Fresh fruit is a no brainer when it comes to chia seed pudding and this recipe is no different. Add all your favorite fresh fruit on top. Mango is one of our favorites.