Justine and Flannery are sisters who share a passion for women’s health. The Full Belly Sisters blog offers useful tools so that you can be healthy and informed while you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or just striving for balance in your life.
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Cantaloupe Peach Chia Fresca
by Justine Fontinell, CHC, AADP, Full Belly Sisters
Chia Fresco is a delicious Mexican drink: it’s lemonade or limeade with chia seeds added. These seeds add a nice texture, as well as protein, calcium, fiber and omega-3s. They also have wonderful hydrating power: when chia seeds are put into liquid, they swell and hold on to that liquid. That means you stay hydrated longer.
Sometimes Chia Fresco is made with fruit; it’s usually blended and then strained, retaining only the juice. I like to use the whole fruit because (1) it’s more nutritious and filling, since you’re keeping the nutrients in the fruit’s flesh and skin and (2) I’m a busy mom and I don’t need to add any unnecessary steps to my kitchen routine!
This golden, fruity version—featuring ripe cantaloupe and peaches—is tasty, simple, and packed with vitamin C, fiber, potassium and beta carotene. In other words: it’s a great, healthful way to kick off your day!
I don’t add any sweetener to mine. But if your fruit isn’t particularly sweet, you can replace some of the water with orange juice, or just add a bit of honey or agave, to taste.
Ingredients
Yield: about 3 1/2 cups
- 1 ½ Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 ¼ cup water
- juice of one lime
- 2 cups ripe cantaloupe chunks
- 1 cup ripe peaches, pitted (about 1 large or 2 smaller peaches)
Put the chia, water and lime juice in a glass and stir. Let this sit for about ten minutes, until it thickens. Stir again to break up the gel a bit. Then add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth. Enjoy!
Glad you posted this recipe! I have 4 melons on my counter (it’s only my Husband & I) and I haven’t a clue on what to do with them. Making the smoothie and then freezing them!
Thanks so much for letting me share!
This sounds fantastic! I’ve been meaning to try chia for the longest time, this has motivated me to finally go out and get some!
Good morning!
I wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Sunshine Award. You can check it all out here. http://www.peanutbutterandpeppers.com/2012/09/02/weekly-recap-9/