Coconut Chia Seed Pudding

~ Paleo, NSA, Vegan ~
“Never before have we had so little time in which to do so much.” How many of you resonate with this statement?! Roosevelt recognized how frantic our lives were becoming even back in the early 40s. I wonder what he would think if he could see how fast and furious they have become now! Well I have a tip in store for you that will make your hectic working week a little easier & your breakfasts so much tastier 🙂

I’m not going to claim to be busier than anyone else out there because we all have our responsibilities, social commitments and hobbies that we constantly juggle on a daily basis, but I will confess to being guilty of multi-tasking wherever possible. For example, I regularly try to write my blogs whilst ‘enjoying’ a movie with my boyfriend (sorry B!), or I’ll chat to my Dad on the phone whilst baking or writing an email. Picturing my task list in my head I get such a sense of achievement when I accomplish several different things at the same time. Tick tick tick, done and done! It feels so good just thinking about it! But most of the time this habit of doing several things at the same time can leave me feeling one edge, worn out & unsatisfied as I can often end up with several tasks unfinished instead of having one done and dusted.

Did you know that multi-tasking is a term derived from computer engineering and refers to the ability of a microprocessor to process several tasks simultaneously? Don’t worry, I had no idea either, I googled it! But I sounded really smart for a second there didn’t I? The term then slowly started being applied to describe human function and the positive connotation that multi-tasking was efficient and productive came along with it.  Studies have however proven that multi-tasking actually leads to tasks taking longer because the brain has to constantly restart and refocus. Insufficient focus due to attention being divided also causes more errors to be made.  What a shocker, you mean we’re not programmed like machines?!

I was somewhat disappointed to learn this at first but upon reflection I think it means we should feel a whole lot better about ourselves when we get that sinking feeling that we can’t keep up anymore.  We’re all doing the best that we can do at competing with multi-tasking microprocessors, we’re just not designed to function that way. So cut yourself some slack fellow humans! You might be thinking, well this is all very interesting but what exactly does this have to do with chia seed puddings? Good question and thank you for bringing me back from my tangent!

These deliciously satisfying Coconut Chia Puddings are a great time-saver for anyone leading a hectic life. Make them in bulk like I did and store them in little mason jars so you can take your breakfast on the go for the week ahead. God I love feeling this organised! Who’d have thought that breakfast could provide such a sense of accomplishment?! I got my inspiration for this recipe from Young and Raw. They have a whole host of nutrient-packed recipes for smoothies, juices and desserts so check them out for other simple breakfast ideas to get your busy work week and mental well-being off on the right track.  Don’t underestimate the benefits of planning ahead!

Warning: this recipe is quick, requires zero multi-tasking (unless you want to sunbathe whilst devouring said pudding) and will leave you and your hunger feeling satisfied.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup chia seeds
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup water/coconut water
• 2 tsp vanilla bean powder
• 1-2tbsp raw organic honey – optional
• 3 tbsp shredded coconut
• flaked unsweetened coconut – optional as garnish
• Goji berries – to garnish
• Blueberries (5-6 berries per jar) – to garnish

METHOD:
Yield: 5 mason jars (filled to about 3-4oz)
Preparation: 20 minutes

1. Combine all ingredients except coconut flakes and blueberries, in a large mixing bowl. It will take about 10 minutes for the chia seeds to absorb all the liquid. The mixture should take on a gel consistency (almost porridge like) so if it looks too dry add more liquid a little bit at a time.
2. Once the mixture is ready, divide between five, 6oz mason jars filling to about 4oz. Garnish with the coconut flakes and berries and store in the fridge for the week. You may prefer to add the garnishes on the day of consuming so the flakes stay crunchy.

A multi-tasking human is about as useful as…

Increase your productivity and feel better. Plan more, multi-task less! For more tips on how to manage your time better try reading The Power of Less by Leo Babauta or check out his blog Zen Habits.