This dessert and several other high protein recipes was inspired by my parents' recent stay with me.  I decided to invite my parents to stay with me for the summer. I wanted to observe and possibly change their diet.  They both had lost a substantial amount of weight and had multiple health issues.  I felt that part of their challenge was a poor diet.  This was underscored recently when my mother wanted to buy a chocolate pudding mix.  I decided to read the ingredient list of the pudding.  I was horrified that it consisted of just chemicals.  I refused to buy it and said that I'll be making a pudding that is much healthier and came up with this delicious chocolate chia seed pudding that takes a few minutes of active work and is packed with protein, fiber and calcium. Chia seeds provide a texture similar to tapioca or sago and is full of health benefits.  

This particular recipe is geared toward those who need to put on weight and a serving contains over 440 calories with a whopping 9g of fiber and 13 grams of protein per serving! However, the low calorie version is easily made with non-fat milk with only 300 calories, the same amount of fiber and 6 grams of protein  per serving.

Tips for making delicious chocolate chia seed pudding

Chia Seed

According to healthline.com, here are the health benefits of chia seeds.

A one-ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains (1):

• Fiber: 11 grams.
• Protein: 4 grams.
• Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are omega-3s).
• Calcium: 18% of the RDI.
• Manganese: 30% of the RDI.
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDI.
• Phosphorus: 27% of the RDI.
• They also contain a decent amount of zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), potassium, vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2.

Warm liquid expedites the chia's hydration, so ensure that the milk is hot.

Chocolate chips

Real chocolate chips are used in this pudding.  The chocolate chips needs to be melted in the hot milk. I usually microwave the milk and 30 seconds before the end time, I'll add the chocolate chips.  This allows the chocolate chips to melt for the last 30 seconds.  Stir the chocolate chips in the heated milk to form chocolate milk. Use good tasting chocolate for the pudding and the taste of the chocolate is important.

Milk, milk powder and condensed milk

If you are lactose intolerant, use lactose-free milk and lactose-free milk powder.  Plant based milks can be substituted but the nutritional value is far less than dairy milk.  It also has less calories and if increasing the calorie intake is key, dairy milk is recommended.  The milk powder is usually fortified and provides extra protein and calories.  Look for the whole milk powder for increased calories.

Condensed milk provides extra calories and adds just the right amount of sweetness to the pudding.  Please read the ingredient list of your condensed milk to ensure that you are not consuming unnecessary oils and fillers.  Condensed milk should only contain milk and sugar!

Preparing the pudding

When preparing the pudding, pour the chocolate chia mixture directly into the serving containers while the pudding is warm and liquidy. Allow it to set for half and hour to an hour at room temperature before placing it in the fridge as the chia seeds will hydrate faster in warm liquid.  Refrigerate for a few hours to firm up the pudding.  The pudding can be stored for a few days by covering with plastic wrap and refrigerated.

Right before serving, dice up fresh fruit or berries as a topping.  Enjoy and bon appetit!