“Chia” in Mayan means strength. Aztec warriors relied on rations of this seed for energy and endurance. Native tribes in what is now the southwestern United States used chia as currency and chewed it on trade missions and forced death marches. Although the seed was officially banned in Mexico after the Spanish conquest because of its use in Aztec rituals, chia consumption is once again on the rise. If you’ve read Christopher McDougall’s book “Born to Run” or know about the Tarahumara people of northern Mexico, who are renowned for their long distance running ability, you know that this seed is a reliable energy source for some of the world’s most elite athletes. A word of caution for the uninitiated: this seed becomes mucilaginous (slimy) when combined with liquid, but remember: this means it's ready to be absorbed by your body and converted into the serious ass-kicking power needed for intense workouts and human sacrifices.
SIMPLE VERSION:
1 cup chia seeds
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup toasted buckwheat groats
1 cup dried cranberries (or dried fruit of choice)
1/2 tsp cardamon
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
pinch sea salt (optional)
FANCY PANTS ADD-INS:
1/2 cup shredded flaked coconut, 1/2 cup quinoa flakes, 1/2 cup date pieces, 1/4 cup hemp seed, white stevia powder (or dry sweetener of choice)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine ingredients in large glass jar and store in pantry. To prepare one serving, combine 1/4 cup of cereal with one cup of hot or cold water or milk product of your choice. Let sit for five minutes, then stir & enjoy.
