Thursday, June 17, 2010

Iskiate!
















I have a new nutritional drink of choice.....Iskiate, basically chia seeds and limonade/lemonade. Remember chia pets? Same seeds but without growing grass hair on figurines. The idea came from reading Born To Run just like my new interest in barefoot running.

"For centuries this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the south west and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running form the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment."

Turns out chia seeds are like super powered flax seeds. They have slightly less Omega-3 and Omega-6 than flax seeds but the fatty acids are much easier for your body to absorb in chia seeds, no chewing necessary (Click here for a nutritional break down). They also are a good source of calcium and fiber....plus protein and antioxidants... ooo la la.
















FYI, Chia seeds will absorb 9 times it’s weight in water in less than 10 minutes creating a kind of jelly/slimey substance. All in all I give it * * * * * stars, I think I found my morning drink of choice.

Iskiate (serving size - 1 glass)
8 oz of water
2.0-2.5 teaspoons of Chia Seeds
1 lime to squeeze
2 teaspoons of sugar
Mix water, sugar, and juice from the lime until dissolved. Add Chia Seeds and shake or stir. Serve it chilled.

2 comments:

  1. Hongera sana to you and Sky! I meant to tell you some time ago that I really enjoy your blog. I was thinking about your it recently while using two new cookbooks I just bought. The books are The Athlete's Palate and The Athlete's Plate. The recipes aren't all vegan, but most of them can easily be made so and most of them are really delicious. They've also taught me about several new ingredients that I would never have thought to use in my cooking before like quinoa or hemp seed oil. If you can't find the books at your local library, I'd be happy to scan a few of my favorite recipes for you. There's one for a plum salsa that is just amazing!

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  2. I love quinoa (grains and protein = awesome). I'd like to take you up on your offer to scan and email your fave recipes. Plum salsa sounds good :)

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