The Benefits of Chia Seeds

What do we think of when we think about chia seeds? Fibre, Omega-3 and protein, but hold on because there’s actually more; read on to find out.

Bulk Up on Omega-3!

Chia seeds are albeit tiny, packed with omega-3 fatty acids with nearly five grams in an ounce serving. Chia seeds is among the richest source of plant-based omega-3! According to research, it improves brain health, decreases total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improves endothelial function and reduces atherosclerotic plaque – which reduces the risk of cardiac arrests and stroke.

There’s Manganese!

Although Manganese is not a well-known nutrient, it is essential for our health. It gives us stronger bones and helps our bodies utilize other essential nutrients like Vitamin H (Biotin) and Vitamin B1 (Thiamin). A serving of chia seeds is 30% of the recommended intake of Manganese.

Don’t Forget Calcium and Phosphorus!

A serving of chia seeds contains 18% of the recommended daily recommended intake of calcium and 27% of our daily value for phosphorus – which helps us maintain healthy bones and oral health, and even prevent osteoporosis.

Protein Packing!

We know the vegetarians and vegans would love to hear this. Chia seeds is a great source of protein for those who are vegetarians and vegans. The greatest part? There’s no cholesterol!

Combat Diabetes!

High fibre diets are associated with lower risk of developing diabetes and keeping blood sugar at stable levels. Based on several studies, The National Institute of Medicine identified that diets with 14 grams of fibre for every 1,000 calories would significantly reduce the risk of both coronary heart disease and Type-2 diabetes. Chia seeds, when exposed to liquid, develops gelatinous coating – which helps prevent blood sugar spikes.

Fight Belly Fat and Get Full, Faster.

Trytophan – which is found in chia seeds – helps regulate our appetite, sleep and alleviates mood. According to Live Strong Foundation, chia seeds stabilizing effect on blood sugar can also fight insulin resistance – which not only makes our belly fat and wobbly, but be harmful for our overall health.

 

healthylivingThe Benefits of Chia Seeds

Ways to Mindful Eating

Many of us try to lose weight, but our efforts come to no avail. Majority of the time, the underlying reasons are unbeknown to our conscious mind, making it hard for us to overcome them.

In order to lose weight, we have to be completely honest with ourselves. We may religiously stick to salads for dinner and regularly exercise, but if we conveniently put it at the back of our minds of the odd snack we have in-between wouldn’t really do us any favours.

Mindless eating is often one of the major root causes to weight gain or failure to lose weight. Hence, take a look at the following tips to more mindful eating.

  1. Keep a food journal

Keep track of what you’re eating. You could simply jot down your food intake in a notebook or use one of the many apps available. More often than not, being more aware of what we consume and keeping a record of it can help us recognize our habits and behaviours, allowing us the opportunity to change them.

  1. Procrastinate

We are all guilty of succumbing to food cravings. Next time you are craving for something unhealthy to munch on, try to do something else for ten minutes. In the ten minutes time span, you are able to assess if you are truly hungry or if you are actually craving an emotion – such as comfort. If you’re not hungry, the craving will eventually pass.

  1. Seek for hypnotherapy

To some, seeking for hypnotherapy for weight loss may seem like an extreme measure. However, hypnotherapy aims to expose the reasons behind failure to lose weight and help clients regain self-control. It allows clients to finally break through barriers that may have been preventing them to lose weight. Techniques used in hypnotherapy for weight loss are designed to empower you so that you can take control of your choices – instead of succumbing to cravings. It can also help you break down mental blocks that are holding you back from exercising and making the most of your body.

Nonetheless, it is important to remember that hypnotherapy is complementary therapy – that should be used alongside healthy eating plan and exercise regime.

healthylivingWays to Mindful Eating