Mango-licious Chia Pudding

Hello all and welcome to my new website!

I've been busy lately putting together my new website, finishing my Certification in Wellness Coaching and setting up my own business. Our little family also grew from 3 to 4 when we welcomed our son, Connor, in to the world last month. Hence the reason I haven't posted for a while ;)

Life has been a little crazy lately, not just in our household, but around the country. With lockdowns happening left, right and centre, many people are finding it tough to see family. I never thought I'd have a baby during a national pandemic Lockdown, but it will make for a great story at my son's 18th birthday! Many families around the country are facing similar challenges.

It's normal to grieve freedoms that have been taken from you. But it's also important to remember that 'this too shall pass'. In the mean time, try to implement some healthy habits in to your routine to boost your morale and ensure your wellbeing takes priority. Take a timeout, read a book, learn a new skill, get in some exercise and focus on your nutrition. Self-care is so important, not just during a Lockdown but also for your long term health. What self-care activity are you implementing today?

For me, my most recent challenge has been having my parents locked down in New South Wales. Unable to visit due to border restrictions, this means that I don't know when my parents will get to meet Connor. Something I am doing today is focusing on my snack recipes and finding something that reminds me of home.

This Mango Chia Pudding is inspired by the memory of my childhood home. We had some ripper mango trees growing up in the Mid North Coast of NSW and I miss them! Mangoes are one of my favourites and eating this Chia Pudding gives me fond memories of my family.

Although it's currently 12 degrees outside in Victoria, I've combated this obstacle by using preserved mango for this recipe. Come Summer time, please opt for fresh!

Chai Pudding is a wonderful snack for pregnant and breastfeeding women, too. Chia seeds are the richest plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids and are a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that cannot be made by the body. They also provide a great hit of fibre. Not to mention it's great to have in the fridge for a pre-made, yummy midnight snack (something I've found very handy whilst breastfeeding a newborn!).

In this recipe I have added malt extract for flavour and sweetness and also because it contains beta-glucan. Beta-glucan can increase levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation. It's also a great addition to my Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats if you're looking for a wonderfully easy breakfast recipe.

I hope you enjoy my Chia Pudding recipe and hope you can look at some positives whilst under COVID-19 restrictions in your area.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp white chia seeds

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 tsp malt extract

• 1 Tbsp desiccated coconut

• 1 Mango Cheek (fresh is best)

Method

1. Gently warm the honey and malt extract in the microwave for 10 seconds (this enables it to incorporate better to the mix)

2. Using a metal spoon, mix the chia, honey, malt and coconut milk together in a jar, cup or container of choice. Leave in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Blend mango cheeks using a blender or food processor and layer on top of chia pudding.

4. Sprinkle coconut on top (alternatively, add this in step 2).

5. Enjoy any time of the day [or night ;-) ].

Tip: for a snack, halve the recipe or divide between two jars. It's quite filling!