I cannot get enough of chia seeds. I fell in love with chia puddings a couple years and if there is one thing that always tempts me at the checkout line at the grocery store it is those dang Mama Chia drinks! I cave every time I see those. Chia seeds are so good for you and are a great way to get Omega-3s without your house smelling like salmon for 3 days :)

I have found a super fast and refreshing drink to make that is like a healthy version of lemonade or limeade, but with tons of health benefits and no sugar!

This is just a simple drink made with water or coconut water, chia seeds, fresh lemon juice and zest and stevia sweetener.

Benefits of Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a awesome high-fiber superfood that can really help cut pesky cravings and keep you satisfied for hours. That high omega-3 fat content I was talking about can actually reduce inflammation, and studies show that antioxidants in chia seeds help protect your heart and kidneys, while also providing anti-aging and even anti-cancer benefits.

Benefits of Lemons

Of course we all know that lemons are high in Vitamin C, but they are also rich in potassium, magnesium, and anti-aging antioxidants, and the sour taste can actually suppress your appetite, while aiding in digestion and detoxification.

When you take lemon juice 30 minutes before a meal, it actually lowers your blood sugar response to your meal. And just one more benefit, for good measure, is that a daily dose of lemons can have positive effects on your blood pressure.

How to Help Fresh Lemons Last Longer

It can be frustrating when you buy a bunch of lemons, only to have them go moldy before you can use them all. Next time you are unloading your groceries, transfer your citrus to a perforated paper bag or container and put it in the back of your fridge. This makes it so your oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes can last for up to a month!

How to “Zest” Lemons if You Don’t Have a Zester

If you need lemon zest and do not have a zester, use a sharp knife or peeler to peel big strips of lemon peel. Scrape away any of the white stuff, called pith, with a spoon or your knife. Cut strips into thin matchsticks and then finish by finely dicing the rest.

Lemon Chia Fresca

Serving size: 1
Calories per serving: 0

Ingredients:
2 cups water or substitute coconut water
1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds
zest and juice from 1 lemon or lime (or 1/2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice, to taste)
sweetener, to taste (i used 5 drops of liquid stevia)


Directions:

Add chia and water into a jar/glass and stir REALLY well. Let the mixture sit at least 10 minutes so the chia seeds can “grow”.

Add lemon or lime juice and zest and sweetener (both to taste). Stir well and drink up!