Hey guys, I'm a pre-sleever, exploring the options for post-op foods and recipes. A few weeks ago I read about chia seeds here on the forums and got curious enough to buy a little sampler pack of them at my local GNC store. I know that they "swell-up-and-gel-up" in liquids, but I'm curious what you folks think is the best way to use them. Dry and added to foods, or gelled and eaten that way? I'm looking for any recipes you know of with chia seeds that have post-op dietary benefit as well as (hopefully) something that tastes good. Thanks!

I toss chia seeds into my greek yogurt, shakes, oatmeal, etc.

Also Flax Meal (Ground Flax Seeds) works really well.

I just read that to get the best nutrients from chia seeds you should ground them. So most people I know ground them.

I either put them in my protein or veggie shakes and let them gel for about 20 minutes then drink. I have also put them in SF pudding and it gives it a nice tapioca texture. For me they just absorb the taste of whatever you put them in, but they definitely change the texture. I don't like them to gel longer than 30 minutes because then the shake is too slimy.

Vix, I also just bought some but haven't tried them yet. I bookmarked this page for ideas: http://www.chiaseedrecipes.com/40-ways-to-use-chia-seeds.php

Juat remember not to eat them in seed form until your stomach is completely healed. Don't want them getting stuck in your incision!

Just a quick note for anybody that uses chia regularly check out azchia.com , if you are willing to buy 9lbs at a time they have the best price I've found.

Vix, I also just bought some but haven't tried them yet. I bookmarked this page for ideas: http://www.chiaseedr...-chia-seeds.php

Thank you for the resource! I think I'll try them out in some Greek yogurt and see how it goes. I don't usually have food-texture issues (unless it's something rubbery/chewy like overcooked calamari--ew). I can eat fish roe on my sushi--I'm still pre-sleeve--and that's often a little bit squicky for some folks. Hopefully the chia gel won't remind me TOO much of eating frog's eggs.

found a few recipes when ever, but, haven't made one, just now seeking a lemon, lemon zest, chia thing I saw before I at least found this; http://caloriecount....recipe-r1160887

Would love to make one but may be a while up until I experiment this kind of thing further.

also loved muffins and found this along with the other, Sparkle people is a great site for many low cal sleeve apropriate recipes as well, lower cal that regular store baked muffins as well; http://recipes.spark...?recipe=1901656

one more for inspired chia uses, this was today a simple pinterest search on chia seed recipes, here you can find many things worth looking through for a good cook; http://pinterest.com...ia seed recipes

adding: I am still holding out on advancing diet for use for much like this, just seems aproproiate when I reach better my ending goals etc.. and plus won't need as much maintanence on losing daily/weekly weight, but is a great inspiration where healthy recipes are used.