This post contains affiliate links.
If you follow us on Facebook, you know that Jessica and I are starting the year off with another Whole 30! We are both excited. I feel much more prepared than I did last time. I am super excited about the way I’m going to feel in about 2 1/2 or 3 weeks, not so excited about how I’ll feel in the next few days…sigh. But, that’s my bodies way to reminding me about all the junk I put in it over the holidays. But, that’t ok. It tasted great, and shared with friend and family.
My last Whole 30 went pretty well. My hubby did it too. But he travels a lot for work, so I was more stressed about helping him figure out how to eat Whole 30 on the road, than I was for myself. It was kind of a good distraction. But, there were days when I didn’t plan well enough for me, and ended up eating scrambled eggs for all 3 meals. And, well, anyone who has done Whole 30 knows that you are over eggs by week 2. He’s doing it again this time, but I know he can figure it out, so he’s on his own! The best part about this go round is that Jessica and I are doing it at the same time. It’ll be great to share new found recipes, gripe about sugar cravings, and commiserate on the amount of dishes we have to do. But also, at the end, we’ll both be feeling fabulous. I anticipate great things coming out of MCK in February!
On the flip side, my 5 year old daughter is not excited that we’re doing another Whole 30. She loves her traditional oatmeal and Kefir smoothie. Which she asks for almost every morning. I make the oatmeal with almond or coconut milk, but usually add a little honey or maple syrup. I think this time, I’ll let her keep her morning oatmeal, but she will get Whole 30 lunch (in her lunchbox) and dinner. We made a few permanent changes after the last Whole 30 which should make it easier on her to feel like she’s not missing out on things.
I’m starting my Whole 30 on Sunday, so today I’m doing my first weeks menu planning. This chia seed pudding is going to be on my menu. It’s a great plan ahead recipe because it requires 12 hours in the fridge. That means, you make it the night before, then enjoy it for breakfast. The recipe itself is kind of similar to our Overnight Oatmeal, but obviously, this one if Whole 30 approved.
If you’ve never eaten chia seeds before they can take a little getting used to, texture wise. I actually love the texture. Remember that big trend in the mid 2000’s, Bubble Tea? It reminds me of that a little, but tastier. I lived in DC then, and we had one of those Bubble Tea shops, it was always a fun treat. For this recipe, I added banana, blackberries, and cinnamon. But, you could top your pudding with whatever you are in the mood for. Mango is a popular topping, as well as nuts, strawberries, and even avocado.
Over the next month, I’m sure we’ll be sharing lots of Whole 30 recipes. We can’t wait to share our Whole 30 round 2 experience with you all. Also, Jessica did an awesome job of chronically her first Whole 30 – check it out here (there are also a ton of recipes there)
Oh and Happy New Year!
UPDATE:
So many of you have commented on this recipe regarding the vanilla extract. As I said in the comments, this is a personal choice for me. I personally like it and honestly don’t always use it. I have read and re-read the Whole 30 book. I find it really helpful for me, to keep things in perspective. Someone also recently recommended this Whole Date Syrup to me. I’ve never tried it but may use it next time I make this recipe. If you’ve tried it, please let me know what you think! I’m so curious.
Ingredients
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk (or almond milk)
¼ cup plus 2 tbls chia seeds
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract (For the W30 Purist - Vanilla Powder)
1 banana, sliced
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
4-8 blackberries, optional
Instructions
- In a sealable glass container (like a ball jar), add the coconut milk. Then the chia seeds and vanilla extract.
- Tightly seal the lid.
- Shake the jar really well, until the seeds and milk are well combined.
- Place the jar in the refrigerator over night or for at least 12 hours.
- Serve the chia pudding topped with banana, cinnamon, and blackberries.
Hi. This need to be made minus the vanilla extract to be whole30 compliant. Sounds good though! 🙂
If you read the Whole30 site, they discuss Vanilla Extract with regards to Paleo and the alcohol but they also suggest that its also not a hard and fast rule. You can choose to include it but obviously its up to you and the rules you’ve set for yourself within your Whole 30.
I didn’t think vanilla extract was Whole30 approved? This is my first time to do it, so maybe I’m wrong!
It’s technically not Paleo because it has alcohol in it, but if you read the Whole30 website – they discuss it as a rule they included because of the Paleo rules, but its not a hard and fast rule they necessarily agree with because its used in such small quantities. Therefore, we decided to use it on our recipes. Also, we make our own, so we know its clean.
Hi! I just put mine in the fridge and I’m so excited for breakfast!( late breakfast I guess) I chose not to add vanilla extract mainly because I didn’t have any and don’t know how to make my own, which you say you do! So I’m curious – how is it made? 🙂
All it is is Vodka and Vanilla beans! Seal in a bottle in a cool dry place for 3-6 months. And you’ve got vanilla extract!
I like spiced rum and vanilla beans. I’m sure they are both good, just giving another option. Plus after the initial waiting period (60 days for me) I just continue to top the bottle of with rum and you never run out.
I’m so excited to try this. I’m on Day 2 of my first Whole 30. I’ve done Chia Seed Pudding before but with carton almond milk. I’m not sure about ingredients in the carton so I’ve decided to use canned coconut milk (the full fat stuff I use in my stir-fries) and am diluting it with water about 50 / 50. This will be a really nice break from eggs and animal protein in general.
This is from the Whole 30 website. Vanilla extract is not allowed.
http://whole30.com/2013/06/the-official-can-i-have-guide-to-the-whole30/
For me its a personal choice – I make my own and choose to use it to add flavor. Many people don’t.
Awesome, thx!
And GOOD GOD people, stop with the Vanilla Extract comments. Make a choice.
Lol! I just made this for the first time! One recipie makes 3 jelly sized ball jars. It’s so filling and yummy!! And I agree about the vanilla ; just make a choice I added more cinnamon.
Agreed about the comments regarding Vanilla extract. 🙂
Meaning in the words of Elsa – Let it go!
Where did you find a whole 30 compliant almond milk? All the brand’s I see are not approved.
I use the Califa almond milk, but there is a new banana milk availale and I love it. It would be delicious in this recipe.
I have done several rounds of Whole 30 and have excellent results when I add chia pudding to my breakfast. Plus, I look forward to a breakfast without eggs. I omit the extract, add banana, kiwi and maybe berries. I have found when I use chia as a part of my whole 30 I am in ketosis almost constantly, which boosts my weight loss results.
Thank you for the recipe. I have received a ton of push back on the allowability of chia and vanilla extract. I too am a Whole 30 purest, but I do what is best for y body.
Jesus you bitches love to bicker about vanilla extract. Use it. Don’t. Just don’t be a cunt about it.
This is the best comment I’ve ever read. A-MEN! Jesus!
Love it! thanks for stopping by.
LOL… Loving all the vanilla extract freak outs… makes me want to have my extract in a shot glass. Love the recipe. Thanks
Enjoy. 😀
Amen, Michelle! Seriously, people! Get off this sweet lady’s back! What I think they meant to say was, “Thank you so much for the recipe! You’re a rock star and best of luck on your Whole 30!!!”
Thank you Michelle. Honestly, its kind of amusing at this point. I like to log in and see what new Vanilla Extract comment will be next!!
Happy New Year!
Just made the recipe and look forward to having it tomorrow. Thanks for the great idea. 🙂 I soaked ONE date in hot water and added it to the banana as the banana was not ripe and with the exception of mixing in the chia, I did it in the blender.