Chia seeds and all things chia have exploded onto the market after the book Born to Run popularized them when talking about the diets of the Tarahumara people. Today chia is everywhere and with good reason, it’s awesome. OK I am biased but really it’s great stuff. If you haven’t heard of chia seeds yet they come from the Salvia hispanica plant. Traditionally the plant is grown in Mexico and South America, chia seeds have been known to be used by both the Mayan and Aztec and were a superfood well before superfoods were cool. Chia seeds are high in fiber and have 2-4grams of protein per serving as well as a good source of Omega-3s.

This past winter I first saw Mamma Chia in my local grocery store and was immediately drawn to it. I am always looking for new food choices to help fuel during races. I saw the Mamma Chia Vitality Beverage, a nutrient-rich drink with organic chia seeds infused with organic fruit juices. At first glance it it looked a little different brightly colored beverage and caught my eye. Then I took a look at the ingredients and one bottle gives you a full day of Omega-3 and about 25% of your daily fiber as well as protein, calcium, antioxidants and minerals. Forgetting about the health benefits the best part is the taste. I love these drinks especially the cherry lime and grapefruit ginger.

The second product of Mamma Chia that I found and one that is constantly in my pack while training and racing are the Mamma Chia Organic Chia Squeeze‘s. They are in the same squeezable pouches as the organic babyfood and applesauce (both staples in my long distance races). So I was hooked just by the packaging. Each of these pouches has 70-80 calories, which by training fuel isn’t super calorie rich but it is easy on the stomach and a great addition to other products. The pouches themselves are chia seeds infused with fruit and vegetables. My personal favorite is the Magic Green flavor but the new flavors Mango Coconut and Wild Raspberry are gaining ground quickly. The best is these fit any diet, vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free.

The newest product from Mamma Chia are just chia seeds on their own. You can now get either Organic Black Chia seeds or Organic White Chia seeds from Mamma Chia. Sometimes it’s easier to just travel with seeds than with a beverage. For me personally I am always on the road and traveling with glass bottles are just no feasible. Below is a good summertime treat chia drink I personally enjoy:

Cranberry Lime Chia Refresher

3 tbsp. Mamma Chia Organic Chia Seeds

1/2 c. water

3/4 c. Cranberry Juice (100% juice)

2 tbsp. Lime Juice

1 tsp. ginger (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together. I prefer to put them in a mason jar and shake them to mix it up. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes or better yet refrigerate it overnight. Open and enjoy.

If you haven’t had enough chia yet in this post check out Chia Vitality: 30 Days to Better Health, Greater Vibrancy, and a More Meaningful and Purposeful Life. This book is written by the founder of Mamma Chia Janie Hoffman. Learn more about chia and about Janie. Her book helps you integrate chia into your life through recipes and more. A good book to have on the shelf for sure. Hoffman started this all from a concept and a small farm kitchen in rural San Diego and today we get to enjoy Mamma Chia.

But you don’t have to take my word for the yumminess of Mamma Chia products. Enter to win this Mamma Chia giveaway worth over $75 including:

One Full Bag each of Mamma Chia’s NEW black and white chia seeds

One Week’s supply of Mamma Chia products

One Copy of Chia Vitality

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”