Q: I have heard a lot of great things about chia seeds, but how can I incorporate them into my diet?
Brandon Marsh answers
A: I like to think of myself as a bit of a “foodie,” because I enjoy spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with new and different ingredients. Of course, my love for cooking is complemented by my love for sport. So when I read “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall, I was intrigued by the benefits of chia seeds. The book explains how chia seeds were a staple of the Tarahumara Indians, who are famous for their long-distance running prowess. With this knowledge top of mind, I cooked up a few ideas of my own.

Make like the Tarahumara Indians and drink this citrus chia cooler before your workout for long-lasting energy.
Citrus Chia Cooler
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 cup water
1 lemon (or citrus fruit of choice)
1 tsp. stevia
Directions: In a tall glass, soak chia seeds in water. Squeeze in citrus juices and stevia. Stir thoroughly and chill.
Start off on the right foot with a healthy, hearty pre-workout meal. This concoction is full of protein, omegas and fiber.
Quick-Start Quinoa
1 cup pre-cooked quinoa
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1-2 scoops protein powder
1/2 cup milk (you can substitute with non-dairy milk if desired)
Directions: In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together. Let it set at least five minutes to allow the chia seeds to expand and thicken the mixture.
We’ve also been adding chia seeds to our salads for a mildly nutty flavor. Sprinkling these nutrient-packed little seeds on top of salads, oatmeal and yogurt is a quick and easy way to enjoy the benefits of chia. Speaking of quick, if you’re in a hurry after your workout and need quality post-run replenishment, bottles of Drink Chia are our preferred refresher — they’re gluten-free, have added B vitamins and are the perfect grab-and-go size.