Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia

[ladykelacy]

So, a girlfriend of mine was recently raving about the healthy benefits of adding Chia Seeds to one's diet. I've done a good amount of reading online that suggests it would be an awesome addition to my routine as I have issues with nutrition absorption and it's got tons of fiber, protein, would absorb acid nicely (I am still getting stick a lot even though I've hit my second trimester).

My only real concerns are these:

1) It says it makes you feel "full" for a long time, I don't need to feel full , I need to keep eating all throughout the day to help with my nausea and it's better for my particular system to graze.

2) One of the sites I was reading said to keep to the recommended dosage to avoid forming an addiction to them. What exactly would these do to my baby then?

So... I guess my only real question is, who else has used Chia seeds while pregnant, what was your experience, and would you suggest it to a friend?

[1babysmom]

I bake with chia occasionally and we always add some to our smoothies. I wouldn't go without....but I also have candida issues and find chia helps with that. I definitely have no addiction to them....ick! LOL. Never heard of that!

[berrymama]

I am 26 weeks and recently added chia to my diet. I have them in my granola, and have made chia pudding (google for some yummy recipes) a couple times. I have had a poor appetite this entire pregnancy, but don't find that they keep me feeling full any longer than other things I eat (I try to eat something every couple hours). I have not heard about the addiction issue. I stick to 1-2 tbsp per day.

[HawaiianBlesing]

I use them when pregnant and not.  I bake with them (ground) instead of using xanthan gum in gluten free baking.  I also add a tablespoon or two to my morning smoothie.  I have also made pudding.  I've never heard the addiction thing.  They can make your blood pressure go low so if you already deal with low blood pressure, they may not be good for you.

 

[ladykelacy]

I have symptoms of both high and low blood pressure, and we're in the middle of a move so I don't have a new doctor yet. :-( I think I might hold off for now, just in case.

[dayiscoming2006]

Originally Posted by ladykelacy 

I have symptoms of both high and low blood pressure, and we're in the middle of a move so I don't have a new doctor yet. :-( I think I might hold off for now, just in case.

You can go to a store with a blood pressure cup in the pharmacy to check your blood pressure out. 

[1babysmom]

Originally Posted by ladykelacy 

I have symptoms of both high and low blood pressure, and we're in the middle of a move so I don't have a new doctor yet. :-( I think I might hold off for now, just in case.

I have consistenty low BP (I check at least once a week) but chia doesn't seem to have any effect on that, at least that I have ever noticed.

[nattery]

I know this is an older thread but thought I would add my experience here anyways to help anyone else who comes across it.

Chia can leave you feeling full because it's high fiber and bulks up when it's added to moisture (it becomes sticky and egg-like). It's also very very high in nutrients and protein so even if it made you feel full, you are eating a very nutrient dense and calorie dense thing so your body is getting a lot of energy and nutrients to go along with your 'full' feeling. I've eating chia throughout my pregnancy (33 weeks now) and think they are an amazing addition, especially since I am vegetarian and am always looking for plant based protein and omega 3 sources (of which Chia is very very high in, in addition to calcium, iron, vit c and antioxidants).

I loved the chia puddings, especially in my first trimester when I was feeling a lot of morning sickness. When you can only eat a little here and there, chia is a good choice in my opinion. Hope this helps!
 

[cynthiamoon]

I have enjoyed a thick, juice and chia laced tea as a snack a few times in pregnancy now, though it is not a major part of my diet.

When I am hungry only an hour or so away from a big meal, I've found that chia tea is great at substituting what would otherwise e a meal-spoiling snack.