Want a breakfast that’s ready to grab and go on busy mornings? This Make-Ahead Chia & Almond Milk Breakfast Bowl is your answer! It’s super easy to prepare the night before, and in the morning you’ll have a creamy, delicious, and healthy breakfast waiting for you. Plus, it’s under 250 calories per serving!
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Why chia seed bowls are awesome
Chia seeds are tiny but mighty! They’re packed with good stuff like fiber and healthy fats, which help keep you feeling full and energized. When you mix chia seeds with liquid, they magically turn into a pudding-like texture – how cool is that? This breakfast bowl is a perfect way to start your day with a nutritious and tasty meal without any morning stress.
Recipe: Make-Ahead Chia & Almond Milk Breakfast Bowl (Under 250 Calories)
This recipe serves 1 person.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsweetened Almond Milk | 1 cup |
| Chia Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Mixed Berries (fresh or frozen) | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Optional Sweetener (maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener) | to taste |
Instructions:
- Get a jar or container: Find a jar or container with a lid. A mason jar works great!
- Mix it up (night before): Pour the almond milk into the jar. Add the chia seeds and vanilla extract. If you want it a little sweeter, add a tiny bit of maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener.
- Shake, shake, shake! Put the lid on tightly and shake the jar really well for about 30 seconds. This helps to mix everything together and prevents clumps of chia seeds.
- Chill overnight: Pop the jar into the fridge and let it sit overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This is when the chia seeds work their magic and turn the almond milk into pudding.
- Morning time – get fruity: In the morning, take your chia pudding out of the fridge. Spoon the mixed berries on top. If you used frozen berries, they will thaw in the fridge overnight and create a delicious berry “sauce”.
- Enjoy! You can eat it straight from the jar or pour it into a bowl. No cooking needed!
Macro Breakdown (per serving, approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 235 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 10g |
Note: Macros are estimates and can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and sizes of ingredients used. Calories are calculated without optional sweetener. Adding sweetener will increase calorie count.
Tips for Making it Perfect:
- Shake it again: In the morning, if your chia pudding seems a little thick, you can add a splash more almond milk to get it to the perfect creamy texture. Just shake or stir it in.
- No clumps allowed! Make sure you shake the mixture really well when you first make it to avoid clumps of chia seeds. If you do notice clumps in the morning, just stir it well to break them up.
- Sweetness control: Start with no sweetener or just a tiny bit, and then taste it in the morning. You can always add a little more sweetener on top if you need it. Remember, the berries will also add some sweetness!
- Make a big batch: Want breakfast ready for a few days? Just double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe and make several jars at once! Chia pudding will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Spice it Up! Ingredient Ideas:
- Different Milks:
- Try coconut milk (light or regular) for a richer, coconutty flavor.
- Oat milk or soy milk also work great.
- Fruity Flavors:
- Instead of mixed berries, try other fruits like:
- Diced mango (fresh or frozen)
- Sliced banana
- Peaches or nectarines (fresh or canned)
- Apple or pear (diced)
- Mix in a spoonful of fruit puree or jam (use sugar-free or low-sugar to keep calories down).
- Instead of mixed berries, try other fruits like:
- Spice & Extracts:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for warmth.
- Try different extracts like almond extract, or peppermint extract (use sparingly, they are strong!).
- A tiny pinch of salt can actually enhance the sweetness and flavor.
- Crunchy Toppings (add just before eating):
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
What to Pair with Your Chia Bowl:
This Chia & Almond Milk Breakfast Bowl is pretty satisfying on its own, but if you want to make it a bigger meal or have something on the side, try:
- A hard-boiled egg: Adds extra protein to keep you full longer.
- A small handful of nuts: For extra healthy fats and crunch.
- A side of yogurt: Especially Greek yogurt, for even more protein and creaminess.
- Whole-wheat toast: If you want some extra carbs.
Good for these Diets:
This Make-Ahead Chia & Almond Milk Breakfast Bowl can fit into lots of different eating styles:
- Vegetarian: Yes! This recipe is vegetarian.
- Vegan: Yes! Just make sure to use plant-based milk like almond milk.
- Gluten-Free: Yes! Chia seeds and almond milk are naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Yes! As long as you use plant-based milk.
- Calorie-Conscious: Yes! Under 250 calories, it’s a light and healthy choice.
Enjoy your super easy and healthy Make-Ahead Chia & Almond Milk Breakfast Bowl!
