This is part of my ongoing restricted diet series with Free People.

Most mornings I wake before dawn, roll out of bed, give myself a few minutes of silence or meditation and then I head off to an early morning yoga class. As the sun rises and I head back towards home, I look forward to refueling with that first nourishing meal of the day, hot tea and the quiet of the early morning.

Even better, the mornings where breakfast awaits m. Not because I have a personal chef or an extra sweet husband, but rather I planned ahead and prepped it the night before. Chia seed puddings are probably my favorite overnight breakfast treat, perfect for refueling after my early morning yoga session. Not only are chia seed puddings a breeze to whip up, but they taste wonderful, they are also super satisfying and loaded with healthy and nourishing goodness.

If chia seeds were once used by Aztec warriors to build energy and stamina on battlefield, they certainly can refuel me after a sweaty, flowy yoga class and power me through the start of a busy work day. Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, cell-protecting antioxidants, minerals, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They are anti-inflammatory and a dense source of crucial minerals, with more calcium than milk, more potassium than bananas, and more iron than spinach.

Chia also forms a gel when added to liquid and they can absorb up to ten times their weight in water, making it an excellent source of hydration. I love simply adding them to my water or iced green tea, throughout the day. This gel also works to shield the body from absorbing sugars too quickly, which stabilizes blood sugar levels and creates long-lasting sustainable energy.

This Blueberry Lavender Chia Seed Pudding has the most beautiful hue to it and the most incredible medley of flavors. The soft, delicate flavor from the lavender compliments the bright, sweet and tart flavor of the blueberries. I prefer a high-quality organic full fat coconut milk, as I love the rich, creaminess, but any non-dairy milk would work just fine.

Have you made chia pudding before? What’s your favorite flavor combo?

Get the recipe for this Blueberry Lavender Chia Seed Pudding on the Free People Blog BLDG25