Omega-Charged Chia Juice image

Vitamin C, iron, and fiber foster great health for mom and baby!

YOU’VE probably noticed those superhealthy, superexpensive chia drinks in the grocery store. The truth is, you don’t need to spend your money on fancy bottled drinks, when you can make them at home in no time, for a fraction of the price. Here are two supersimple recipes to get you started on your chia adventure. Feel free to adjust the measurements—use more or less juice and chia seeds, or branch off into other beverages, such as almond milk, coconut water, or anything else. Chia is an excellent way to keep your digestion on track. These drinks can be refrigerated for up to one week.

BASIC SINGLE SERVING (MAKES 1 CUP)

½ cup fruit juice of your choice

2 tablespoons chia seeds

• Mix together ½ cup of water, the fruit juice, and the chia seeds in a large glass or container and let the seeds gel in the in fridge for at least 30 minutes.

BASIC PITCHER (MAKES 4 CUPS)

2 cups water

2 cups fruit juice of your choice

½ cup chia seeds

• Whisk together 2 cups of water, the fruit juice, and the chia seeds in a large pitcher. Let sit for 15 minutes and mix again. This will prevent the seeds from gumming together in one big clump. Whisk again, if needed. Once the seeds are well separated and suspended in the juice, cover and refrigerate until cool, 2 to 3 hours.

Tip for diabetes

• Reduce your portion size to ½ cup for 1 CARB.

1 cup chia juice (made with cranberry apple juice): Calories: 237 cals; Protein: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 31 g; Fat: 10 g; Fiber: 10 g; Sodium: 8 mg; Vitamin C: 51 mg; Magnesium: 97 mg; Iron: 4 mg; 2 CARBS