Strawberry Lemonade Chia Seed Drink
~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, Paleo ~
Blending organic strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and raw chia seeds together, turned out to be a powerhouse of summertime freshness!
Chew Your Drinks
The chia seeds add a natural thickness and texture to this drink. Remember to always “chew” your drinks because this starts the digestion process. Chia seeds also add a dose of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and are a high-quality complete protein without gluten, and a low-glycemic carbohydrate. They are also rich in antioxidants, calcium, omega-6 oil, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
To put it in perspective… one tablespoon of chia seeds has more calcium than a glass of milk, more Omega-3s than salmon, and more antioxidants than blueberries!
Another aspect that I enjoy about this drink is the visual of the suspended chia seeds. I used to get a kick out of the looks I would get as I walked around carrying my mason jar filled with a fluorescent green, alien infused nutrient-packed smoothies. Now those drinks have met their match. It may not be green but it does have that weird factor of floating orbs to it. lol Though to be honest, in this day and age, it is hard to shock anyone anymore. Weird is the new normal and nobody really blinks an eye at oddities.
This drink is great for preventing dehydration during exercise or exposure to heat. Chia seed have hydrophilic properties and can absorb more than 9 times their weight in water. Because of this, chia seeds can prolong hydration, helping retain moisture and regulate more efficiently the body’s absorption of nutrients and body fluids, including the electrolyte balance.
I created this drink for my dear friends Suzy and Harry. They needed a drink that was alkalizing, full of nutrients, energy-giving and delicious… and I created just that. It is cool and refreshing. But best of all you can pre-make this drink and store it in the fridge for a few days… enjoying it as needed.
Mason jars are perfect for these types of drinks because you really need to shake them prior to and in between sips. I hope you enjoy this energy-packed drink. Use it as a great way to start your day or as a pick-me-up when the mid-day slumps hit. Please be sure to leave a comment below. I love hearing from you. Many blessings, amie sue
Ingredients:
Yields 5 cups
Preparation:
- In the blender combine the water, lemon juice, chia seeds, strawberries, and stevia. Blend until the strawberries are liquified.
- I wanted to make this drink sugar-free, so I used my favorite liquid stevia. If you are not a fan of that, you can add any liquid sweetener of your liking.
- Be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice; it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Place in the fridge to thick for 30+ minutes. The longer it sits, the more suspended the chia seeds get after shaking.
- Give it another shake or stir when ready to drink and enjoy.
Amie-Sue,
I just looove chia seeds. They are in all sorts of drinks now. I was traveling to visit my son and had a drink with chia seeds and he looked at the drink and said, “Mom, what is that!!??!!!” I laughed and told him chia seeds~~he tasted it and really liked it. My husband teases me and says they look like “tad pole eggs”……I tell him they are “tasty tad pole eggs and very nutritious”. Am visiting my mother in NM and miss my lemon tree in CA. I need to go get some lemons and strawberries now to try this beautiful looking drink!:):)
Good morning Linda… I too love chia seeds. Many people struggle with the their texture but I think their great. I loved your story, thank you for sharing. :) Have a great visit with you mom! Blessings, amie sue
Amie Sue,
Thanks, My mother turned 92 in June,am really enjoying my stay and take advantage of every minute spent with her.
Just finished reading about your stores in AZ. Probably in July, I will be going through AZ back to CA. I usually visit a friend down in Tempe for a day or two. I, also, loove used book stores and am going to check out the one either in Flag., or Mesa. Gives me someplace to stop along the way and re-energize for the next half of the trip! Take care.
That sounds wonderful Linda…. what a blessing that you can spend some time with her and wow…92! :) Shew, July…Tucson… = HOT hehe My prayers will be with you. haha Have a terrific day! I insist. amie sue
I am a serious factory of kidney stones. My doctor said to stay away from foods high in oxalates. Any chance you can provide data with these recipes? I’m sure I am not the only one with this condition. Thanks
Good morning Captain Ed,
I am afraid that I don’t have complete knowledge of oxalates in order to do this. Maybe in time. I am sorry to here that your body produces a factory of stones. That can’t be comfortable. :/ Be well, amie sue
This drink is delicious, Amie-Sue you are a genius. I have health issues I am working so hard to solve. Your site allows me a chance to still enjoy life & food and keep my body healing. Thank you so much for what you do, I am most grateful.
Good evening Stephanie,
It blesses me to hear that… not that I am a genius (lol) but that you are able to find enjoyment through foods during your healing journey. I am so glad that you found my site and if I can be of any help throughout the process, never hesitate to ask. Blessings and healing to your body, hugs.
Can one grind the chia seeds first and use ground up chia seeds in any of your beverage recipes that includes whole chia seeds? Thanks a lot for your incredibly amazing recipes.
Your welcome Sam and yes, you can grind the chia seeds to a powder first. People tend to do this when they don’t like the texture of chia seeds. I for one enjoy it. :) Have a wonderful day, amie sue
Love this stuff! My new favorite summer drink. It is so refreshing. Thanks!
This looks yummy – I buy a grape chia kombucha drink that is really fun to ‘eat’ too!
Is that straw stainless steel? If so, where do you get them? Thank you!
Hi Karen, I love kombucha. I hope to one day make it myself. Have you ever tried making it at home? Yes, those are stainless steel straws. I love them. We use them daily. You can order them here https://nouveauraw.com/equipment/utensils-gadgets/reusable-straws-stainless-steel-drinking-set-of-6-2-cleaners-eco-friendly-safe-non-toxic-non-plastic/ or check your local kitchen store.
Have a blessing evening, amie sue
Amie-Sue,
Thank you! I am so excited to find this recipe. For years I have also been drinking Kombucha with Chia and have decided to venture into making my own Chia drinks (much more cost efficient). So very easy to make and my 11 year old son loves this drink as well….Strawberry Lemonade Chia Seed Drink was a success. Thank you so much.
Your welcome Jenn :) I am glad that you have found inspiration through this recipe. :) I love hearing that young ones are enjoying these healthier foods too! yay! Have a blessed day, amie sue
This was delightfully refreshing!
I have agree Gayle :)
I am a nurse and finding the time to hydrate is difficult. I will be taking this delicious treat with me. Thanks for keeping me going.
I hope it sustains you Linda. You are a blessing. :) amie sue
I was wondering if you can drink the Strawberry Lemonade Chia Seed Drink while you are working out, or you have to drink it before working out?
Hello Lilyana,
That is a tough question because there are a million opinions about this very topic. Some believe you should have something before or during or after… then it differs as to what people think the food out to be. Lately, with some of the studying that I have done on this topic… I have been exercising in a fasted state, then eat / drink afterwards. I wish I had a clear cut answer but I don’t. Have a great day, amie sue
how long can this drink last in the fridge?
Hello Ella,
I don’t know for sure… but I would say 3-4 days. Fresh food doesn’t have the lift shelf as processed foods / drinks. :) amie sue
I love this drink! I started using chia seeds because of this post. Thank you.
That’s wonderful Hollie. Bottoms up! Have a blessed day, amie sue :)