High Protein Carrot Cake Chia Pudding

With Easter only a few days away, I'm pretty much obsessing over all the things on Pinterest. How are people so insanely creative?! From cute bunny cupcakes, to dirt cakes, to birds nest cookies (oh wait…I made a version of those for you!), to literally the most adorable tablescapes and decorations I've ever seen. Yep, pretty much in DIY heaven here, minus the fact that I could never make anything like this on my own.

We're not doing anything special for Easter this year. Since we were just home in Vermont this past weekend, we're not going to see my parents and Matt's family lives out in Denver, so I think it's going to just be the three of us. Matt and I booked afternoon massages, we'll probably go to brunch somewhere in the neighborhood and most likely spend the evening snuggled up on the couch watching movies. (btw…seen any good movies lately? we'd love some suggestions!)

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Even though it won't be a big family affair this year, I've still been dreaming up Easter-themed recipes for you to try. Tuesday it was Birds Nest Cookies, today it's Carrot Cake Chia Pudding and Sunday it's going to be Quinoa + Coconut Crusted French Toast. I realize those are all on the sweeter side of things, so if you're looking for something savory to serve with your meal, you could try my Quinoa Wild Rice Salad or the Garlic + Herb Mushroom Quinoa!

Instead of making you an actual cake (have one of those already if you're interested!), I wanted to make you a healthy breakfast treat that would nourish your body with healthy ingredients, but still give you the sense of eating something sweet and decadent. Enter…this high-protein chia pudding.

Just like my vanilla version, the ingredient list is simple: quinoa, carrots, chia + hemp seeds, cinnamon and coconut milk. And since we all seem to be big fans of the breakfast-disguised-as-dessert recipes, this is yet another one that will make you feel like you're eating something decadent, even “cheating” on your healthy diet, but really you've chosen a meal that is naturally high in protein and fiber, is filled with healthy fats AND even sneaks in some veggies!

(ps I added chopped dates to mine for some sweetness, but that's totally optional)

It makes for a delicious and nutritious breakfast with very minimal efforts because I know when it comes to making a healthy breakfast, there are definitely a few areas where we all get stuck:

1. you have no time
2. you want something simple
3. you need protein but don't want to use protein powders (or make eggs)
4. you want something sweet that won't spike your blood sugar

Luckily, this carrot cake chia pudding hits on all four. You make it the night ahead so you can literally just grab it from the fridge and go. It's less than 10 ingredients, most of which I bet you already have in your pantry. It has 12 grams of vegan, plant-based protein  without the addition of any powders. AND the only sweetener comes from chopped dates which could easily be left out if you're going for a no sugar option.

The other issue that I sometimes have with breakfast is that I get hungry only a few hours later. You know that I tend to workout in the mornings, so when I finally sit down for breakfast I'm starving. I usually end up grabbing whatever I can find, which sometimes isn't the right kind of fuel to get me through the morning.

Tips for making a breakfast that will keep you full:

• Don't go for 100% carbs (even fruit). Carbs are what your body burns first, so if you breakfast is only carbs, then it will not only spike your blood sugar, but all that energy will be burned super quickly leaving you feeling hungry and tired.
• Add whole grains + complex carbs (things like quinoa + oats) because these are not only filled with fiber, but your body digests them more slowly so they will keep you sustained for a longer period of time.
• Embrace the fats! Add in some healthy fats (like avocado, nuts and seeds) which will satisfy your hunger more than carbs. Fats are also brain fuel, so they'll help keep you energized and focused after your morning meal.
• Fuel up with protein! Whether that's in the form of a high-quality protein powder or you use ingredients like quinoa, chia seeds, hemp seeds, etc., getting some protein in first thing in the morning is essential. It helps kickstart your metabolism and gives you long-lasting energy.

Luckily, this chia pudding is all. It really is one of the best ways you can start your day; it's only a bonus that it tastes like dessert too!

Your turn…

What's the one thing you struggle most with when it comes to breakfast? Let me know in the comments and I'll work on creating new breakfast recipes that fit your needs. For me it used to be about the time, but now I'm much more focused on keeping things as simple as possible. Excited to hear what you have to say!

xx Alyssa

High Protein Carrot Cake Chia Pudding

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Preparation 2 hours 5 mins 2018-05-21T02:05:00+00:00

Cook Time 0:00 2018-05-21T00:00:00+00:00

Serves 1     adjust servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup lite coconut milk
• 1/4 cup water (if you use only 1/2 cup coconut milk)
• Optional add-ins: turmeric, medicinal mushrooms, chopped dates, maple syrup, etc.
• Toppings: sliced banana, grated carrot, chopped dates, walnuts

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a jar and stir together (minus toppings). Tighten lid and place chia pudding in the fridge to set, at least 2 hours (or overnight).
2. Remove and top with desired toppings. Enjoy!

by Alyssa

Recipe Notes

5 1

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
Amount Per Serving	As Served
Calories 625kcal Calories from fat 455
% Daily Value
Total Fat 51g	78%
Saturated Fat 29g	145%
Transfat 0g
Sodium 51mg	2%
Carbohydrate 31g	10%
Dietary Fiber 14g	56%
Sugars 2g
Protein 19g

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:

	Calories	2000
Total Fat	Less than	65g
Sat Fat	Less than	25g
Cholesterol	Less than	300mg
Sodium	Less than	2,400mg
Total Carbohydrate		300g
Dietary Fiber		25g

If you make this recipe, make sure to snap a pic and share it on Instagram using #SIMPLYQUINOA – I want to see your own quinoa creations!

This post was sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill in celebration of National Nutrition Month. Bob’s is my favorite source of healthy, nutritious ingredients! Stay tuned all month long as we share simple and delicious recipes using the amazing products from Bob’s. Thank you for supporting the companies I believe in! xo