GUEST BLOG! Lemon Chia Seed Breakfast Cake

My favorite thing about blogging is seeing my friends and family become inspired to try their own healthy kitchen creations. Since starting the blog, many of you have reached out to me with your own spin on the ideas I have posted. I LOVE it! Which is why I am starting a Guest Blog! If you create your own idea, text me, call me, or email me at megan@letsgethungry.com. I will feature your recipe on the blog and all the credit goes to you!

Here is my first Guest Blog featuring the one and only… Kristin Phillips! Kristin is my inspiration when it comes to running. She is currently coaching me as I train for my next marathon in January. So far, so good!

Kristin created a spin on my Chia Almond Breakfast Cake. Her version: Lemon Chia Seed! I had it this morning and mmm mmm mmm it was so tasty! Felt like I was eating a warm lemon poppyseed muffin. Thanks, Kristin for being my first Guest Blog!

Lemon Chia Seed Breakfast Cake

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp almond milk
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
•  ¼ cup almond meal
•  ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Preparation Instructions

1. Whisk egg with fork in microwave safe bowl.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
3. Microwave on high for 3 minutes.

** You can microwave it right in the bowl you used to mix the ingredients or you can pour batter into a small baking dish, like the one I used below.  You can eat it right out of the bowl/dish, or transfer it onto a plate.

Topping suggestions: I topped mine with unsweetened, shredded coconut!

Fuel Facts

Numbers: 350 calories, 15 g protein, 23 g fat, 28 g carbs, 8 g fiber

Ingredient Breakdown:

v Almond Meal – A gluten-free substitute for flour, almond meal is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than other options. Almond meal is made simply by grinding the nuts into a flour-like consistency and is therefore filled with all of the same perks as almonds themselves.

Almond meal is high in monounsaturated fats, similar to those found in olive oil, providing heart-healthy benefits. Almonds are also a great source of vitamin E, one of the most important nutrients for preventing oxidative stress. Vitamin E, when applied topically, has also been found to protect the skin against UV damage from the sun. It is believed by some researchers that this same protective effect can be achieved through consumption of foods rich in vitamin E, such as almonds.

v Chia Seeds – Another fuel source used by the ancient Aztecs, Chia seeds are full of nutritional goodness. For starters, they are higher in omega-3s even than flax seed and their high antioxidant content makes them keep much longer. Whereas flax seed will go rancid rather quickly if not kept refrigerated, chia seeds can be kept at room temperature for weeks at a time. Also, unlike flax, you do not need to grind them in order to get all of the nutritional benefits.

When soaked in water, chia seeds will form a gel. In a similar fashion, this may contribute to keeping hunger at bay by swelling in the stomach when consumed in the diet. Chia seeds are great added to breads and baked goods, smoothies, and as a topping for yogurt or cereal.

v Egg – Eggs have the highest biological value of any protein source. This means that you can achieve more of the benefits with less of the protein. Contrary to popular belief, the dietary cholesterol in eggs is not associated with increased blood cholesterol (the type of cholesterol that is linked to heart disease). This misconception is continually being disproven with current research.

In fact, the yolk is a nutritional power house, containing high amounts of choline, a B-complex vitamin, and vitamin B12. Choline has been linked with better brain function and is important in preventing fat accumulation in the liver. Adequate B12 in the diet is crucial for preventing anemia as well as neurological deterioration. B12 deficiencies have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly and neural tube defects in newborns.

v Almond Milk – A creamy, low-calorie substitute for cow’s milk, this nutty variety is easy to digest making it a good add to pre-workout meals or smoothies.

v Honey – Due to the combination of glucose and fructose, honey will keep you energized longer than it’s sweet counterparts. Glucose is used quickly by the body, providing an immediate energy source. Fructose takes longer to absorb, sustaining blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is kept stable, your energy will also remain constant, so say goodbye to the afternoon crash.

Honey is also a great natural healer. For starters it is packed with polyphenols, antioxidants that have immune boosting properties to keep you from becoming sick. In addition, honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide which is why it is believed to be antibacterial in nature. Honey can be used topically to treat burns, wounds, and even acne. Honey fights off impurity-causing bacteria while also hydrating the skin.

v Lemon Juice – High in the antioxidant vitamin C, lemons and lemon juice, help oxidize free radicals in the body. In addition, the juice enhances the flavors of of other foods and the fruit will keep up to four weeks in the fridge.