These days, you can find thousands of different weight-loss tips and tricks on the internet. For each, there is always a debate on whether or not it works. Many don’t, but some do. One of the most recent weight-loss trends to have gained popularity on TikTok is claimed by nutritionists to be the real deal. And it only has two ingredients: water and a special kind of seed.
The First Step Towards Weight Loss: Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential not only for weight loss but for maintaining our bodily functions. Drinking water helps us expel toxins and fat from our bodies, thus cleansing our systems and enabling the proper processing of the food we consume.
Unlike other beverages, water doesn’t contain any calories. In fact, it contributes to burning them. If you drink enough water between meals, you can even suppress your appetite, which leads to consuming fewer calories.
While drinking water without any additional ingredients can help you lose weight, there is a simple ingredient you can add to boost this effect. Chia seeds, when added to your water, will help you get better results and take advantage of some powerful nutrients.
The Second Step: Add Chia Seeds
The idea of adding chia seeds to water has been trending on TikTok. While that doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea, nutrition experts claim that this combination could be a powerful tool for losing weight.
Although small, chia seeds are nutrition bombs that improve your health in numerous ways. They were a dietary staple for the Aztecs and Mayans, who noticed their benefits early on. Even though chia seeds were consumed hundreds of years ago, they weren’t recognized as a superfood until very recently.
These powerful seeds are loaded with antioxidants that help eliminate toxins from our bodies, speeding up the weight loss process.
Additionally, chia seeds are rich in fiber. This gives them the unique ability to absorb about 10-12 times their weight in water, becoming the consistency of gel. Because of this, you’ll feel full for a longer time and thus consume fewer calories. An added benefit of the fiber in chia seeds is that it helps grow the beneficial bacteria in your stomach. Having a healthy gut contributes to losing weight, too.
The high protein content is another reason chia seeds are good for weight loss. They’re about 14% protein by weight, which is high compared to other plants. High protein levels reduce appetite and control food cravings. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, chia seeds are the excellent source of protein you may be missing.
Chia seeds also help control blood sugar levels. They can improve insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar after every meal. Since they help with blood sugar spikes, chia seeds are excellent for both healthy weight loss and reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Another bonus of chia seeds is that they are incredibly easy to incorporate into your diet. They don’t have to be ground up like flax seeds and they have a bland taste, so you won’t even notice them in combination with other ingredients. When added to water, the flavor is detectable but it’s so mild that you’ll get used to it after just a few days.
Mixing chia seeds with water creates a gel-like texture and can be a great base for making healthy puddings or other tasty treats.
The Recipe
If you want to try out this water + chia seed weight loss combo, here’s the recipe we recommend:
- Pour water into a 10-ounce glass.
- Add two tablespoons of chia seeds.
- Wait 5-10 minutes until the seeds become soft and the texture thicker.
- Drink it!
Tip: Squeeze lemons or limes into the water to get a stronger, more refreshing flavor. You can also add fruits, nuts, or oatmeal and create your new signature dish.
This Healthy Combo Isn’t a Weight Loss Diet
Although mixing water and chia seeds can help you lose weight, it doesn’t replace a healthy diet and regular exercise. Instead, think of chia seed water as an excellent companion on your weight loss journey. Try to eat a balanced diet, stay active, and the results will follow.
