Chia Seed Pudding
Suffering is universal: This is one of the truths of existence according to Buddha’s teachings.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna taught Arjuna “Shokasya karanam Moha,” which means: ignorance is the cause for suffering.
Through mindful awareness we can work towards eliminating ignorance. Emotions follow thoughts just as ducklings follow their mother. Similarly, the quality of our thoughts determines the quality of our life. It is when those thoughts turn into blind spots that we are prevented from seeing reality. Just like how cars have blind spots which we cannot see without a mirror, our cognitive distortions prevent us from seeing through our mirrors. As a result, we are left with negative thoughts that contribute to a negative quality of life.
All or nothing. Black and white. These words encompass a very common distortion known as dichotomous thinking. It is most commonly seen with achievers and perfectionists. If anything falls short of perfect, it is considered to be a failure. I have a young patient with a demanding job, and whenever he feels over-whelmed, he gets chest pain. He immediately thinks it is a heart attack and goes to the emergency room. While discussing his lifestyle, we uncovered that he drinks several servings of coffee and mountain dew a day and smokes to keep up with the energy needs of his job.
His father had a heart attack at young age, so he assumes that every episode of chest pain must be caused by a heart attack instead of his lifestyle choices. There is no convincing him otherwise until his entire medical work-up is normal and he is reassured by a cardiologist. Recently, he came back to see me and wants to stop smoking, drink less coffee and mountain dew, drink more water, and start exercising. While these were all appropriate goals, he was setting himself for failure by trying to do it all at once. I had to help him understand this concept of “all or nothing” thinking. Finally, with supportive psychotherapy and understanding pacing, he gave up smoking and started working on lifestyle over a period of time and has been successful in achieving each individual goal as he tackles them.
To support my own healthy lifestyle, I came across this recipe in a magazine that I was reading. It is a very simple, healthy dessert with natural and whole ingredients. With a few alterations, I was able to make it my own. Even though desserts are sometimes considered to be unhealthy, we do not have to give them up altogether. My husband approved, and I hope you will too! Happy Easter!
Chia Seed Pudding
Total Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Cook Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups milk
1 cup plain yogurt
3 table spoons agave nectar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chia seeds
Pinch of salt
Fruits and nuts for topping
1/2 cup mango pulp
Salt **
** Flavor is an expression of your personality.
Directions:
In medium bowl whisk together milk, yoghurt, mango pulp, honey, vanilla and salt.
Whisk in chia seeds.
Divide into dessert serving dishes.
Top with fruits, nuts, or other desired toppings.
Place in fridge covered to set, until ready to serve. Serve cold.
As an alternative, you can serve this plain without mango pulp or replace it with cocoa powder for a chocolate pudding.
Doctor Mom:
Chia seeds are a source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein and fiber.