I’m seeing a lot of “Chia seed for weight loss” posts and even so called remedies to lose 40 pounds in a month using chia seeds with lemon and honey. This is actually a drink called “Chia Fresca”, a drink made with the same ingredients that has been used in Mexico for generations. It simply gives some flavor to an otherwise bland healthy beverage. You could lose weight if that was all you ate for that month however 40 pounds, no I’m sorry.
My former Sales Manager used nothing but chia seeds in water for an 8 day fast he did annually and lost 8 kilos/17lbs. He stated he wasn’t hungry and had plenty of energy compared with what he had seen in previous years using only water. This was what he had been doing for several years as a religious practice.
While chia contains all the nutrients humans require to live it would not be advisable to do so unless that’s all you have. I’ve always said if the do-do hits the fan I want to be sitting on a bunch of chia seeds, because I would survive as long as I had water that is, got to have the water of course especially when it comes to chia seeds, they absorb fluid, and if consumed dry and you don’t drink enough water, the seeds will absorb your body fluids. Drinking it already soaked and gelled and it will keep you hydrated.
If you have struggled with weight loss you’re always on the lookout for anything that might help. I for one am no different and use chia seeds soaked in 600ml/21oz bottle of water. This will assist with your cravings however it’s the nutrients in the chia that help stave off those cravings later and it gives us a fuller feeling now, I use 1 tablespoon/10 to 12 grams of chia in the above amount of water.
So no matter what diet you’re on or thinking about a “stand alone chia seed diet” is not the answer, use it as an aid to help you fill the nutritional gap, give you a fuller feeling and give you energy to exercise. I haven’t seen one study to suggest otherwise, I have chia studies dating back to 1923.
The increasing popularity of “Chia seed for weight loss” posts and various remedies claiming to facilitate a 40-pound weight loss in a month through the consumption of chia seeds with lemon and honey warrants a critical examination. One such beverage, known as “Chia Fresca,” has been traditionally consumed in Mexico for generations, primarily to enhance the flavor of otherwise bland healthy drinks. While it is theoretically possible to lose weight by consuming only this beverage for an entire month, a loss of 40 pounds is unrealistic.
A notable example is a former Sales Manager who undertook an annual 8-day fast, consuming only chia seeds mixed with water, resulting in a weight loss of 8 kilos (17 lbs). He reported feeling satiated and energetic, a contrast to his experiences in previous years when he relied solely on water. This practice was part of his religious observance.
Although chia seeds are rich in essential nutrients, relying exclusively on them for sustenance is not advisable unless absolutely necessary. In a survival scenario, having a supply of chia seeds could be beneficial, provided there is adequate water intake, as chia seeds absorb significant amounts of fluid. Consuming them pre-soaked and gelled is crucial for maintaining hydration.
For individuals struggling with weight loss, chia seeds can be a valuable addition to their diet. Personally, I utilize chia seeds soaked in a 600ml (21oz) bottle of water, which helps manage cravings. The nutrients in chia seeds contribute to a sense of fullness, and I typically use 1 tablespoon (10 to 12 grams) of chia in this quantity of water.
It is important to note that while chia seeds can support dietary efforts, they should not be viewed as a standalone solution for weight loss. Instead, they should be incorporated as a supplementary aid to fill nutritional gaps, promote satiety, and provide energy for physical activity. To date, I have not encountered any studies that contradict this perspective, and I possess research on chia dating back to 1923.
