In his book Born To Run, author Christopher McDougall visits an ancient tribe in Mexico who are famed for their ability to run up to 320km in one session (no, that’s not a typo). Their secret, according to McDougall, lied in their chia seed-heavy diet.
Chia seeds are packed with slow-burn energy – not only because they’re overflowing with protein, fibre and fats, but also because of their absorbency. When soaked – like in this recipe – the seeds’ gel-like consistency means that they line the stomach for a slow-release of energy that will fuel even the toughest sessions. Plus, the calcium and magnesium content is crucial for recovering after a tough workout. Even if you’re not running hundreds (and hundreds) of kilometres, everyone’s exercise routine could benefit from these tiny powerhouses.