Chia Seeds For Survival Snacks

If the thought of chia seeds makes you think of those silly little figures in clay pots called Chia Pets, you are not alone. They were advertised on late night TV with the Chia...Chia...Chia... theme. You can actually still find them for sale sometimes.

Yes, You Can Eat Chia Seeds And Sprouts 

But chia seeds are actually serious stuff. They were treasured by native American civilizations, like the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas, for several unique properties. They could stave off dehydration, provide a filling and healthy snack, and even be used medicinally. In fact, fierce warriors would carry chia seeds with them as they went on campaigns because they were good for endurance and sustenance. These seeds contain just about the perfect balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates for both quick and sustained energy.

For many years, the production of chia seeds declined because the Spanish thought they were only treasured because of the Mayan's religious practices. This reduced the supply of this vital and versatile food. Eventually their use did spread north of the border in the American Southwest. Now they are back in vogue with athletes and healthy eaters though.

You can find them in both commercially prepared and home made chia seed hydration and energy drinks. They were popularized in a documentary about famous Mexican runners. That movie was called Born to Run, and you should catch it on Netflix some time.

These seeds can also be eaten raw, used in recipes, and they make a great setting agent for pudding and jams. In fact, the use of chia seeds for preppers emergency food is starting to catch on.It is hard to find a lot of other food that is that easy to store and packs as as much essential fatty acid, antioxidants, protein, vitamins, and minerals into a little case.

• One advantage is that they can be eaten raw. 
• They can also be mixed with liquid to form a drink or gel that is a great hydration drink. 
• And again, they can be used to set or thicken other types of food.

Healthier and Possibly Cheaper Recipe Substitutions

Healthier Recipe Substitutions

I was preparing a little lens on cheap grocery shopping and decided to touch on recipe substitutions that might help some folks save a little money. This started me thinking about recipe switches that might do the following:

1. Be healthier
2. Save money
3. Be on hand if the original was not - i.e. be handy
4. Taste just as good

My main goal was to be healthier, but if the alternative was also healthier that would be good too.  I put taste as no. 4, but it should actually be fighting with number 1.

Substitute Tomato Soup for Oil in Cake

Anyway, this one actually goes back to rationing days during World War II. It calls for using tomato soup in cake instead of oil. It cuts out a lot of the fat, and is an inexpensive substitution. You can see an example recipe here: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-tomato-soup-spice-cake/

Unsweetened Applesauce for Sugar, Oil, or Butter 

This is another surprise that really works.  1 cup of unsweetened applesauce is naturally sweet, and it only has about 70 calories - or about 1/10 as much as a cup of sugar. If you use it to replace sugar, try it in something like oatmeal cookies. You can use it as a replacement for oil in sweet breads and cakes.

Stevia for Sugar 

This is a natural sweetener that is very low in calories and also provides fiber. Stevia is sweeter than sugar so watch the amounts. Also, at first glance it may seem more expensive, but again - you should not have to use as much.

Turnip or Cauliflower Mash for Mashed Potatoes 

Honestly, after I cook and season turnips they seem pretty much like potatoes to me. If you have some really sensitive eaters at your family table, try half and half. You can also grate cauliflower to replace rice. You'll do better on the calorie count either way.

Turnips made my list of easy vegetables to grow yourself.