I’ve never been a huge fan of cold chia puddings, but this Warm Vanilla Chia Pudding with Walnuts and Figs has become one of my go-to breakfast as the temperatures drop (well, rise and fall) here in Massachusetts.

I limit fruit intake to around 1/2 a cup a day to ensure stable blood sugar levels, prevent fat storage and ensure a healthy insulin response, which means that I choose fruits with as much nutrient density or ‘bang for my buck’ as possible. Choosing locally grown fruits is also a great way of getting in touch with the ayurvedic principle of eating seasonally which can aid digestion, boost the immune system, and ensure we are getting the micronutrients our bodies need to cope with the changing seasons.

Not only are they ridiculously delicious, figs are high in amino acids, fiber, and a lot of essential minerals that our modern day diets lack, including stress relieving magnesium, manganese, bone health boosting calcium, copper, and potassium as well as Vitamin K (essential for Vitamin D and calcium absorption and Vitamin B (essential for efficient energy production).

Vanilla collagen powder provides cellular healing for the skin and gut, chia seeds provide beauty boosting and inflammation lower omega 3 fats and fiber to keep hunger at bay, and my favourite health boosting spice, cinnamon.

Clinical studies have proven cinnamon to significantly improve insulin sensitivity, helping shuttle carbohydrates into the muscle cell instead of storing them as fat. It is so powerful it is even being looked into as replacement for medication in Type 2 Diabetics!

I love this breakfast dish warm, but you can make a big batch to keep in the refrigerator for busy mornings – either eat cold or reheat in a pan with a little extra almond milk….

Warm Fig and Vanilla Chia Pudding

makes 1 serving ⠀

• 20g vanilla collagen powder

• 1/2 zucchini, finely grated⠀

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh figs

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds⠀

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

• 1 tablespoon coconut cream

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence⠀

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (to top)

Place the all the ingredients except the collagen and walnuts in a pan, and heat through gently until its starts to thicken. Remove from the heat, leave to cool for a few minutes and then stir through the collagen powder. Top with the chopped walnuts and enjoy!