Anti- Inflammatory Pumpkin Pie Chia Seed Pudding

I’ll be honest....

Chia seed pudding wasn’t always my thing. I used to think it was way too much effort for something that just didn’t taste good enough. If it’s supposed to be healthy, it should at least taste good, right? But I’ve found a way to make it that only takes 15 minutes, and it’s genuinely worth it. This anti-inflammatory chia seed pudding is simple, and with the right ingredients, it actually tastes great. Plus, it’s packed with gut-friendly benefits like prebiotics, probiotics, and a good dose of protein—everything you need to start your day off right.

The Connection Between an Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Gut Health

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a way to support overall health, especially gut health. Research shows that inflammation in the gut can lead to issues like digestive discomfort, bloating, and even more serious health conditions down the line. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, you can help reduce inflammation, balance gut bacteria, and support digestion. Ingredients like chia seeds (which are rich in omega-3s), and spices like ginger and cinnamon (known for their anti-inflammatory properties), are excellent choices for this.

Studies suggest that diets high in anti-inflammatory compounds are linked to improved gut health and overall well-being, which is why I made this recipe with those benefits in mind.

The Recipe: Anti-Inflammatory Chia Seed Pudding

Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• ½ cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk you prefer)
• ⅓ cup kefir (for a probiotic boost)
• 1 tsp homemade pumpkin pie spice (a mix of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon)
• 1 heaping spoonful of pumpkin puree
• ⅓ cup Eat Purposefully granola
• ½ apple, chopped (adjust for a FODMAP-friendly version)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl or jar, mix together the chia seeds, almond milk, kefir, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
2. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent clumping. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and thicken up.
3. Top with chopped apple and granola. If you’re following a FODMAP diet, adjust the apple amount as needed.
4. Enjoy right away—no overnight wait required.

Why It Works

This recipe isn’t just quick; it’s packed with functional ingredients that support gut health. The chia seeds provide omega-3s and fiber, the kefir brings probiotics, and the spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg have anti-inflammatory properties. The pumpkin puree adds a dose of fiber and flavor without the sugar spike.

Topping it off with granola adds texture and an extra layer of prebiotic benefits. I like using Eat Purposefully granola because it’s made with fermented ingredients, which means more gut benefits and better digestion.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been avoiding chia seed pudding because you thought it was too much effort (or tasted bland), this version is worth a try. It’s quick, actually tastes good, and does more for your body than most breakfasts out there!