Blueberry Lemon Chia Jam

Daylight savings…need I say more?

It’s always fascinating how just a shift by one hour can throw our entire systems off. I heard on the radio that today is National Nap Day. Apparently this “holiday” is celebrated the Monday after Daylight Savings each year. Raise your hand if you actually got the opportunity to nap today. Yea, that’s what I thought. Highly unlikely for many of us who are above the age of about 3 or 4. 

If you are anything like me, you have a really hard time with things like naps. Listen to your body when it is telling you to slow down? Never! Sit down on the couch when there’s a mile long To Do list? Don’t be silly, that’s just pure laziness! 

Myths, all myths. And yet we can often find ourselves listening to such lies we tell ourselves and believing them.

As adults, we are hardwired to go-go-go and that if our calendars aren’t fully loaded or if there is actually a slot where nothing is scheduled then we best get to finding something productive to do or else. But what if I told you that things like naps or taking time to relax actually are productive. 

I liken to this to those who are training for some sort of athletic event such as a marathon or a major race. These athletes push themselves to the limits. They train and they train hard. The best of these athletes, however, know and practice something that others may not. These athletes are wise to the fact that the rest is just as important as the work. They take the time to allow their bodies to restore, they allow their bodies time to just relax. 

This sort of concept doesn’t come easily for many of us. When we live in an always-on-the-go kind of world, taking time to do absolutely nothing makes zero sense. But our bodies, our minds, our entire being ache for this time. And our bodies send us plenty of signals. But what do we do? We chug another coffee, grab an energy drink, slap our cheeks a bit and push on. 

Now many of us are in situations in which napping is just out of the question and that’s okay. But what would happen if we allowed ourselves just 5, maybe even 10 minutes a day, maybe midday, to get quiet, to relax in some way? Maybe you are able to close your eyes for 5 minutes in your office. Perhaps while the baby naps, even though there are tons of chores to do and you probably haven’t showered in days, you can sit outside and rest quietly for 10 minutes. (And if you are afraid 10 minutes will turn into two hours then you can set a timer.) Just get away, take a break, just a few moments. And then see if you can make it a practice. It can be your very own form of meditation, your home away from home. Maybe, just maybe, your energy level, your productivity will get a boost without the cup of joe. 

As adults, we certainly can’t celebrate National Nap Day everyday, but if we can cut ourselves some slack and carve out a few minutes of quiet time each day, we may be all the better for it in the end!

If there is one thing we know for certain it’s that time is precious and the little time we do have is valuable. If we barely have time to sit down for a few minutes then making good, healthy food needs to be quick and to the point. So today I bring to you this Blueberry Lemon Chia Jam. If you need quick and easy, then this is for you.

Jams and preserves out there still seem to have lots of added sugar, corn syrup and other ingredients that take the nutrition out of a condiment that really could be so good for you. I made a Strawberry Chia Jam quite some time ago and it became a very quick favorite for many of my readers. Then I made Blueberry Crumble Chia Bars and kept thinking about blueberry jam. And thus came this recipe! I have added this to my oats (standby for a great Overnight Oats recipe, hint, hint!), toast, yogurt and more. It doesn’t get old! The combination of blueberries and lemon is really refreshing and the nutrition packed into the Chia seeds is undeniable. So feel good about the jam you spread on your kid’s PB&J with this one! Enjoy!

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Blueberry Lemon Chia Jam

Prep Time10 mins

Ingredients

• 2 c blueberries if using frozen, thaw first
• 3 T chia seeds
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 T pure maple syrup

Instructions

• In a food processor, pulse blueberries to puree. I like my jam with chunks of fruit so don't over process if your prefer it that way.
• Transfer to a small mixing bowl and add in lemon juice, maple, and zest and stir to combine.
• Add in chia seeds and stir to cover and coat all of the seeds.
• Cover and chill for at least 1 hour to set but I suggest about 2-3 hours for best results.
• Enjoy on your favorite toast, a good old PB&J, in thumbprint cookies, in your oats and so much more!
• Use within one week.