Hot Cocoa Chia Pudding

This December, I wanted to do something fun for you this holiday season that not only keeps you eating good, but feeling good too.

So, I created a Fiber Advent Calendar that you can download and follow for the next 25 days…

My goal with this is to have you try to incorporate a different source of fiber each day. From fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains — this is your ultimate way to learn that eating different sources of fiber each day is possible AND easy.

Each day of the month I’ll also be posting a recipe on my social media using the fiber source of the day. This way you can see how your favorite gut health RD would actually use these ingredients in real life — simple, flavorful, and totally doable even during the busiest time of year.

My hope is that by the end of these 25 days, you’ll not only hit your fiber goals without overthinking it, but you’ll also feel more confident, creative, and inspired in the kitchen.

Whether you’re trying to support digestion, balance blood sugar, stay fuller longer, or just feel GOOD in your body through the holidays, this Fiber Advent Calendar is going to be your daily dose of nourishment, but in a festive way. Did I mention that most of the fiber sources I chose are seasonal to the month of December?

*A reminder: When you eat foods that are naturally in season, they are not only going to be fresher and tastier, but more nutritious than if they weren’t in season. We want to eat foods that aren’t traveling too long to get to us, that’s how they lose their taste and freshness. Studies show that produce picked at their peak of ripeness are going to contain more nutrients when allowed to ripen on their parent plant.

So grab your download, follow along on socials, Instagram and TikTok -- and let’s make this December the month you prioritize your gut — one delicious, fiber-filled day at a time.

Recipe #19: Hot Cocoa Chia Pudding

Tell me that this is the not the perfect chia seed pudding for this holiday season? I wanted to combine the wholesomeness of hot cocoa with the nutrient packed goodness of chia seeds into one recipe. So, I came up with this Hot Cocoa Chia Pudding. It's not just so quick and easy to make the night before a school or work day, but it's packed with nutrients your body needs from one recipe -- protein from your chocolate protein powder of choice, extra protein (and probiotics) from the Greek yogurt, fiber from the chia seeds and banana, and prebiotics from the honey. It's a gut-friendly recipe you're going to start craving this holiday season.

Portion: 1 pudding cup

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: Overnight

This recipe is gluten free and vegetarian.

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Ingredients

Base:

1 cup milk (whole milk, soy, almond, whatever you prefer)

1 tbsp cacao powder

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp maple syrup

Pinch of cinnamon

3 tbsp chia seeds

Toppings:

½ cup Greek yogurt

½ banana, sliced

Drizzle of honey

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Instructions

1. Warm the milk: Heat milk on in a small pot, but do not allow it to boil.

2. Whisk in flavors: Add cacao, protein powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Whisk on medium low heat until completely smooth and lump-free.

3. Add chia seeds: Stir in chia seeds. Mix well so they don’t clump.

4. Refrigerate: Transfer to a jar or bowl. Give it a stir after 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours or overnight. You can also eat it slightly warm right away—like a thick hot chocolate.

5. Add toppings: layer on chia pudding and yogurt back and forth to make it look brown and white layers. Top with banana slices and honey. Enjoy!

I hope you love this recipe as much as I did, so if you do, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I always read through my suggestions and comments, so please let me know your thoughts. If you have any questions you can feel free to DM me here or through Instagram. Speaking of Instagram - please tag me in all of your creations! I love seeing how the recipes come out and seeing how talented you all are. Sending my love.

xoxo,

Jasmin D the RD