If you thought eating seeds was for the birds, think again.  Good things come in  small packages and these little nuggets of nutrition can do a lot of good for your body.  Experiment with the following varieties to add some nutritional bang to your calorie buck:

Chia Seeds:  You may be familiar with the name, and yes it is the same seed used to grow “hair” on the Chia Pet,  but did you know the roots of the chia seed go back to Aztec and Mayan civilization?  The word chia means “strength” and eating these little seeds will surely make you feel stronger since they are packed with protein, antioxidants, fiber, and omega 3’s.  You can learn more about chia seeds here.

Flax Seeds: Another superstar in the seed category, flax seeds are full of omega 3’s and lignans, are great for digestion, keep cells healthy, and lower cholesterol.  You can read more about flax seeds here.

Caraway Seeds: At times eating a healthy diet full of raw vegetables and fruit can be a little harsh on the digestive system.  Caraway seeds are not only rich in vitamins and minerals, they also act as a powerful digestive aid.  Eating a handful after meals can help fight digestive discomfort and bloating.  Warning: caraway seeds have a strong flavor when eaten alone and can taste slightly bitter, you may want to chase them with something sweet.  You can read more about caraway seeds here.

Use them for topping your yogurt, bake them into muffins, or enjoy them on their own.  Experiment with seeds and see what a difference it makes in your diet…if you find they aren’t for you, throw them in the bird feeder!