I have never found Chia at a CVS, good job. I use a coffee grinder and regrind the seeds, makes them easier and faster to soften, you could pound them with a mallet just as well. Most people don't do that. Personally I just add 1/8 inch or so to the bottom of my nalgene bottle, add water and wait 30-60 minutes to soften up. A lot people add a little lemon juice or OJ, something to cut the nutty taste. Most people i know add all sorts of weird concoctions to make it palatable, coconut water, aloe, fresh veggies from the garden, almond butter. But honestly I use it when I am NOT in my kitchen, I use them when i am out training in the heat and fighting off dehydration. so I usually only have water or sometimes I bring single packets of Crystal light to add.
some people mix thick to the consistency of tapioca and others the consistency of like little jelly balls.
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