Summer food. Ahh, makes you happy just thinking about it. It’s fresh, it’s light, it’s fruity, all the good things of the season are somehow captured in your taste buds. It’s a cookout, a sweet summer salad, your fresh picked strawberries. Recently I have discovered a new incredibly delicious addition to my summer food palate, it is not only delicious and can be used for so many things, but also good for you. Yes, something like this does exist and it is called the avocado.
Avocados are fantastic, not only because of their existence in the party favorite guacamole, but because of their versatility in all dishes. But, let’s start with why you should eat them.
First off, avocados have monosaturated fat a.k.a. the good fat. Monosaturated fat helps decrease your levels of bad cholesterol while increasing your levels of good cholesterol, this in turn lowers your overall risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Secondly, avocados are loaded with fiber. As we all know fiber helps clear out the digestive tract which leads to a healthy colon and reduces the risk of colon cancer. Third, avocados are loaded with vitamins such as vitamin B which helps your body’s metabolism and vitamin K which helps your bones grow properly. And there’s more! Avocados are loaded with potassium, according to “Ten Delicious Health Benefits of Eating Avocado” on Naturalnews.com, avocados have 30% more potassium than bananas so it can help prevent those running cramps. For even more information on the ways that avocados are good for you (because trust me it does not end with this list) check out this link.
So since you have now bought a whole bag of avocados at the grocery store because you are so inspired to fill your body with its endless benefits, I have provided some new ways that you can use your newly purchasedavocados and reap the benefits of this magical tasty fruit.
Ways to Use Avocado (other than guacamole)
1. Egg Sandwich
One morning, I spread avocado on ciabbatta bread, then added scrambled egg, bacon, tomato, and spinach. It was incredible. Eggs and avocado are a great combo to kick off your summer morning with a good breakfast.
2. Summer Salad
Liven up your lunchtime salad with some little pieces of avocado. It adds great extra flavor and see above for all the health benefits. Or, if you’re bored with your green salad make a salad of watermelon and avocado with a sweet dressing on top, you won’t regret it.
3. Crackers and Dip
Mash up your avocado and dip your favorite cracker or pretzel into it. It’s a subtle flavor, but once again it’s so fresh and won’t add any additional saltiness to your already salty snack
4. Mayo Alternative
It’s not mustard, it’s not mayo, it’s avocado. Seriously, spread it around on your bread like you would any condiment. Who would have ever thought you would be adding a fruit to your sandwich, but avocado on any sandwich makes it taste so much better. Throw in a little mozzarella cheese too and life will be extra tasty.
5. Veggie Dip
Who doesn’t want more fruits and veggies? You can get the best of both worlds by using your avocado to dip your veggies in. Get out the carrots and the celery, but leave the ranch behind and mash up your avocado for a new healthy snack.
6. Pasta Salad
You’re having a cookout with your friends and don’t know what to bring? Put together some pasta, avocado, a few cherry tomatoes, and your favorite dressing and no one will ever know you came up with it in ten minutes.
I know not everyone enjoys avocados as much as I do, but try them out this summer if you haven’t already. This fruit is a great addition to many meals, it tastes good, you’ll feel good, and your body will be happy too. Enjoy!
“Don’t forget to love yourself” -Soren Kierkegaard
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