Written by Kelly, Contributing Writer
Summertime affords so many delicious fresh fruits and veggies! Avocados are absolutely one of my favorites! Sliced, diced, creamed, pureed…avocados are so versatile and contain monosaturated fatty acids. The right kind of fats! One medium avocado has over 12 grams of fiber and more potassium than a banana. They are packed with vitamins and have numerous health benefits and fat burning power! When choosing an avocado, look for more tear dropped shaped than round. Look for dark green skin and slightly soft but not mushy avocados.
Here are five simple, healthy swaps to add more avocado goodness to your daily menu!
1. Instead of mayonaise or butter, add sliced or mashed avocado to your sandwich.
2. Instead of Ranch dressing, make your own Cilantro Lime Avocado dressing.
Cilantro Lime Dressing
1 avocado diced
1/2 lime
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro leaves
3 oz. plain greek yogurt
Combine avocado, cilantro leaves and yogurt in blender, squeeze lime juice over ingredients. Blend well. If mixture is too thick, thin with a little olive oil. Add a bit of fresh garlic or onion if desired.
3. Instead of cheese, mix a little salsa with avocado as a cracker topping.
4. Instead of fattening veggie dips (the bad fats!) try avocado mixed with a bit of chopped red onion, fresh garlic and a dash of chili pepper.
5. Instead of vegetable oil when baking, replace the measurement needed with a half avocado, half olive oil or coconut oil mixture.
What are some of your favorite ways to eat an avocado?
About Kelly
I never thought of replacing oil with avocados when baking. I have to try that!
I love avocados in smoothies. My favourite one is a chocolate smoothie:
1/2 avocado,
1 1/2-2 Tbsp cocoa powder,
1 cold banana,
1/4 cup yogurt,
and about 2 Tbsp of milk (or more).
This is a really thick smoothie almost like a pudding. If someone doesn’t want it that thick, just add more milk. Enjoy!
Sounds delicious! I keep meaning to try an avocado smoothie, will add it to my list! Thanks! ~Kelly
Have you tried the chocolate pudding with avocado recipe? I saw it on pinterest… SO good. It is coco powder, honey, and avocado 🙂
Really? Pudding? Oooh! I’ll have to look that one up, thanks! I tell you what…avocados are just so versatile! ~Kelly
I have my eye on the cilantro lime dressing – that look amazing. Thanks for the recipe.
God Bless,
Matt Sullivan
In the morning, or for a sweet craving, I mash up 1/2 an avocado and add about a teaspoon of sugar. I toast some bread. I spread the avocado mash onto my toast! Delish. Top with a little cinnamon, it’s good for you. 🙂
yum LOVE avocados! Thanks for the great ideas!!
Eighty percent of the immune is located in the digestive system. That puts a lot of responsibility on what we eat, how we eat, and the circumstances around digestion. Thanks for making this responsibility more easier for me .. Great tips..
Avocado Bruchetto -sp? – frenchbread toasted with evvo , then add avocado, tomatoes, basil leaves, shredded parm cheese, toasted. SO GOOD! Had it last night with some wine for an easy, light supper. YUM!