Have you ever wondered about the succulent shape of the avocado? Early Mexicans believed that its pear like shape symbolized a, uhm, certain male body part while others insisted it resembled an ovary.
Appropriate to the apparent symbolism, the avocado is one of the most nourishing foods that we can put into and on our bodies.
Avocados are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin E, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin K and folic acid. While most consider an avocado part of the vegetable family, the avocado is actually a fruit!
Due to their high fat content, many avoid avocados thinking it will make them fat. If you have not read my article Fat Will Not Make You Fat, I encourage you to read it. The title speaks for itself but, in short, healthy fats will not make us fat! Avocados, in particular, contain monounsaturated fat that lowers our LDLs. To be heart healthy, we need to lower our LDLs and raise our HDLs.
Below are a few of my favorite recipes. I put avocado on my salad virtually every day so since that is pretty straightforward, I will only feature my yummy kale recipe. And, as many of you know, I ADORE chocolate (make sure you check out my article on the Healthy Benefits of Chocolate so you can eat it guilt-free this Valentine’s day!) To tide you over, however, here is one of my favorite recipes combining chocolate and avocados!
Kale Avocado Salad
4-6 leaves of locinato kale
1 avocado
Tahini
Olive oil
Lemon
Sea salt
Sesame seeds
Optional: handful of walnuts
Slice the Lacinato kale and place into a bowl. Slice half of your avocado on top and liberally douse with olive oil, lemon and a little sea salt. With your hands mix and knead the ingredients to break up the fibers of the kale. Drizzle some tahini on top, sprinkle some sesame seeds and then toss. Slice remaining ½ avocado and place on top. This is one of my favorite salads and is packed with iron, vitamin c, calcium, and protein!
Chocolate Avocado Pudding Meat from 2 thai coconuts or 2-3 cups shredded coconut (soak to soften) 1 cup raw cashews (preferably pre-soaked) 1 avocado 2-3 tbsp raw chocolate (or cacao) powder Agave nectar (approximately 3 tbsp) Coconut water (or filtered water)
If you are using the shredded coconut, then you want to pre-soak it to soften it otherwise use the meat from two thai coconuts. Place the coconut, cashews, avocado, cacoa and agave nectar in the food processor and blend. Slowly add the coconut water (or filtered water) to desired consistency. Place in refrigerator to cool and thicken. This pudding is truly addictive and is a great snack to have to get that afternoon boost!
Veggie BLT and A Sandwich
1 tomato (I suggest heirloom or beefsteak)
1 lettuce slice
1 avocado
2 slices “Fakin Bacon” (purchase at Whole Foods in dairy section)
2 7-grain slices
Tofu or canola mayonnaises (Whole Foods)
Heat fakin bacon in skillet and add to bread along with sliced tomatoes, avocado and lettuce. Slather bread with mayonnaise and enjoy!
There is nothing more important that we can
do for our children than give them the gift of
appreciating food and understanding that food fuels our bodies and minds. Not only does what they eat affect their ability to perform in school, play sports and be able to function in social situations, but what they put in their bodies today has a direct effect on their health as an adult!
If you are training for your next marathon, or even just trying to enhance your running speed or stamina, add more dark, leafy greens to your diet!
Yes, I said “greens,” not “protein” as you might have expected! Protein is certainly an important part of a runner’s diet with respect to building, repairing and maintaining muscle. But, so often, when I look at a client’s diet log, I see that they are loading up way too much on carbohydrates and protein, but leafy green vegetables are sorely overlooked!
We’ve got to admit, we here at GirlieGirl Army eat more cooked foods than we’d like. Why? Because the one time we went raw, we’d never been thinner, felt better, or had more of a fabulous bounty of energy. And we can now thank Katharine Pennington for giving us a kick in the tuchus to get back on board with our sprouts;
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