Today we look at the health benefits of avocados and then we will reveal 11 different ideas for using them in your cooking.
Some you may not have thought of before!
5 health benefits of avocados:
- Get rid of belly fat. As avocado contains the good fats (mono-unsaturated) it gets your body into fat burning mode – which is good news for your tummy.
- Boost milk supply. There are certain foods that you can eat to boost your milk supply. Avocado is one of them, as it contains folate, potassium, vitamin E and magnesium. Perfect for a breastfeeding mum, avocado on a cracker is a great snack to keep your energy levels up.
- It warms you up. Eating the type of fat found in avocado has been shown to increase the production of heat in the body, as well as charging up the body to burn fat.
- It’s full of healthy fats. Good fats are vital for good health. They help to keep your blood sugar stable, which reduces cravings and the desire to over-eat. They also improve your skin tone from the inside (plus see below for an avo face mask to improve it from the outside)
- Avocado keeps you full. The fat in avocadoes releases a hormone in your intestine which tells your brain that you are full. Good news if you are trying to lose weight as means you are less likely to over eat.
There are so many ways to use avocado. How many of these have you tried?
Dip it
If you love guacamole you simply have to try our Chunky Guacamole recipe. It is a mile ahead of anything you can buy in the supermarket.
In fact, have a look at the ingredients list next time you’re in the supermarket – there’s one well-known brand of guacamole that contains just 8% avocado!
You can also try this Easy Avocado, Spinach and Fetta Spread which is tasty on a rice cracker or as a dip.
Feed your face
If you have dry skin, avocado is a great way to rehydrate. Mash one large, ripe avocado with 2 tsp. olive oil and apply to clean, dry skin. Leave the mask to dry on your face before rinsing off with warm water.
In a smoothie
Now before you go clicking off somewhere else, believe me when I say this – they taste great in a smoothie!
Avocado adds a real creaminess to a smoothie and the flavour is not overpowering.
Try one of these smoothie recipes and see for yourself:
- Chocolate Pudding Smoothie
- Green Smoothie
- Hazelnut Whirl Smoothie
- Avocado and Beetroot Smoothie
For dessert
Yes, you can use avo to make some deliciously healthy and creamy desserts. It’s silkiness is perfect in a rich chocolate pudding like this Avocado, Coconut, Date and Chocolate Pudding or you could try making Cacao Mousse.
In a blender, mix together 2 medium sized ripe avocados (peeled and chopped up),
1/2 cup raw cacao powder, 90mls agave nectar and 1/2 tspn vanilla bean paste until smooth and creamy. Spoon into dishes and refrigerate until firm.
As a snack
Spreading avocado onto wholegrain crackers is a filling and nutritious snack.
You can also try our Stuffed Avocado Halves which are a delicious entrée as well.
For breakfast
Pop some avo on the side of some scrambled eggs
Spread it on toast. Avocado was recommended as an ‘everyday choice’ in our article about the best toppings for toast. At just 82 calories for a ¼ of an avocado, you can start your day on a positive note.
In a salad
Avocado in a salad adds the good fats that we need as well as a burst of fresh flavours that we love. There are so many great salads on our site containing avocado, but these are some of our top picks:
- Healthy Mexi-Bean and Beef Salad
- Spinach, Mango, Avocado and Walnut Salad
- Four Bean and Avocado Salad
For bubs
Avocado is a great baby food. Babies love it on its own, or mixed together with their favourite vegetables (sweet potato and avo was a favourite for my toddler).
Lots of little ones also love avocado on toast with a smearing of Vegemite.
To cool off Mexican Food
If you like things hot and spicy, Mexican food will most likely be on the menu.
Avocado is a great way to cool things down a little and offers a contrasting texture.
We love healthy Mexican meals at Lose Baby Weight. Here are a couple for you to try out – don’t forget the avo!
As a pasta sauce
Creamy avocado is a great option for your pasta topping – no cream required!
Try our Chicken, Coriander, Avocado and Lime Pasta (also a big hit with the kids – it might be because it’s GREEN!).
In a salad dressing
For a creamy dressing without the mayo, mash 1/2 an avocado with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk it together until it becomes runny.
GET YOUR 10% DISCOUNT
If you are ready to lose weight then the Lose Baby Weight plans offer a healthy and safe exercise and diet routine and you can get a 10% discount by using code LOYALTY at the checkout
PLUS our BEST SELLING 28 Day Diet & Exercise Plan has now launched as an 84pg Printed Book and you can get your copy here
Click HERE to see our shop
