If you love avocados, you’re in luck! With every serving of this super-fruit (yes, it’s technically a fruit), you get about 20 different vitamins and minerals. Some you may recognize are:

• Potassium for regulated blood pressure
• Lutein for healthy eyes
• Folate, which helps cellular repair and can additionally help build brain development in growing fetuses of pregnant women
• B vitamins for warding off infections and illnesses
• Vitamins C and E
• Loads of fiber, and phytochemicals that can help you build a healthy immune system

There are many more yummy benefits hidden inside the yummy goodness of the avocado. They are one tasty superfood that can be a part of your daily healthy habits.

Some people will say that avocados are high in fat, but avocados have good fat (monounsaturated) which helps to lowers “bad” cholesterol. I would bet you’ve had your fair share of guacamole and avocado toast. Are you wondering about other ways to enjoy your avocados?  Here are 7 suggestions to help you enjoy avocados and their health benefits in creative and tasty new ways:

1. Use them in a smoothie – Instead of yogurt for a dairy-free option, they can add a rich and creamy consistency for a vegan-friendly start to the day.
2. Make sushi – Avocados are used in many different sushi rolls – the versatility is amazing. If you eat fish, get sushi-grade fish or use crab to make California rolls. There are plenty of meat-free options, too! Get creative with it. Even just using avocado and sushi rice makes a tasty snack or a light meal.
3. Add it to salad – Fresh avocado slices on salads are a great way to use your avocado bounty. Try something southwest style with salsa or Asian-inspired. Avocado even pairs well with watermelon!
4. Try a rice bowl – Whether you enjoy brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice as a base, jazzing up the top of your dish with a garnish of avocado pulls the whole thing together.
5. Wrap it up – Rice paper wraps are a no-cook, no-fuss way to make a light lunch or dinner. You can fill them with fresh shrimp, cilantro, basil, strips of bell peppers, carrots, and avocados and serve it with a great dipping sauce. Not in an Asian-fusion mood? Use gluten free wraps to make it sandwich-style, stuffed with spinach, sprouts, and other crunchy goodies from the produce section to complement that smooth texture of avocado.
6. Turn them into fries – Avocado fries are a sublime experience, but I must warn you — you’ll want to eat the whole batch yourself! Use gluten free breadcrumbs and flour for a healthy twist. They are great for sharing and ideal with a homemade dip.

Adapted from a Tasty Recipe – https://tasty.co/recipe/avocado-fries  (video at link)

Avocado Fries
Ingredients – 4 servings

• 3 avocados, slightly firm
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup gluten free flour or GF flour blend
• 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste), or garlic powder
• Black pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the seed, and slice lengthwise into wedges.
2. Mix the gluten free breadcrumbs with the cayenne pepper or garlic powder and salt.
3. Put the flour, GF breadcrumbs, and egg in three separate containers.
4. Beat the egg with a fork until foamy.
5. Use a large spoon to scoop out the avocado slices.
6. Roll the avocado slices in flour, then in the whisked eggs, then in the breadcrumbs.

PRO TIP – Use one hand for dipping the avocado slices in the dry ingredient and the other hand for dipping in the egg.

7. Place the coated slices on parchment paper on a baking sheet. Spray well with olive oil or coconut oil spray. Sprinkle with black pepper if desired.
   8. Bake for 6 minutes at 400˚F (205˚C). Flip, re-spray and bake for another 6 minutes.
   9. Serve with ranch, salsa, chipotle mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce. Yum!!
8. Have avocado for dessert – Because of its thick and creamy texture, avocado can be blended with cacao powder and natural sweetener to make a rich and decadent pudding. Even the kids won’t realize this dessert is good for them. (Recipe in the 5 Day Cleanse for Beginners Program)

What are your favorite ways to eat avocado? Make a comment or send me an email and let me know.

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Love and healthy living!