By: Dr. Alyssa Musgrove
Avocados are one of my favorite snacks and are actually considered a fruit. Avocados have the lowest amount of sugar and highest protein content of any fruit. They are packed with healthy monosaturated fats, which help keep blood sugar levels steady and are great for your skin.
Avocados also contain vitamins C and B, which are not stored in the body and need to be replenished daily. Additional nutrients hiding out in this unassuming fruit include folate and vitamin K, which can help improve memory and concentration. Avocados have nearly 3 grams of fiber packed into each serving, as well.
Avocados are high in calories compared to other fruits and vegetables, so moderation is key. Here are a few of my favorite avocado recipes that make incorporating this fruit into your diet a breeze.
Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe
1 mango, peeled, seeded and diced
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
4 medium tomatoes, diced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
¼ cup red onion, chopped
3 Tbsp olive oil
Peel, seed, dice, chop and mince all ingredients according to ingredient list. Add ingredients to bowl and toss until everything is coated and spices are evenly distributed. Serve cold with organic blue corn chips or grain-free tortilla chips (Siete and Trader Joe’s brands are great options). Also great on grilled chicken or fish tacos!
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Ideal as an appetizer, lunch addition or go-to healthy snack, these deviled eggs are easy to prepare and require only simple ingredients.
6 eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
1/2 avocado, pit removed
1 tsp lime juice
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, finely minced
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half and discard the yolks. Arrange on a plate and set aside. Mash the avocado and stir in the remaining ingredients. Spoon the mixture evenly into the egg whites and serve.
Cucumber, Radish & Snap Pea Salad
3 Tbsp avocado oil
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
2 tsp. coconut aminos
1 cup sliced English cucumber
½ cup fresh sugar snap peas, sliced crosswise
¼ cup thinly sliced radish
1 medium avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and cubed
½ large sheet toasted nori, cut into matchsticks
1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, and coconut aminos. Add the cucumber, snap peas, and radish. Toss to coat. Gently stir in the avocado. Top with nori and sesame seeds, if using.
Pathways to Healing specializes in holistic chiropractic care. Dr. Alyssa Musgrove draws on a variety of techniques, including chiropractic, kinesiology, nutrition, food allergy testing and lifestyle counseling to assist clients in achieving optimal health and wellness in one setting. Pathways to Healing is located at 1022 Founders Row, Lake Oconee Village, Greensboro. The office can be reached at 706-454-2040.