11 Easy Ways to Add Avocado to Your Diet
Avocados are often confused as a vegetable but it is actually a fruit. It belongs to the berry family with its green, fleshy middle that is full of healthy nutrients. If you aren’t using this healthy superfood, you are missing out its amazing health benefits. They contain more potassium than a banana, 4 grams of protein, 18 amino acids that are necessary for the body’s protein-building process, 20 different vitamins and minerals, packed with antioxidants, loaded with heart-healthy monosaturated fatty acids, and have around 7 grams of fiber.
11 Easy Ways to Add Avocado to Your Diet
People automatically assume that they are bad for you because they contain high amounts of fat. However, they are high in the good fat that is known to help reduce the “bad” cholesterol. Now that you know the real truth about this powerful superfood, here are 11 easy ways to add avocados to your diet.
Smoothies
Next time you are making a smoothie add 1/4 to 1/2 an avocado to your favorite smoothie. Don’t worry you probably can’t taste the avocado especially if you are making a fruit based smoothie. It adds a creamy texture and it will help keep you full longer. You can try these healthy apple or pumpkin smoothies.
Pro tip: Store the remaining avocado divided into single portions into a zip-lock bag. Then add your favorite fruits and toss in the freezer for pre-prepped smoothie ingredients.
Add to Your Favorite Sandwich
Next time you make your favorite sandwich, add a slice of avocado to it. The avocado will add flavor and give you a nutritional boost to make it through the day.
Pro tip: Use avocado in place of mayo or unhealthy condiments. Mash avocado in a bowl and spread on your sandwich.
Make Homemade Guacamole
Guacamole is my favorite way to eat fresh avocados. However, most guacamole contains unhealthy ingredients such as salt and oils. When we are at home, I will mash up a whole piece of fruit and add it to my tacos or use it as a dip. I skip the other traditional ingredients and usually eat it plain.
Plus, it is an easy way to get my youngest to eat avocados. If they are cut up, my child won’t touch it. But he will eat every last bite if it is mashed up and called guacamole.
Here is a great oil-free guacamole recipe:
Add it to Your Morning Toast
Have you seen the avocado toast popping up in your newsfeed or on Instagram? While this craze might seem weird to some, it is a popular way to add this super fruit to your diet. Simply smash up half an avocado and smear it on your whole wheat toast. It will help you fight off those mid-morning cravings and keep you feeling full until lunchtime.
Pro tip: You can even top your toast with spices, egg, or even healthy meats for a protein-packed meal. Do watch your salt intake especially if you have high blood pressure. Need some inspiration? Hop over to Pinterest for plenty of avocado toast ideas.
Grilled Avocados
BBQ season is winding down but this is a great way to incorporate more avocados into your diet. Cut an avocado in half and scoop out the seed. It is important to leave the skin on while you are grilling them. Place them face down on your grill for 2 to 3 minutes. Then top with your favorite toppings or slice them to serve on your favorite turkey burger. Try these 15 delicious ways to serve grilled avocados.
Replace the Hamburger Bun With Avocados
Next time you make hamburgers or turkey burgers on the grill, slice avocados in half and skin them. Then replace the hamburger bun with avocado halves. Check out the tips and suggestions on making these avocado buns work for you. While this isn’t a viable option for everyone, it is great for people who are looking to cut carbs.
Replace the Mayo in Recipes
Do you enjoy eating deviled eggs, chicken salad sandwiches, egg salad, or tuna salad? Swap the unhealthy mayo with avocado. Toss it into a food processor and blend it until it is a creamy texture. Then add to your recipe in place of the mayo.
Try Avocado Fries
Are you looking for a healthy replacement for french fries? These healthy fries are a new alternative that is packed with nutrients. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Simply, slice it into wedges and dip in an egg wash. Then roll them in panko breadcrumbs and lay them on a cookie sheet. Spray lightly with olive oil (we love this olive oil sprayer) and season them with light salt and pepper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Sprinkle Sliced or Cubed Avocado on your Favorite Dish or Salads
Adding it to your favorite recipes is an easy way to add this healthy super fruit to your diet. Simply add sliced or cubed avocado on top of your favorite dish or salad.
Make Chocolate Avocado Pudding
As more people are trying to switch to a plant-based diet, there has been a rise of healthy desserts pop up on the radar such as this chocolate avocado pudding. You can find the recipe here and give this creamy, chocolate treat a try.
Swap Butter or Oil in Your Favorite Recipes
Did you know that you can easily swap butter or oil used in your favorite recipes for avocado? Avocado has fewer calories than butter or oil and it is packed with nutrients that your body needs. Simply swap 1 cup of butter or oil for 1 cup of avocado.
Pro tip: According to The Daily Meal, if you are using avocados in baked goods, you will need to decrease your cooking temperature by 25 percent and increase your cooking time to avoid spills and heavy browning.
This healthy super fruit that is packed with nutrition. It is super easy to add this superfood to your diet by incorporating these 11 easy ways to add avocado to your diet.
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I love avocado, but not alone, it has to be with something, so these tips are all ones that I would use. I actually love avocado fries, even though they are alone. 🙂 I think it’s the fried element.
Mmm, yes, I do a lot of this. I love avocado. Weirdly I can’t eat it plain, but if it’s on or mixed with something, I just love it.
Oh yes!! I LOVE avocado! Avocado is so healthy too! I love your ideas, and have tried most but I MUST grill some up soon!
I am avocado OBSESSED and I am loving all these ways to get more avocado into my diet! YUM!!
Holy Guacamole! These are some great suggestions on using avocado in meals. I’m absolutely going to try a few of these ideas out!
I have used it for a substitute in recipes. I, interestingly enough, usually forget about adding them to my sandwiches – but I usually eat PBJ or banana sandwiches. I use them in wraps for dinner, though – and have them on menu for tonight.
I love avocado! It is so awesome to add into meals!
Thank you for all these yummy ideas. I love, love, love avocado not only because of its healthy benefits but because it is super delicious. And my favorite smoothie is avocado smoothie. Yum! Yum!
I may be the last person on the planet with an avocado aversion. I’m definitely trying some of these methods, I’m bound to find one that finally lets me enjoy them.
Great post. I love avocado and didn’t realize that it was a fruit. You’re teaching today. LOL! – yolonda
I’ve never used it as a mayo substitute, but I need to try this now. I love all the other ways you have mentioned.
I always use avocado in smoothies since I can’t quite get over the taste alone. Helps thicken up the smoothie and gets in the good fat for my daughter who doesn’t like to eat much of anything healthy besides fruit.
I usually make guac, use avocado on toast, or use it as a topping (like on potato soup or a salad). These are great suggestions. Avocados are tough to ripen at just the right time too, so it is good to get creative with them when you are short on ideas!