I know I sound like a typical millennial obsessed with avo, but one, I am not all that millennial and two, sometimes millennials teach us something.  When I grew up, avocado was only associated with guacamole.  Don’t get me wrong–I love me some guac, but avocado is so much more than a dip.  For you anti-avos out there, there are ways you can sneak it into your daily routine where you won’t taste it or mind the texture.  And why is it so important to add this creamy green fruit into your life?  Allow me to explain!

1. Avocados are packed with nutrients!
These green superfoods not only contain “good” fat, fiber, and protein, but they also contain over 14 minerals, 18 essential amino acids, omega-3s, vitamins B, C, E and K!
2. They keep you full longer.
Since avocados contain good fat and fiber, they keep you satiated longer.  Chances are if you incorporate avo into a meal or two daily, you’ll be less likely to snack on empty calories.
3. Help protect you from diseases.
Monounsaturated fat (dubbed “good fat” in not only avocados, but olive oil as well) helps boost heart health and brain function.  Avocados help fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and degenerative eye and brain diseases.  The monounsaturated fat and fiber can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL).  Avos also regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation throughout your body and brain.
4. They activate good stuff in other foods!
This is a fact I learned recently.  Not only do avocados complement things amazingly, but they actually bring out the health benefits in other foods they are combined with.  For instance, avocados help with the absorption of carotenoids, the compounds that help protect against cancer that are found in orange + red fruits and vegetables.
5. They’re versatile!
Sliced avocado is great on top of a salad, on the side with eggs, or on a sandwich.  One of my favorite ways to eat avocado is on toast.  Mash up an avo with a fork, squeeze lemon on it and season it with Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel topping.  Spread it on toasted bread or even a toasted sweet potato.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan for a more savory treat.  Or if you want to sweeten the deal, top with sliced strawberries and drizzle with honey.
My newest favorite use for avocado is in smoothies.  I had known for a while it would go well, but I didn’t really try it out until recently.  I use half an avocado with some almond milk, blueberries, vegan protein powder and blend.  I make the consistency like a pudding that I eat with a spoon because it feels like dessert.  I throw some almonds on top with shredded coconut and even a couple of dark chocolate chips.  So good!
Share your favorite ways to eat avocado in the comments!

Cover photo: original artwork by Sandy Lo.