The ABCs of Weight Loss

The ABCs of weight loss must start with the letter

Among my favorite “A’s” would have to be avocados.

Did you know, avocados are a fruit? Yep, and there are lots of compelling reasons to eat them, both for weight loss and overall health.

Best ways to eat avocados? Beyond guacamole, here are 5 ideas:

1. Avocado Boats: Scoop out an avocado and fill it with my Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad.
2. Sandwich spread: Use mashed avocado on sandwiches as a healthy alternative to mayonnaise.
   
   
3. Green smoothies: Avocado imparts a rich, creaminess to your green smoothie that makes it taste decadent. Try cutting it into chunks, then freezing it for an icy-cold green drink!

4. Better burger: No surprise, adding sliced avocado enhances any burger. To make it even healthier, make it a lean turkey or bison burger!

   

5. Top off your soup: Top your soup with some diced avocado and a dollop of plain, nonfat greek yogurt and upgraded your lunch to first class. Try it on my favorite Spicy Black Bean Soup!
   
   

Here are 10 reasons to eat them:

1. Healthy fat: Avocados are mostly fat, but it’s monounsaturated “healthy” fat, which can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Protein: At 4 grams per avocado they’re higher in protein than most fruits.
3. Vitamins + minerals: Avocados are rich in vitamins B₅, B₆, B₉, C, E and K. They have more potassium by weight than a banana, and add folic acid to your diet.
4. Fiber: Each avocado contains half of the recommended daily dose (11g) of dietary fiber.
5. Cancer prevention: Avocados are rich in phytochemicals, which studies show help prevent certain cancers.
6. Promote healthy body weight: One study demonstrated that avocado consumption is associated with a nutrient-dense diet and lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome.
7. Anti-inflammatory properties: Phytonutrient compounds (polyphenols and flavonoids) present in avocados reduce the risk of inflammatory and degenerative disorders.
8. Healthy eyes: The presence of carotenoid lutein means avocados play a role in preventing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
9. Cure bad breath: Go ahead, have red onion in your sandwich! As long as you pair it with avocado, which is a natural breath freshener.
10. Anti-aging properties: This one’s my favorite! Avocados are high in antioxidants, which boosts immunity and slows the aging process. You may have noticed it as an ingredient in a number of skin care products as it reportedly nourishes skin and gives it a healthy glow.

Avocados are a delicious and nutritious way to add healthy fat to your meals and snacks, even when you’re losing weight.

Only 25 letters to go; c’mon, we got this!