Health tip: Eat avocados!

It is hard for me to believe that at one point in my life I hated avocados because these days I just can't get enough. Aside from being rich in flavor and absolutely delicious, avocados also....

• Promote heart health
• Have anti-inflammatory benefits
• Optimize absorption of carotenoids
• Support cardiovascular health
• Promote blood sugar regulation 
• Have anti-cancer benefits

 This little fruit has gotten a bad reputation because of it's higher fat content when compared to other fruits, but don't listen to the hype!  Avocados are full of the good for you fat that has a positive effect on your body's well being.

Take your health into your own hands and educate yourself...The Avocado Advantage 

Quick and Easy Guacamole:

1 avocado

1-2 spoonfuls of your favorite fresh salsa

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin to taste

• Cut avocado in half, remove seed, scoop avocado from peel and put into a mixing bowl.
• Use a fork and begin to mash up the avocado until desired smoothness.
• Add seasonings and stir to incorporate.
• Then fold in one to two spoonfuls of your favorite fresh salsa.

Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for later. 

Don't be afraid of carbohydrates!

While I was in Italy there were many things I found very interesting about the day to day lifestyle of the Italians, one thing being the food they eat. Everyday I was eating pizza, pasta, and bread, EVERDAY! It was great! When we ordered our food there was no whole wheat pasta or pizza option, when we got bread on the table it was never whole grain bread. So if Italians are eating so many refined carbohydrates without the obesity problems we have, then what's the deal?!?!

In the United States we have become obsessed with breaking apart our food into the smallest of nutrients and then labeling it good or bad accordingly. White bread, pasta, rice and cereal is BAD, eat these carbohydrates sparingly and then feel bad about yourself after you eat them! Whole grain bread and cereal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta are GOOD, eat lots of this type of carbohydrate and you will be the healthiest person ever! ( I hope everyone can sense the sarcasm in my words)

I'm not going to lie to you.....

Is it true that refined carbohydrates are lacking in nutrient density compared to their whole grain counterpart? Yes
Is it true that refined carbohydrates don't satiate you for a long period of time? Yes
Is it true that refined carbohydrates cause spikes in blood sugar? Yes
Is it true that refined carbohydrates taste darn good? YES

So what are you not being told???

You can change the rate at which your body metabolizes these carbohydrates by eating them with foods that are digested more slowly. If you enjoy to eat some refined carbohydrates like I do, then the problems associated with the consumption of refined carbohydrates can easily be solved by combining foods. Eating only one type of any food does not promote the highest level of well being, which is why having a wide range of foods in your diet is best for your health.

Example-- If you want to eat regular, white pasta eat it with lots of vegetables and/or lean protein. Your body will digest the pasta somewhat quickly, but then spend more time breaking down the protein and vegetables. You will feel fuller so that you won't want to eat after your meal, your blood sugar won't spike so greatly, and you will be getting those nutrients that the pasta is lacking.

Variety is truly the spice of life and the key to a healthy, balanced diet.


*Don't be afraid of food. Food is neither good nor bad, it is what we make it, so lets make it something that is delicious and enjoyable.*

Related articles

• Food Tips: Surprise! Pasta's good for you (knoxnews.com)
• What are Carbohydrates? (brainz.org)