Healthy Tip of the Week

Cut Out The Fast Food Drive By's
Do you ever get those hunger cravings during the middle of the day, the urge to grab a quick bite on the run and all of a sudden begin to notice there's a fast food establishment on every corner. Temptation!! It's so easy to do a quick drive by into a McDonalds, Jack in the Box or Wendy's to grab a high calorie burger, sandwich or a bag of french fries. When I'm eating healthy and keeping my weight down it's difficult not to be a victim to fast food establishments, so what I do to stay focused and keep my energy up is keep packages of organic trail mix or almonds in my purse to snack on. Visit Jamba Juice stores or smoothie bars to keep that full feeling by incorporating liquid proteins throughout the day.


Incorporate Friendly Fat Into Your Diet
Ahh...avocados, the friendly fat. Known for its 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-Vitamins and Folic Acid. They also act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients.

Growing up a California kid, I was raised on the luscious, creamy goodness of California avocados and use their nutritional properties for various benefits. This delicious fruit also known by the Aztec's as the "fertility fruit" can be used in many body beneficial forms as an ingredient in many recipes to being used as an invigorating face and body masque.


In recipes, it is used as the base for the Mexican dip known as guacamole, as well as a spread on corn tortillas or toast, served with spices. In the Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, and southern India , avocados are frequently used for milkshakes and occasionally added to ice cream and other desserts. In Brazil, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia, a dessert drink is made with sugar, milk or water, and pureed avocado. Chocolate syrup is sometimes added. In Morocco, there is a similar chilled avocado and milk drink, that is sweetened with confectioner's sugar and hinted with orange flower water. In Australia and New Zealand, it is commonly served in sushi, on toast, or with chicken. In Ethiopia, avocados are made into juice by mixing them with sugar and milk or water, usually served with Vitmo and a slice of lemon. It is also very common to serve layered multiple fruit juices in a glass (locally called spreece) made of avocados, mangoes, bananas, guavas and papayas. Suprisingly, In Iran, it is used as a rejuvenating facial cream. Avocados are also great in salads used to make salads, used in sandwiches and as a quick and satisfying appetizer.

Here is one of my favorite avocado snacks called "Avocado Toast." It's quick and simple to prepare, and you only need 5 ingredients.

Ingredients:
2 Pcs. whole wheat toast, cut in half
1 sm. avocado, mashed
1 pinch, crushed red chili flakes
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 pinch, sea salt

Avocado Toast

Method:
In a small mixing bowl add the advocado and mash with a fork until chunky and creamy. Spread the avocado mixture on the toast, sprinkle with lemon juice, sea salt and crushed red chili flakes. Enjoy!