Healthy snacking can be really difficult, and most of us will reach for chips or sweets and forget about our fruits and vegetables. This recipe is a great way to increase your veggie intake and get some healthy fats. Avocados are great for helping us feel full and satiated, and we sneak in some spinach so you can get your greens in without even noticing.
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Avocados have been linked with countless health benefits. They contain carotenoid and antioxidant lutein which help protect the eyes. They contain even more potassium than bananas, and potassium is essential for regulating blood pressure and plays an important role in muscle contraction. You have probably heard that avocados contain “good fat”, but what does this really mean? This means that avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are the type of fat that help to increase our HDL cholesterol (the good guys) and lower our LDL cholesterol (the bad guys). So don’t be afraid of fat when it is the kind found in avocados and other whole foods. Like all plant foods, avocados contain phytochemicals which play a role in cancer prevention. Phytochemicals are antioxidants which means they protect the body from free radicals which cause cellular damage and can lead to disease. Avocados are rich in folate which is a B vitamin. Folate is especially important for pregnant women, but is a part of everyone’s healthy diet. The antioxidants and monounsaturated fats in avocados have anti-inflammatory properties, which is beneficial for a variety of reasons, including reduced joint pain.
What about bell peppers? Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C which, as we know, helps boost our immune system. Red bell peppers actually contain the most vitamin C of all of the peppers. Bell peppers are also high in beta-carotene which plays a role in the immune system and in supporting eye health. Like avocados, bell peppers are rich in antioxidants which may make them cancer preventative.
We all know greens are good for us, and spinach is no different. Spinach is high in insoluble fiber which helps promote a healthy digestive system. Spinach is a rich source of vitamin A, C, K1, folic acid and even iron.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2 avocados
- 1/2 lemon, juice only
- 2/3 cup coconut yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pink sea salt
- 3 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced
DIRECTIONS
- Halve the avocados and scoop out the flesh, removing the pits.
- Add to a blender with the salt, yogurt, lemon juice, and spinach. Blend until smooth.
- Serve in mini bowls or one large one, accompanied by the bell pepper strips.
SERVES 4
TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes PREP TIME: 10 minutes
NUTRITION INFORMATION: Calories: 166 Fat: 11.3g Carbs: 14.2g Protein: 3.9g
We hope you try out this recipe and love it as much as we do. Love your body and it will love you back.
What we eat has a massive impact on our health. Make sure to check out our Heart Health Cookbook, here!
