Avocados are such a great staple during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum. They contain monounsaturated fats, phytonutrients, vitamin K, copper, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
According to a study done with the Journal of Nutrients,"Avocados also contain higher amounts of several non-essential compounds, such as fiber, monounsaturated fats, and lipid-soluble antioxidants, which have all been linked to improvements in maternal health, birth outcomes and/or breast milk quality."
Any excuse to add some of this amazing fruit into your diet will help fuel your body, and even makes a wonderful first food for baby when he or she reaches that age!
Add on top of sprouted toast or authentic sourdough bread with olive oil and sea salt, salads, smoothies (instead of bananas) or even in your baking (have you seen my avocado brownie recipe?)
*Note: if you have your gallbladder removed, healthy fats may be harder to digest. I recommend using whole food supplement support to help aid with digestion and eat sparingly (small amounts at one time).
*Note: The optimal way to cut an avocado is to make sure you peel the skin back and include as much of the outside green flesh as possible (that is where most of the nutrients, besides the skin and the pit, are located).
Below is a quick and simple guacamole recipe. This is a great snack to prep for the week to serve with fresh cut vegetables. Enjoy!
Quick & Simple Homemade Guacamole
Ingredients:
3 large avocados
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lime, juiced
1 tomato, chopped (grape tomatoes work fine)
1/2 tsp himalayan sea salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp collagen powder (optional)
1 handful of cilantro (optional)
Directions:
Start by mashing the avocados first in a bowl (a potato masher works well or just a large fork if you do not have)
Combine the rest of the ingredients together.
Serve Immediately with fresh cut vegetables or organic, non-gmo tortilla chips.
Storage: place leftover lime on top or just more fresh lime juice to avoid browning on top (or save the pit too and stick that in!)
With Joy,
Nicole