Naturally Sweet Summer Salads to Crush Sugar Cravings
Naturally Sweet Summer Salads to Crush Sugar Cravings
Oh how I love avocados…
And if you don’t, perhaps it’s time to give these little guys another look. Why? Healthy fats and fiber are the name of the game when it comes to heart-health, stabilizing your blood sugar and eliminating sugar cravings. For those reasons and more, I’m a huge fan of these delicious tasting, creamy textured fruits.
Yes, the avocado is a fruit.
There are so many reasons to love fresh avocados every day. First of all, they are very versatile in meals and snacks. But more importantly is the nutritional goodness of them. As a nutrient-dense fruit, avocados puppy you with nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. These tasty creations of Mother Nature have more potassium than a banana, 4 grams of protein and 18 important amino acids which can fit perfectly into all kinds of eating plans.
Avocados are amazing!
When I want a thicker and creamier smoothie I substitute 1/4 – 1/2 of avocado to replace a banana which is much higher in sugar. I get creamy goodness without the sugar spike. Check out the comparison here.
And here’s a tip for you when your avocados start getting over-ripe. Simply peel and pit, cut them into quarters, place in a storage bag and place into the freezer. Then as needed, pop a slice or 2 into your blender when you are whipping up your daily smoothie. Pretty need idea ..huh?
Of course, avocados great to eat alone when you need a “sugar-fix” but they are always the PERFECT additions for salads.
Here areTWO super simple summer salads that will be sure to crush your cravings and give you energy that lasts much longer because of their healthy fats. I’m sure you will fall in love these 2 recipes
Avocado Salsa
Ingredients:
• 1 medium avocado cut in small chunks
• 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced yellow or red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of half a 1 lime (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt (or to taste)
• 1-2 tsp. chipotle or chili pepper (or to taste)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together, blending liquid well while ingredients remain chunky.
Serving suggestion: Serve with celery and carrot sticks (instead of corn chips) or use as a side to grilled fish or chicken!
Strawberry Summer Salad
Ingredients:
3 green onions, roughly chopped 1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted 1/2 cup orange juice 1/8 tsp. sea salt 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper 1 small handful (about 3 ounces) spring greens or mesclun mix 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries 1/2 pound asparagus 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup pistachio nuts, shelled
Directions:
Puree green onions, avocado, juice, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth to make a dressing. In a large bowl, toss greens, strawberries, asparagus, chickpeas and pistachio nuts together. Transfer to plates, drizzle with half the dressing and serve. Extra dressing will keep an extra day in the fridge.