Last month after more than a year I stopped being a vegetarian who was mostly a raw vegan. I eat meat again! When I first ventured back into the omnivore world I could only eat small amounts, my body only used to food that digests easily. A month later I can sometimes eat two chicken legs at one meal and not feel initially overstuffed, but as the food makes its way through my digestive tract I begin to feel heaviness in my gut. When this happens I know for the next few meals I need to eat little to no meat. To help me feel full and get the protein and fat I need, I often choose to eat an avocado.

Avocado is considered a super food because of its more than 20 nutrients, which include Vitamins C and E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Avocadoes, full of good fat, increase your “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels. They have anti-inflammatory properties, all the 18 amino acids needed for the body to form a complete protein and can be used in a number of ways. I eat avocadoes alone, on salads and sandwiches, in smoothies, spread on toast, on nachos and in what has become one of my favorite quick snacks or even a meal: 5 Minute Guacamole.

5 Minute Guacamole

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado (Gently squeeze the skin to see if there are soft, but not really soft, spots. Really soft spots mean the avocado is overripe and may not taste good.)
• 2-3 tablespoons of salsa (Choose one without any chemicals and other additives and that has standard guacamole ingredients of onions, cilantro, hot peppers, like jalapeños, and lime or lemon juice.)

Directions
Cut the avocado around the long way and remove the seed. Scrape out the entire avocado, including what’s stuck to the skin, and place in a bowl. Mash with a fork, leaving some chunky pieces. Add 2-3 tablespoons of salsa and mix together. Serve with nacho chips and enjoy.

I like to add raw olives to my guacamole and dip my mixture up with nacho chips. Like plain avocado, you can use this guacamole on a sandwich, spread on toast or as a topping to a loaded nacho. We can enjoy food and still get the health benefits we need while doing so. Here’s to your fast fixing and good eating!