Why You Should Add an Avocado to Your Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to not only fuel up in the morning or post workout, but also to be in total control of the nutrients and protein you’re getting. While protein with fruit can be pretty filling, it really steps up the satiety when a smoothie has some healthy fat in there as well. Nut butter is one option, but so is adding in some avocado.

Avocados are technically classified as a fruit, but obviously their fat content and texture makes them feel a little more savory than an apple for example. They are relatively low in fructose so they won’t spike your blood sugar, and they are a great source of monounsaturated fat which your body uses as energy.

Avocados are also a great source of vitamins and minerals. They actually have twice the potassium as a banana, and are a good source of fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, and the rest of the B vitamins. The fat content of the avocado makes it easier for the body to absorb antioxidants along with it. (Which is also why they can make your salad, sandwich, or anything else you eat them with that much healthier.)

Besides being all healthy, avocados also add a smooth, silky, thickening texture to a smoothie and mix pretty well with a variety of ingredients. Sold yet? Here’s a recipe to try that’s pretty green but gets it’s sweetness from the sweet pineapple and blueberries. Without the avocado it would basically be a juice, so go ahead and add in the entire thing.

It’s best to go organic with the berries and leafy greens when possible to avoid unnecessary pesticides in there. Avocados on the other hand, are a pretty safe fruit as far as pesticides go because they are so protected by their skin.

Ingredients

1 whole avocado
1 cup of torn kale leaves
½ cup blueberries
½ cup fresh pineapple
1 cup of  baby spinach
½ sliced cucumber
1 cup unsweetened coconut water

Instructions

1. Start by pouring the unsweetened coconut water into the blender

2. Next add in the avocado, kale, blueberries, pineapple, cucumber, and spinach

3. Cover with the lid and blend until the mixture gets smooth

This will be enough to make two smoothies, so you either share one or pop it into the freezer for tomorrow.