01 Mar Yummy Avocado Bowl

This has quickly become my “go to” meal this summer. I have always been a super fan of avocados. They are about as close to a perfect food as any substance can be: so very nutrient dense and full of goodness. And don’t be afraid of the fat. Please. Not only is the mono saturated fat in avocados good for you, the fat content is what helps your body feel full. Strip food of its natural fat, and not only is that fat often replaced with sugar and chemicals, but your body isn’t adequately nourished, leaving you hungry and unsatisfied.

Another bonus is that avocados help your body manufacture glutathione, an important antioxidant that helps your body combat oxidative damage at the cellular level (think “rust” on your car – this is what oxidative stress does to your cells).

Avocados are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein.

I also like that avocados are pest-resistant. This means fewer pesticides are used, and you’re left with far less pesticide residue than most store-bought produce.

This recipe also includes raw sauerkraut which is a fermented food. Fermented foods are the current darling in the world of health and nutrition. Fermented foods, as long as they’re raw, are chock full of healthy bacteria that support our immune system. These healthy bacteria (probiotics) are said to play a role in “leaky gut syndrome” and consequent inflammation. They may help combat obesity by enhancing nutrient absorption; they may also help deal with acne (outer manifestation of what’s going on inside); and they may even play a role in cancer prevention. Traditional diets from the Weston A Price Foundation feature fermented foods as part of their recommended protocol.

I have tried making my own fermented foods, and while not difficult, I was never confident that my food was “fermented” vs “rotten”. As such, I leave my fermented foods in the capable hands of Valerie from the Farmers’ Market, and I also go to our local health food store. Most fermented foods in the grocery store are pasteurized, which kills off the “good” bacteria, so I avoid those ones.

I round out the recipe with hemp seeds (protein, magnesium, plant-based omega 3’s, fiber), raw cashews because they’re yummy and crumbled up brown rice crackers (only Lundberg’s will do – organic, crunchy, delicious – trust me) for a little added crunch. I could eat this every day.

Avocado Bowl

• 1 avocado – slices/chunks
• 2 – 3 tablespoons raw sauerkraut (less if you’re new to fermented foods – too much of a good thing is not pretty…just sayin’)
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
• handful of raw cashews or other nuts/seeds of choice

Throw it all together and enjoy!