How to Tell if Your Avocado is Good

I went to the grocery store yesterday and wanted to buy some avocados for a smoothie (because I heard they help you lose weight). But, I wasn’t sure do I get the green ones or the dark ones and I remembered there was something about the color where the stem is removed. So, I didn’t buy any. 

Today I am reviewing and thought it would be great if I had this handy (cause I tend to forget) and that’s why I need to remember the dark ones are good. You need to gently squeeze them to make sure they hold there shape, if they don’t they are over ripe. Also, where the stem is removed should not be dark, if it is it’s over ripe. 

With hundreds of thousands of combinations of fruits, veggies and natural sweeteners, smoothies make it easy to get the nutritional benefits of breakfast without getting boring. I’m always testing new recipes, but wanted to share my go-to smoothie (1 serving):

Ingredients: 

1 frozen banana (the riper the sweeter) 
1/2 Avocado 
1/2cup almond milk 
A touch of honey or agave 

I encourage you to try your own smoothie combinations – get creative! Here’s a general format I follow when experimenting: 

1/2-1 cup of liquid (nut or dairy milk, juice, coconut water, or water) 
1/2 Avocado (added good fats from this superfood) 
Frozen fruit of your choice up to the top of the liquid (frozen makes it slushier) 
A handful of greens for added nutrients – you really won’t really taste it (spinach, kale) 
Optional boosters: 1 Tbs Chia seeds for added antioxidants Protein powder (I like pea protein) or almond butter if after a workout 
Optional sweetener (honey, agave, stevia, maple syrup)

Now back to the store....