Why are avocados so good for you, and yet are disliked by so many people. I think the common word used to describe them would use the word ‘yuck’!
So truth be told, I am one of those people who look at an avocado and squirm in disgust at its mere existence. Everything about them just isn’t right.
The smell.
The taste.
And it’s unappealing texture.
But then why oh why have I considered to even put it anywhere near my face let alone to eat it. It was only after I began reading a little about the fruit itself and found about these pear shaped heroes. The incredible health benefit that it has, which supports your body was almost too big to ignore.
I’d like to share some of what I’ve learnt but feel free to peruse this later after making some of the sneaky chocolate mousse to nom at the same time.
Inside the mushy greenness each avocado provides the body with vitamins K, E, C, B6, B5, folate, potassium, dietary fibre and essential fats. Did you know that every cell in your body needs fat? Fat provides fuel, supports cell growth, protects different organs, keeps the body warm, helps to produce hormones and absorbs nutrients(1).
Due to its rich fatty acid content, avos will help me feel fuller for longer as it lets my brain know to turn off my ‘I must eat everything’ button. In turn, these healthy fats slow the breakdown and absorption of sugars I eat from carbohydrates meaning levels of glucose (energy) in my blood are more stable (2). This certainly is a good idea to help me get through a morning at school.
It also enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and other nutrients … e.g. Vitamins A, E, K and D (3)!!! Weirdly so, even if I eat a whole bunch of veggies, without eating something that is a healthy fat source I may not access all of the beneficial nutrients they have to offer. What a waste!
The vitamins residing inside the fruit are pretty vital in the grand scheme of the body being able to protect itself on the inside. Each of these vitamins act as antioxidants, cleansing the body of ‘bad guys’, supporting your brain function and Mr Vitamin K help maintain bones. If that wasn’t enough the body also uses the nutrients of an avo to build blood cells and to heal any damage to the liver.
You may begin to see why I had to consider including it in my food shop. But, as awesome as it is for me I’m not the kind of person to suddenly just start eating it raw upon one of my Buddha bowls. Cue the plan to sneak it in instead.
My sneaky chocolate mousse is one of the ways so far that I’ve incorporated into my weekly menu. Lots of playing around with quantities, food processors/ blenders and additional flavours happened in the making of this recipe. I’ve found that using a food processor is the quickest and easiest way but don’t worry if you don’t have one. I’ve made it using a Blend Active Blender, it just took a little longer and a little more 'milk' to get it moving (plant based if needed). I also have noticed how the the honey you choose changes the flavour too. Why not have a go and see how you like to eat yours! Would love to hear how you get on.
This recipe is gluten free (if you use GF oats), dairy free, refined sugar free and is full of wholesome goodness. Suitable for everyone but in case you wondered Veggies, Vegans and Gluten Frees can munch it too! (Of course this is all dependable on the ingredients you buy).
You only need 4 ingredients to create it!!
Serves: 1
Time to prepare: 15 minutes
You will need…
1 ripe organic avocado (the kind that fits nicely in your hand)
2 tbsp (heaped) cacao/cocoa powder
2 tbsp (heaped) organic honey, agave nectar (add more for a sweeter mousse)
1/4 cup almond milk or a milk of your choice
How to create ...
First, slice your avocado in half, removing the stone and scoop the flesh from the skin using a spoon.
Next, add the avocado and the rest of your ingredients honey, cocao/cacao and almond milk to your food processor.
Whizz together until smooth. I need to stop and scrape the mixture from the sides to ensure it’s all mixed together. At this point have a little taste and ‘season’ to taste. If I’m in a sweet mood I may add more sweetener… it can all depend on the size of the avocado.*
When it’s all combined together and there aren’t any green bits, it’s done!
That’s it.
*The size of the avocado does affect the overall flavour of the mousse and that’s where you can play around with more/less honey or cocoa/cacao. Be brave and do what fills your taste buds with delight.
If I don’t accidently gobble it up in one sitting, I store mine in small pots as sweet treats to sneak from the fridge for breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime in between. I probably wouldn’t store it for longer than a few days hence why I don’t make masses… after all it’s a raw avocado but do double or even triple the quantities if there are more than two of you!
Enjoy,
Emmy x
I find myself eating this with sliced banana, homemade granola and fresh berries (and in this photo I had a little Peanut Butter Bite).
This recipe is plant based, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, vegan and is full of wholesome goodness. All the ingredients I use I try to use organic, local and fair trade where possible and necessary but it’s up to you to choose what you want to use.
Did you know?