Guacamole has to be one of my favorite snacks! I know avocados are well loved by many and have an excellent reputation for lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels, fighting free-radicals, and making your skin look healthy and vibrant. They contain monounsaturated fats, which are the good kind of fat. But it's still fat! Which means you can't be eating a whole gaucamole filled bowl made from four mashed up avocados and say you're preventing heart disease. Like all delicious things in life, moderation is key!
There are a few instances when the moderation card can be thrown out the window, and one of those is broccoli! So what can broccoli do for us, you ask?
1. Assists your body's detoxification system!
2. Anti-inflammatory nutrients (flavenoids) help combat allergies and inflammation
3. Vitamins A & K help balance the body's metabolism of vitamin D, which assists the calcium absorption, which leads to strong bones!
4. Fiber for healthy digestion, lowering cholesterol, and maintaing low sugar levels
5. Carotenoids improve eye health
6. Glucoraphanin for healthy skin!
7. Potassium to lower blood pressure
8. Vitamin C to protect against colds!
9. High in protein, low in calories!
10. Lutein to prevent thickening of arteries, which prevents heart disease!
Bottom line: broccoli is a food you should be eating everyday! This recipe will make it easy to enjoy!
BROCCOMOLE (adapted from Domestic Fits)
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped, seeds removed
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 oz. 1/3 less fast cream cheese
- 1 tbs cilantro
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Instructions:
- Overcook broccoli in lightly salted water. It should be pretty mushy when it's finished.
- Thoroughly drain the broccoli in a strainer. Try to get as much water off as possible!
- Combine the cooked broccoli and all of the other ingredients in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips!