Let’s talk about classic, decadent comfort foods. Dessert foods that really hit your chocolate sweet spot. Who doesn’t love the texture, taste and subtle sweetness of a thick chocolate pudding? (That’s a hypothetical question, people… if you don’t like it, please just stop reading. And then go get your head checked. The rest of you, hold on for the ride.)
Ah, yes… back to chocolate pudding. What if I told you there was a way to make the aforementioned rich, chocolaty thick pudding – in a healthy, Badass Fitness-approved way?
In one of my recent posts, I covered the importance of working more healthy fats into your diet. On the whole, modern western culture has grown to fear the “f” word – fats – and we avoid them like the plague. Many nutritionists believe that this fear of healthy fats has played a large part in our growing obesity rate as a nation and contributes to our rising rates of heart disease and high cholesterol. The heart-healthy fats found in many fish, nuts, seeds and oils are “super foods” that we should incorporate into our diets.
This brings me to the beautiful, amazing avocado. It’s only recently that I discovered the wonders of this fruit. (Yup, it’s a fruit!) You’re probably familiar with the avocado from the occasional bowl of guacamole, or perhaps as a sandwich substitute for mayonnaise (Yum!). But until today's post, you might not have considered the use of avocado in sweet dishes.
The oils of the avocado are among some of the best natural sources of monounsaturated fat, specifically oleic acid, an omega-9 fat that has been proven to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Monounsaturated fat like that found in avocados has also been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and diabetes. They are also great sources of lutein, which help keep your skin healthy and eyes clear. While preparing this post, I also learned something new about avocados: They contain about 15 grams of fiber per fruit! That’s amazing!
Consider the tally: A couple hundred calories, tons of heart-healthy fats, one-third of the day’s fiber, and completely satisfying, with zero effect on blood sugar. In short, avocados are one of nature’s most perfect "super foods."
Now back to the pudding. This recipe is simple. Almost TOO simple. You will probably scratch your head a bit and wonder if this will really hit your sweet spot. Trust me. This quick and easy recipe will produce a thick, rich and decadent dessert that also delivers a good amount of healthy fats while not affecting your insulin or blood sugar. This pudding contains no sugar, no dairy and no processed carbs – so it is completely guilt free. (It isn't calorie-free, though, so remember: Everything in moderation!)
I’ve provided the “basic” recipe for a simple Choco-Cado Pudding, plus a few adaptations if you’re feeling adventurous. Personally, I like the addition of some frozen banana and a little bit of nonfat Greek yogurt, just to extend the pudding a little bit and further the creaminess. I’ve provided both “recipes” below, though these are so simple, the word recipe is a bit of a stretch. Just blend the ingredients together, taste, adjust and enjoy!
Kirsten’s Basic Choco-Cado Pudding
Serves: About 2 sizable ½ cup servings. (Or 1 very large, decadent serving…)
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped out
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar (or other sugar substitute, such as stevia)
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Splash of almond milk (or regular milk)
Blend, taste, adjust and serve!
Kirsten’s Super Choco-Cado-Nana Pudding
Adapt above recipe by adding:
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- Dash of cinnamon
Blend, taste, adjust and serve!
Note: I used my trusty and handy Magic Bullet blender to make this pudding, but use any blender, food processor or mixer you have.
Coming Monday: A few must-have moves to whittle those inner and outer thighs...