I have an unhealthy obsession with avocados.

I eat them almost every day, in any way I can…smoothie, hummus, salad, wrap, or the good old go-to guacamole.

Adding half an avocado to a smoothie first thing in the morning is an awesome way to start out your day. It makes any smoothie super thick and creamy, curbs your appetite all morning and gives you tons of good fats to use as energy for whatever your day has in store…morning yoga class, run, walkin’ the pup! It’s a extra special added bonus when you can combine avocados with protein, like hemp. This is a raw, vegan (non-animal) source of complete protein and packs a ton of nutrients to boot including fiber and essential fatty acids.

Eating protein and fats together in a meal can stabilize blood-sugar levels that would normally be spiked from carbohydrates, and make your body switch from glucose burning metabolism to a fat burning metabolism. This combo is actually best in the winter time when your body needs to store the excess fat and protein for warmth and energy, but as a cooling smoothie, it can work well in the summer too! It gives you all the energy you need to make it through your day.

Now, go get ’em, Tiger!

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 avocado
• 6-10 fresh strawberries (green included)
• handful of your favorite greens (I used spinach as I had some on-hand from the Bloomsdale Salad)
• 1 scoop Ruth’s Foods Hemp Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 3 ice cubes
• optional: vanilla/vanilla bean, honey, agave,

Directions: 

1. Blend.
2. Give Thanks.
3. Enjoy!

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Editor: Kate Bartolotta