TIS THE SEASON TO BE KIND & GIVE

The countdown is on! Only 11 shopping days left until Christmas! We all have our lists of people who we need to buy gifts for - our mothers, fathers, siblings, friends, and maybe a significant other and children but what about those less fortunate? Who's going to buy for them?

I felt so accomplished yesterday after I crossed off nearly everyone on my list, but scrolling through my Facebook feed this morning I was reminded that I am not quite done when I saw a quote, "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." I still need to buy my gifts to donate to the Spark of Love Toy Drive!

Every year each member of my family buys an assortment of toys to donate to our local fire station for it's annual Spark of Love Toy Drive in an effort to make children who come from less fortunate families than our own Christmases a little brighter. It has become one of my favorite traditions. I have so much fun wandering the Target aisles picking out dolls, baseball mitts, games and more. You should see the firefighters' faces when I drop off the bags of toys, I can only imagine the kids' smiles are even bigger when they are given to them on Christmas Day! 

It truly is an awesome feeling knowing that I helped make a difference in some children's lives. Like I said in a previous post, children are innocent bystanders in life and deserve to be given a chance at happiness so that is why I believe in supporting this charity. 

If you would like to join me this Christmas season by giving to this charity, see ABC's Spark of Love Toy Drive web site for more info. Even buying just one toy will make an impact...and if you don't have time to drop it off just let me know and I'll do it for you!  

xo
Jen

FIT & FAB HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Looking for gift ideas for the fitness fanatic in your life? Here are some fab items that will surely impress this holiday season! 

I either own or have these items on my own personal Christmas Wish List and recommend them to everyone. It ain't cheap being fit and fabulous, so do a girl a favor and shop away...

1)  Lululemon Wunder Under Pant - $82

Click to Buy

2)  Lululemon Fluff Off Vest - $128

Click to Buy

3)  Lucy Luminous Power Tank - $65

Click to Buy

4)  Spiritual Gangster Hoodie - $80

Click to Buy

5)  Onzie Capri Pant - $56

Click to Buy

6)  Nike Lunarglide+ 5 Shield - $125

Click to Buy

7)  Manduka eKO Yoga Mat - $88

Click to Buy

8)  Manduka eQua Mat Towel - $30

Click to Buy

  
9)  bkr BPA-free Bottle - $28

Click to Buy

~ OR ~

**Call the Fanatic's favorite fitness studio and pre-pay for classes!** 
(Approximately $20 1-Class or $80 for 5-Classes)    

21 DAY CHALLENGE: TOP 5 THINGS I LEARNED

Well, I did it! I set out on a mission on November 1st to challenge myself to attend yoga classes every day while also participating in a 21-Day Sugar Detox program dubbing it my 21-Day Yoga Detox Challenge and completed it successfully yesterday! And, I must say, I feel fantastic!

Day 21 - Final Day of the Challenge

Having had a rough couple of months following unexpected turn of events, I was looking to shed some unnecessary layers both physically and mentally, and I accomplished both and learned quite a bit along the way! 

What I Learned from My 21-Day Yoga Detox Challenge:

1.  The 80/20 Rule is true - If you are trying to lean up and reach a goal, it's about 80% diet and 20% exercise. Diet alone won't get you there, neither will exercise alone. Prior to my challenge, I was working out A LOT but still packing on weight because I was indulging in too many sugary treats. I have struggled with my weight since I was kid, so I don't like to put emphasis on the number that the scale reads but rather how I feel in my clothes and in my own skin. In fact, I didn't even weigh myself before I started the challenge, but I did take my measurements on Day 1 because I wanted some way to quantify the results from changing my diet to make sure I wasn't just imagining things. 

I am happy to report that eliminating all forms of sugar (except fruit) from my diet along with adding daily yoga classes to my routine helped me lose a few inches from my chest to my waist and I'm feeling lighter on my toes.

2.  Sugar is in everything - Sugar isn't literally in every food, but it is in many things that you wouldn't even expect it to be in whether it is refined sugar or an artificial sweetener. According to Diane Sanfilippo's The 21-Day Sugar Detox, added sugars are hidden in nearly everything--breads, pasta sauces, salad dressings, peanut butter, cereals and deli meats just to name some. Scientists work on ways to balance sweet/salty/fatty tastes to keep us going back for more. The reason we go back for more is because when we consume sugary foods it releases dopamine (a chemical messenger that delivers signals to and from the brain) that controls feelings of reward and pleasure. In essence, when we eat sugary foods we get a dopamine hit, which in turn makes us crave more and it depletes our nutrient stores only to trigger more cravings and then it becomes a vicious cycle. 

Ever wonder why you are hungry all the time? I did, but once I cut sugar and artificial sweeteners from my diet it suppressed my appetite. My sweet tooth also disappeared and now I crave healthier foods.

3.  Clean eating can be tasty and fun - Since sugar is in just about everything it really limits what you can eat while you are detoxing and it is probably what I found most challenging during the 21 days, especially being the self-admitted carb addict that I am. However, I had fun experimenting in the kitchen and I was able to find tasty options such as Turkey Lettuce Tacos and Spaghetti Squash. I also made a lot of veggie omelets filled with things like spinach, cilantro, tomatoes, and peppers topped with avocado. Then, when it came to dining out, I had to scour the menu for sugar-free options but ultimately found delicious items that I would not have previously ordered like sushi rolls sans rice.

Clean eating also alleviated my terrible allergy symptoms. Prior to the detox, I swore by Zyrtec-D almost on a daily basis but during the challenge I only had to resort to taking the antihistamine one out of the 21 days. 

4.  Yoga really does help me feel centered - While yoga is a incredible workout, it is also an excellent metaphor for life and it teaches us how to be mindful. We can learn so many lessons from our practice on the mat and apply them to everyday life including how to breathe, from pain comes strength, get rid of what's not serving you and to always listen to your body. As cliched as it might sound, yoga always makes me feel centered and at peace with myself after walking off the mat even following a grueling series of sequences that leave me soaked in sweat. 

I also received multiple compliments from friends during the last 21 days saying that I looked refreshed and relaxed, which I have to credit to my yoga practice. 

5.  I can do anything I set my mind to - I think the most important thing that I can take away from this challenge is that I really can do anything I set my mind to when I am determined. My Mom kept asking me during the first week or so how long I was going to do my detox, expecting me to cave into sugar (she knows me well enough to know that I would follow through with the yoga part) and my answer was always "21 Days!" 

I think she finally caught on that I wasn't going to give up after week two. Here I am after three weeks and I reached my goal!

Now you must excuse me, I think I hear Yogurtland calling my name...

Just kidding. I do plan on reintergrating some of the foods that have been on my "do NOT eat list" the past 21 days back into my diet, but I do hope to refrain from processed foods and sweets as much as possible. I also think I will incorporate more yoga into my life...on and off the mat! ;-)

xo
Jen

P.S. If you have any more questions about the 21-Day Sugar Detox diet that I followed, please feel free to ask in the comments section below and I'll make sure to get back to you.

A NUTTY BANANA MANGO SMOOTHIE

I have been on a smoothie kick for the last six months or so and I discovered a delicious blend at a local organic juicery, but there is one problem! The smoothie is $8 a pop! A pretty pricey habit to go along with my $2/day Starbucks coffee addiction, wouldn't you say? 

Looking to cut corners I went home and experimented a bit with my own recipe to satisfy my craving for this tasty banana mango concoction and came up with a delightful imitation for less than half the cost!  

Jen's Nutty Banana Mango Smoothie:

1 Small Banana 

1-Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

1-Cup Frozen Mango  

1/2 TSP - Almond Butter

1-TBSP Chia Seeds

Throw all the ingredients into your blender starting with the almond milk (you can substitute with coconut milk) followed by the fruit and almond butter topped off with the Chia seeds for consistency. Blend for 1-2 minutes for desired texture.

In all, this smoothie is approximately 325 calories, boasts nearly 10 grams of fiber and it is packed with heart healthy Omega-3's thanks to the Chia Seeds. The almond butter also makes it a great source for vitamin E, magnesium and iron. While mango is said to be the "king of fruits" helping to alkalize your body and boost your immune system. 

Not bad for one little smoothie!

xo 

Jen

P.S. I'm almost done with my 21-Day Challenge - 19 days down, only 2 more to go! Keep your eyes open for a wrap up later this week...

#FFTT: AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN 5 SHORT CHAPTERS

Friends, I would like to introduce to you #FFTT (Food For Thought Thursday)! 

Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook know that I like to post inspirational quotes every now and again so I thought this would be a fun way to share them with you to get the wheels turning and maybe some inward reflection going on how you can relate these to your own life. After all, living a healthy lifestyle includes body and mind!

To kick this off, I bring to you a poem that I came across on a yoga blog last week called Autobiography in Five Short Chapters by Portia Nelson...

While this poem was used to relate to one's yoga practice, I thought it was very profound and could speak to much more in regards to life's struggles whether it's relationship issues to fighting depression, eating disorders, and alcohol and/or drug addiction because it's easy to slip back into old habits and ultimately we all want to learn how to "walk down another street." 

Just some food for thought...

xo
Jen


P.S. If you're interested in reading the original blog where I saw this poem and how you can relate it your yoga practice, you can find it on the MyYogaWorks Blog.

FOLLOW ME ON BLOGLOVIN'

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You can even follow on the go by downloading the Bloglovin' app on your iPhone and/or iPad! 

JEN & KRIS' 4TH ANNUAL TURKEY TROT

It's that time of year again! My sister Kristine and I will be waking up before dawn on Thanksgiving to run our 4th annual 10K at the Dana Point Turkey Trot before we go home to stuff ourselves with turkey! 

Please help me raise a few dollars for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley (an Orange County chapter). Any donation no matter the amount is greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read! 

WHY DONATE TO THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB?

I chose this charity because I love the idea of working with organizations that benefit children. Children are innocent bystanders and deserve to be given a fair chance to succeed in this world.

Many boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley offers that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

If you'd like to find out more info about this organization, please visit their web site http://www.bgccapo.com.  

Fundraising Websites - Crowdrise

21 DAY CHALLENGE

It is said that it takes 21 days to make or a break a habit, right? Well, I'm going to put this theory to the test with my very own "Yoga Detox Challenge" for 21 days beginning Friday, November 1st.

Why, you ask? I lost my job about six weeks ago and I have this new found time on my hands. I have gone from practicing yoga once a week to four times per week, so why not up the ante to 21 consecutive days? Plus, I'm not going to lie, I've noticed that my jeans have been getting snug due to my ever-growing sweet tooth. It's time to put the brakes on my sugar addiction before I have to trade in my 26s for 27s...and a detox should do just that! 

Manduka ProLite Mat | Lululemon Wunder Under Crops | OPI Malaga Wine Polish

In all seriousness, I am challenging myself to a 21-Day Yoga Detox for more than just vanity's sake. I've had a few stressful months and I am ready to shed some unnecessary layers - mental, physical and spiritual. 

A yoga detox is designed to help you create awareness about where you live. You live in your own body so it's important that you take care of it by ridding yourself of toxins in your daily life - tangible and intangible. A detox will not only cleanse your body, but it will also clarify your thinking and fuel your soul...or so I have read. I am going to put the Yoga Detox to the test by committing myself to daily yoga classes for the next 21 days while following a sugar detox diet. 

Yoga poses assist the body in cleansing itself using the body's natural detoxification process. A well-rounded yoga practice systematically stretches, twists and compresses all parts of the body to help eliminate toxins from your organs and allows oxygenated blood to flow through the organs. For this process to work efficiently, it is important to eat a healthy diet, which is where the sugar detox comes into play. 

I am going to follow a sugar detox loosely based on The 21-Day Sugar Detox: Bust Sugar & Carb Cravings Naturally by Diane Sanfilippo. I'm going to strip refined sugars from my diet while adding more quality proteins, healthy fats and good carbs into my daily menus. Basically, all processed foods and sweets are out, fresh fish and veggies are in!

Now is the perfect time to do this challenge. Halloween will have come and gone by Friday, the candy will be put away, and we have 28 days to clear our minds and bodies before Thanksgiving. Who's with me on this one? If not this challenge, then perhaps you might want to challenge yourself to something else? Think of one habit you'd like to break or maybe even make, and challenge yourself to do it for 21 days. Just remember the process may be hard, but the payoff will be worth it!

I'll share my results with you in a few weeks...

xo
Jen
  
Note: If you'd like to follow a similar detox, but don't want to buy the 21-Day Sugar Detox book see this link http://www.rosecole.com/wwrhandouts/21%20day%20detox.pdf

THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL IS BY FOOT

They say that the best way to travel is by foot, right? I have to say that I agree. That's why I never leave home without my running shoes whether I'm traveling for business or for pleasure!

I like to workout 5 to 6 times per week and it's important to me to keep up my routine when traveling. It not only helps me get my day started on the right foot, but it also helps control my waistline because god only knows that my inner foodie likes to come out when I'm away from home. That's half the fun of traveling, right?

On a recent trip to New York City I couldn't help but indulge in the creamy gelato at Eataly, the most amazing crab toast at ABC Kitchen, and the tasty flatbread and sea bass at Northern Spy Food Co. so thank goodness for me that the city offers so many options when it comes to burning calories outdoors. In my opinion, it's by far the best way to see NYC and it's free. From Central Park to Riverside Park to the Hudson and East Rivers there is no shortage of outdoor venues in New York City where you can run free in the concrete jungle, see the sights and check a few things off your bucket list while you're at it.

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

My all-time favorite workout in NYC is an early morning run around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (aka the Central Park Reservoir) where I had my "Charlotte York" moment for all you Sex and the City fans. The reservoir is located between 85th and 96th Streets east to west, and is approximately a 1.6 mile track that offers serene views of Central Park and the upper Manhattan skyline. The main entrance to the reservoir lies at 90th St. and 5th Avenue directly across from the Runner's Gate that connects the park drive with 5th Avenue.

The Hudson River Greenway Path

Another one of my favorite workouts in NYC is running along the Hudson River Greenway, which is ideal if you're staying on the westside. The Hudson River Greenway is a continuous 11 mile route between Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan and the Little Red Lighthouse underneath the George Washington Bridge. The trail passes through Hudson River Park, Riverside Park South, Riverside Park and Fort Washington Park. While I've covered quite a bit of terrain on this path, I prefer the southern portion jogging through the Hudson River Park from the West Village to Battery Park since it offers views of Manhattan's downtown skyscrapers, including the construction of the 1,776 ft tall Freedom Tower (1 World Trade Center), which is scheduled to open in 2014.

Both of these options offer phenomenal views of New York City and give you a new perspective on the city that you wouldn't have seen otherwise. I highly recommend giving these a try the next time you're in town - weather permitting of course and don't forget to bring your camera along! ;-)

xo 
Jen

HOLLYWOOD'S RUNYON CANYON

Every now and again, I like to leave the Westside to experience what the other neighborhoods in Los Angeles have to offer like Runyon Canyon Park in Hollywood. Runyon Canyon is located off of Hollywood Boulevard and North Fuller Avenue, and has panoramic views of Los Angeles including the famous Hollywood sign.

View from Cloud's Rest

Runyon Canyon is a LA hotspot of sorts for those looking to get in shape, those who are serious about staying in shape and those who are there to star gaze. Celebrity couples such as Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are often photographed hiking in the canyon as well as Josh Duhamel and Fergie. Although I haven't seen them, I did cross paths with Matthew Perry (or as I like to refer to him, Miss Chanandler Bong of "Friends" fame) late one Sunday afternoon. The main reason I like Runyon Canyon more compared to the other popular hiking destinations in LA is because it is also considered an off-leash dog park so I can bring Maddy, see the sights and get my workout in all-in-one. 

Runyon has two popular loops to chose from to meet your personal fitness level, Star Trail and Hero's Trail. I usually start at the western entrance on North Vista Street and go clockwise climbing up the paved path towards the back of the canyon to the east ridge to Clouds Rest. Then, I head down the Star Trail steps to Inspiration Point, which leads you back to the central fire road down to the Fuller Avenue entrance. If you prefer climbing up steps rather than walking up a steep incline, just reverse this route by starting at the Fuller Avenue entrance. In all, this loop is approximately 2 miles and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Maddy Headed Down the Steps to Inspiration Point

The second loop is called Hero's Trail, which you can also start from the Vista Street entrance but instead of following the trail eastward path head west up the steep incline along the spine of the ridge to the second highest point in the canyon where you can see views of the west and south. This trail is the more difficult of the two loops measuring over 3 miles and will take about 60 minutes to complete.

Since Runyon Canyon is a well-known spot, I recommend going at off-peak hours so it is easier to find street parking especially on the weekends. I usually try to arrive by 8am on Saturday mornings or I wait until mid-afternoon to avoid the crowds.

If you haven't hiked Runyon yet, add it to your to-do list now! It is one of those things that you have to do at least once in LA!

xo 
Jen

MY TAKE ON THE GREEN SMOOTHIE

Green smoothies are all the rage, right? What better way to consume your fruits and veggies, but in a tasty nutrient-dense drink!

Smoothies are a great pre-workout meal to fuel your body without leaving that uncomfortable feeling in your gut. You know the one...that not so pleasant feeling that you get halfway through spinning if you chowed down beforehand. Try drinking my favorite nutritious green smoothie instead and I promise you'll never have to worry about that feeling again. I usually like to whip one up about 60-90 minutes before class so I have time to digest it before running into the studio.

Jen's Favorite Green Smoothie Recipe:

1/2 Banana 

1-Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

1-Cup Baby Spinach

3/4-Cup Frozen Strawberries   

3/4-Cup Frozen Pineapple

1-TBSP Chia Seeds

Throw all the ingredients into your blender starting with the almond milk (you can substitute milk of your liking) followed by the spinach and fruit topped off with the Chia seeds for consistency. Blend for 1-2 minutes for desired texture.

In all, this smoothie is a little over 200 calories, boasts nearly 10 grams of fiber and it is packed with heart healthy Omega-3's thanks to the Chia Seeds. If you aren't familiar with Chia Seeds, they are also rich in antioxidants, help you feel satiated and regulate your insulin levels. Meanwhile, spinach is said to be one of the most nutritious foods available. One cup of the leafy green vegetable contains an abundance of vitamin K and vitamin A, almost all the manganese and folate your body needs and nearly 40 percent of your magnesium requirement per day. All this and more in one healthy drink!

If you prefer to workout on an empty stomach, this smoothie also makes a good post-workout meal but make sure to add a little protein on the side like a hard boiled egg to aid in muscle recovery and growth. Or skip the workout entirely and blend one up for your morning commute - it's the perfect breakfast for those on the go!

xo

Jen

MEET MY SIDEKICK MADDY

You might see a poodle when you first look at Maddy, but she is no ordinary poodle. She's a Cockapoo!

Maddy is my lovable 8 year old pup who accompanies me on many of my outdoor activities. We have covered quite a bit of terrain together from LA's hip Runyon Canyon to the scenic Manhattan Beach Strand to our regular walks through the horse trails in my hometown of Yorba Linda.  

When Maddy sees mom get out of bed on Sunday morning to put on her workout clothes and running shoes and grabs the headphones, she knows it can only mean one thing. It's time to put on the leash and sprint out the door - arguably her favorite time of the week. I swear you have never seen a dog get as excited as Maddy does to see her owner lace up her running shoes. When I slip on my cutest wedges, it's a different story. No reaction at all. But running shoes? Running shoes have her jumping for joy!

In addition to keeping me active, pets like Maddy are great companions because they are natural mood enhancers, they help fight depression and keep your heart healthy. Research has shown that dogs can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and boost levels of feel-good chemicals in the brain. 

I know that when I walk in the door, Maddy instantly puts a smile on my face. The unconditional love that she gives me is priceless. If you don't have a dog, I think you should highly reconsider. It's true what they say, they are man's best friend.

Until next time...

xo 
Jen

HOW I DISCOVERED MY INNER YOGI

Those of you who know me well, know that I live for my days off from my 9-5 job because it means I can squeeze one more yoga class into my schedule.  I began practicing nearly three years ago and wonder why I didn't start sooner!

I was always under the impression that in order to get a good workout you needed to sweat, and I thought yoga wouldn't do that for me.  Boy, was I wrong!  Little did I know that all it would take was a great Vinyasa Flow class to get me hooked and I haven't stopped since.

According to YogaWorks, my yoga home, Vinyasa Flow is a vigorous style of yoga that links breath and movement through a sequence of Sun Salutations and postures.  The smooth, continuous flow deepens breathing, increases endurance, and tests the edge of your balance and flexibility.  In addition to these physical results, yoga offers so many other healthy benefits including:

• Stress Reduction
• Happier Mood
• More Energy
• Improved Sleep
• Calmer Mind
• Increased Confidence 

It is also said that yoga enhances your experience in between the sheets too.  But shh, I didn't tell you that!

If you're looking for a motivating Vinyasa Flow class, I suggest visiting YogaWorks for their "1 Free Week of Yoga" and try some of my favorite instructors' classes.

YogaWorks LA
Mia Togo - Montana/Main St.
Calvin Corzine - Montana/Main St./Westwood

YogaWorks OC
Toni Wilkey - Costa Mesa
Tim Senesi - Costa Mesa/Laguna Beach/Newport Beach

(Go to yogaworks.com for the schedule.)

Besides being awesome people, who inspire you to give it your best shot, they play good music too.  Music is a MUST for me.  I not only walk out of these classes soaked in sweat, but I walk out with a sense of ease and accomplishment, which is what really keeps me going back for more.  

Try a class, you won't regret it!  Just remember when in doubt, child's pose! ;-)

xo 
Jen

THE INFAMOUS SANTA MONICA STAIRS

If you live on the Westside, then I'm sure you are familiar with "THE" Santa Monica Stairs.  You know, the stairs that leave you wanting and craving more...or rather the stairs that don't let your calves and glute forget what an incredible workout they are for days to come! 

The Santa Monica Stairs are located right off of San Vicente between 4th and 7th Streets on the picturesque Adelaide Drive.  There are two sets of stairs--one cement and one wood.  The entrance to the cement stairs are located at the end of 4th, while the wood stairs are about a 100 yards or so east between 4th and 7th.  It is said that if you're looking for an "easier" workout, the wood stairs are the right set for you because they are wider and have a little give so they are more forgiving on your joints.  If you're looking for a more intense workout, go for the cement stairs.  But why choose when you can do both!

I recommend heading down the wooden stairs (170 steps) to Santa Monica Canyon and then jog west towards the cement stairs to climb back up to Adelaide.  I usually do this 4-5 times, which equates to about an intense 30-minute cardio routine but repeat according to YOUR fitness level.

The stairs are open 24 hours, 7 days a week and are FREE!  Now you have no excuse, but then to grab a friend or your SO and get your workout on!  

xo
Jen

P.S.  When you're finished head over to Kreation Kafe on Montana & 11th for brunch.  Order the Roman with a side of Rosemary Potatoes.  Life is about balance, right?  You can thank me later! ;-)

WELCOME

Welcome to Everything is Better with Avocado!  Yes, you read that right.  My blog is called Everything is Better with Avocado.  Why you ask?  Because I'm weird! ;-)  

I chose to name my blog Everything is Better with Avocado because avocados are so damn delicious!  They are considered to be one of the perfect foods by nutritional experts and a superfood by many. Avocados are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, nutrients and heart healthy compounds.  

Did you know avocados are:

1. Eye openers
Avocados are rich in luetin and zeaxanthin, antioxidants found in the retina that keep eyes healthy; they also may help prevent age-related problems, like cataracts and macular degeneration.

2. Cancer fighters 
Extracts from avocados kill or stop the growth of precancerous cells that lead to oral cancer and may have a similar effect on other cancers, according to a recent study. Researchers credit the fruit’s unique combo of nutrients—which include folate and vitamins C and E.

3. Nutrient boosters
Add avocado to salsa for a bigger health payoff. A study from The Ohio State University found that people absorbed four-and-a-half times more of the cancer-fighter lycopene from the tomatoes when avocado was added; the healthy fats help you absorb more nutrients.

4. Healthy fats
Avocados pack 4 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat (aka "the good fat," which lowers cholesterol), 2 grams of fiber (keeps you full and clean), and 1 gram of protein per ounce.

Bottomline, avocados keep you thin, protect your vision, and may even prevent cancer.  Oh, and it is said that avocados are great for sex too because they boost your energy and keep your libido healthy!

Avocados offer so many positive benefits that promote health and growth, and I hope to do the same through this blog whether it's a lesson on health & fitness or life itself.  I would love for you to join me on this journey.

xo
Jen