Chocolate Avocado Pudding

I love a sweet treat now and again, but I’ve realized the hard way that refined sugar doesn’t love me back.

I don’t miss the mood swings, energy dips and digestive problems that blood sugar imbalance promoted in my body. I broke free from my addiction years ago and never looked back. And I wasn’t alone in my sweet obsession — sugar addiction is one of the most common addictions in North America and diabetes is increasingly on the rise.

If you are dessert lover like me, but find yourself eating refined sugars like candy, ice cream, baked goods or foods with hidden sugars such as salad dressings, sauces and cereals, then this recipe is for you. It is sweet but healthy because of the friendly fat from avocados.

Fat is very good for blood balancing blood sugar as it slows  digestion and the rate at which sugar will enter the blood stream. It should be a key ingredient in any sweet treat.

The buttery texture of avocados make them my favourite “good fat” food. Native to Central and South America, they have been cultivated since 8000 B.C. Avocados are an amazing source of monounsaturated fatty acid which has been linked to lowering cholesterol. And they are a great source of potassium, vitamin E, B vitamins and fibre. In fact, one avocado has more potassium than two to three bananas – pretty amazing!

This is a healthy, simple, sweet alternative to store bought puddings that are loaded with processed sugar and additives. If you’ve got children, you can be confident that this is a healthy pudding to give them.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados
1/4 cup cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
1/2 cup honey or real maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Cut avocado in half and remove the seed. Scoop out the inside of the avocado into a food processor. Add the honey and cocoa and continue to blend together until it’s all smooth. Refrigerate 20-30 minutes before serving. Makes about 1½ cups.

You can use it as a spread on wholegrain pita, as a dip for fruit or enjoy it as is with a spoon. Enjoy!

Joy McCarthy, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach of Joyous Health, loves to inspire others to eat well, live well and be happy.

Joy has clients from all over the world and consults via phone and Skype. Contact Joy today and take the first step to achieving joyous health. REASONS TO HIRE A HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST.