The USDA states 44% of Americans eat breakfast every day. This means over half of the American population skips the most important meal of the day! According to a recent study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health, “Skipping breakfast may lead to one or more risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which may in turn lead to a heart attack over time.”
So, if you’re just looking for new tips to jump start your day and boost your metabolism, author and host of Pati’s Mexican Table, Chef Pati Jinich, will be showcasing unique quick and easy recipe ideas for spring time breakfasts with a very special ingredient: Avocados! From eggs and pancakes, to parfaits and smoothies, fresh avocados from Mexico can be incorporated into any of your morning go-to meals. They’re an extremely versatile fruit that adds creamy, rich texture and nearly 20 good-for you nutrients taking your morning favorites to the next level.
Are avocados good for you?
Avocados are nutritious and contribute good fats to your diet. One ounce or 3 slices of an avocado has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making it a good choice to help meet nutrient needs. Avocados are also sodium and cholesterol free and using them in place of common “bread spreads” may help reduce your intake of saturated fat, sodium and calories.
Want a super delicious recipe that even your kids will love?
Avocado, Mango and Berries Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado from Mexico, pitted, meat scooped out and diced
1 cup diced ripe mango, fresh or frozen (can substitute pineapple)
½ cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries), plus more for garnish
½ cup spinach leaves
1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
chia, flax seeds, more berries to serve as garnish, optional
Directions:
Place all ingredients, from the avocado to the orange juice, in blender and process until smooth. Garnish with chia seeds, flax seeds and/or more berries if desired.
Recipe and photo by Chef Pati Jinich (www.patismexicantable.com) for Avocados From Mexico
I was fortunate enough to get to ask Chef Pati some questions about kids and breakfast. Be sure to watch the video and read her answers below!
What did you have for breakfast today??
How can I encourage my kids to eat healthfully and incorporate avocados into their diet?
There’s nothing better than setting an example for your children – if your children see you eating and enjoying nutritious ingredients that you want them to eat, they are more likely to want to delve into the experience. Another tip I have to encourage kids to eat healthily is to make dishes that they can help assemble in a fun way so they feel that it is their choice to add those elements into a dish. Kids also love rolling, stacking, and dipping while cooking, so with that in mind, I love to use avocado in those formats. An avocado smoothie is a great way to give your children something that tastes delicious and is good for them.
1)
What do you think the biggest obstacle is for getting people to choose a healthy breakfast over fast food? Time, convenience, taste, or something else?
I think the biggest obstacle to get people to choose to eat healthy is that not everyone is aware of how easy it is to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your breakfast and other meals.
What advice would you give to parents of picky eaters?
My advice to parents of picky eaters is to set an example for your children. When they see you eating something, they’ll likely want to try it as well.
Sometimes my son doesn’t want to eat breakfast. How do I motivate him when he’d rather be sleeping than eating?
Make him something delicious, like and avocado, mango and berry smoothie, or oatmeal, avocado and agave pancakes! He’ll receive all the nutrition while enjoying something super tasty! If you let your children participate in the kitchen with you (kids love making a mess in the kitchen), they’ll be more eager to participate and eat.
What is your favorite way to prepare avocados?
I prepare avocados in so many different ways that it’s hard to pick a favorite! I especially love to incorporate fresh avocados from Mexico into my breakfast meals, because it’s a great way to jump start your day. One of my favorite ways to use avocados is topped in sandwiches or rolled in tortillas, like in the Melted Cheese Scramble & Avocado Breakfast Burrito.
I was given a promotional item in exchange for posting this information. All opinions are 100% my own.
