Meal prep. Shopping lists. When did it get so complicated to whip up a healthy (and perhaps even enviable)  lunch? I don’t know about you, but I get tired of eating out for lunch more than 3 times a week and I’m quickly bored of eating the same salad, sandwich, and frozen meal day in and day out.

Enter the avocado. Not only does it taste great, but I can fit this superfood into meals when I don’t have lots of time to spare. 

For a quick fix, make avocado toast

Just spread avocado (as much as you’d like) on a few of slices of toast and it’s ready to eat. Or top it with anything your heart desires: black pepper, salt (just a pinch), cayenne pepper, tomato slices, kimchi (a flavorful food that aids in digestion), dulse flakes (a sea vegetable high in vitamins, minerals, and protein), or any other ingredient you want to try.

Or just add avocados to your salad

If toast doesn’t do it for you or you’re trying to avoid wheat, another easy way to add avocados to your lunch is to add them to your salads or rice paper wraps. It goes great with greens, berries, nuts, and beans. Experiment and figure out what combinations work for your palate and your schedule.

Avocados are chock-full of good, monounsaturated fats. These wholesome fats help to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol levels in the body, which have risen in recent decades due to an increase in processed foods in the Western diet. Avocados also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and brain health, and are believed to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. And because avocados are a great source of potassium, they also help control blood pressure levels.

Avocados are high in Vitamins A, C, E, and K, so they help protect your vision and immune system, promotes healthy blood clotting, and are high in antioxidants– which help defend the body against cancer and heart disease. They are a wonderful source of fiber, keeping you fuller longer, and a great anti-inflammatory and anti-aging food, nourishing the skin and joints. And in regards to skin, consuming avocados or avocado oil creates youthful-looking skin, protecting it from environmental damage.

Think of how soft and smooth an avocado is – incorporating more into your diet will help keep your own skin looking and feeling the same way for years to come.

Create lunch envy with this super fruit and your body will thank you. Happy lunching.