Natural Muscle May 2015 | Page 50

FOOD Darla Leal, LCPT STAYHEALTHYFITNESS.COM Stay Healthy Roasted Egg in Avocado Roasting egg in an avocado is a creative and healthy way to get in your protein, fiber and healthy fats all in one fabulous meal. The meal takes minimal prep time, clean up, and the presentation … beautiful. Stay Healthy Roasted Egg in Avocado Ingredients: 1 large Haas Avocado 2 large organic eggs Favorite roasting vegetables: cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and peppers were used in this recipe Minced garlic, from the jar Basil Pesto, from the jar Organic Extra virgin olive oil Feta Cheese, optional Fresh ground black pepper, optional Preparation: Heat oven to 450 degrees. I use one large round low-profile rim stoneware for roasting, but any roasting pan will do just fine. Rinse and dry all vegetables in a colander. Rough chop cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and peppers and place in roasting pan. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil; add a heaping tablespoon minced garlic, and a heaping tablespoon basil pesto. Use your hands and thoroughly coat all vegetables with the mixture. Sprinkle the vegetables with optional Feta cheese for a delightful tang in the meal. Roast the vegetables for 20 minutes. While the vegetables are in the oven, slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and enlarge the center hole to accommodate the eggs. Pull the rack slightly from the oven without removing pan to add the avocado. Use a spoon, stir the vegetables and create two areas to place avocado halves in the roasting pan. Crack the eggs into the avocado centers; some of the egg will run over the top and into the vegetables. Place roasting pan back into the oven, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until eggs are cooked to your liking. I prefer a soft yolk that will run and add flavor to my vegetables. Garnish with fresh ground pepper and enjoy! 50 Natural Muscle Magazine May 2015 SIDEBAR: AVOCADO IS A HEALTHY FAT Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat, which is a “good” fat that helps lower bad cholesterol, as long as you eat them in moderation. They are considered a nutrient all-star and offer nearly 20 vitamins and minerals per serving. Avocados are a source of potassium, lutein, folate, B and C vitamins, and vitamin E which help the body manage blood pressure, reduce the risk of disease and cancer, maintain healthy eyes, and cellular repair. They are low in sugar and high in fiber which provides a feeling of satisfaction for hours. In fact, one study has shown that adding one avocado slice to an afternoon meal helped with weight loss and suppressed appetite for at least three hours after consumption.