"Is avocado fattening?"

I love avocados. I can eat them everyday. Every time I have an avocado, it reminds me of a story one of my sou chefs, Paul, used to tell me.  Back in early 90's (I think), he was living in Australia for a about a couple of years. That point he was cheffing there at the same time he was drinking  and partying hard(typical chef!☺). Spent all his money, no money to buy ticket to go back to England. How he and his house mates survived? They had a massive avocado tree in the garden. They ate avocado everyday, all day for all summer. He told me avocados there were the best, eventually, he saved up money to come back to England. In restaurants, we used to have avocado dishes for starters. It makes yummy, quick and easy starters. Personally, I love avocados and eat quite often. I'm a veggie, need protein. 

Well, every time People (work especially, and who are on fad diet) see me eating whole avocado, they ask: "Avocado is fattening, isn't it, lots of calories. I don't touch it." Christ, how many times I heard the comments... I say to myself, "F**k sake, chances are avocado doesn't have much calories or fat compare to what you eat... products which contains lots of sugar, refined carb, over processed foods...etc...," I could going on and on about it, but I won't☺. I simply gave up telling people how good avocado is. They don't want to listen. Anyway, here's some avocado facts.

1. Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. They also act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit.

2. Avocado (2-3 thin slice)

    calorie: 50, fat:4.5, sat fat:0.5, cholesterol: 0, sodium: 0

    Unsalted butter (2tbsp)

    calorie: 204, fat: 23, sat fat: 14.6, cholesterol: 61, sodium: 164

    Cheddar cheese (1 slice)

    calorie: 414, fat: 9.4, sat fat: 6, cholesterol: 30, sodium: 176

3. Replacing some saturated fatty acids with unsaturated fatty acids lowers both total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) blood cholesterol levels. Studies show replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat, while staying within calorie needs, is more effective in reducing the risk of heart disease than simply lowering total fat intake. Research also supports the importance of improving the fat quality of the diet by choosing better fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are associated with improved blood lipids. Avocados contain both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. 

4. Good fats can lower bad cholesterol levels and are beneficial when consumed in moderation. Avocados contribute good fats to one's diet, providing 3 grams monounsaturated fat and 0.5 polyunsaturated grams fat per 1-oz. serving.

Avocados are cholesterol- and sodium-free, and more than 50 percent of the fruit's fat content comes from monounsaturated fats.

5. 150g avocado contains: 165mg omega 3 fatty acid, 2534mg omega 6 fatty acid, 18.0 mg calcium, 0.8mg Iron, 43.5mg magnesium, 1.0mg zinc, 31.5mg vitamin K, 219 IU vitamin A, 15.0mg vitamin C, 3.1mg Vitamin E .....list goes on and on...

6. Avocado is the only fruits contains monounsaturated fat.

7. If you make fresh carrot juice, make into smoothie with avocado. Avocado helps slow release sugar from carrots into blood stream.

8. Avocado provides all 18 essential amino acid for our body to form a complete protein. Protein in steak is difficult to digest, but protein in avocado is easy to digest due to fiber contents within the fruit. Avocado is ideal source of protein especially vegetarians, vegans or people who cut down on animal protein.

9. Avocado is awesome source of carotenoid. Every time you consume food with high carotenoid, that means you adding high quality vitamin A in your body thereby protecting your eye health. Also enhance immune system and promote healthy functioning of reproductive system.

10. The combined effect of the deluxe package of nutrients contained in avocados offers powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Avocadoes' unique combination of Vitamins C and E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids helps guard against inflammation. This means avocados can help prevent or mitigate against both osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

And goes on and one... I just looked into some avocado facts, there are plenty information out there. This is only a tip of iceberg. I'll leave judgment on you if you still think eating avocado makes you fat. Just remember to even your blood sugar level if you wanna lose weight as well as cut out all shit foods from your diet.  Stop doing fad diet, spend money to go to see nutritionist or dietitian. All diets need to be "custom made". Just because Laura lost weight doing this diet, so "I'll do the same..." change that thinking. It works on Laura, but it might not work on you. Think before you start on fad diet. Don't starve yourself. It's not worth it.  Work on yourself(inner-self). What are your issues? What emotions make you want to eat more? Address your issues and work on them. Good luck.