May is a perfect time to think about spring flowers, summer vacations and fun and easy healthy meals!  I could eat Mexican food every night of the week, so I have lightened things up with healthy recipes!

1) Appetizer:  Homemade guacamole 

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Avocados
• 1 Small Onion (minced)
• 1 Clove Garlic (Or minced from a jar)
• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1/8 tea sea salt
• 1/2 Tbsp jalapeno (optional)
• 2 Tbsp chopped tomatoes (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Cut open avocados and scoop them out. Discard skin and pits. Use a fork or mixer to blend the avocados until smooth.
   
2. Next, add remaining ingredients.  Serve immediately with natural low-fat corn tortillas chips to keep the calorie count down or even fresh veggie stick. Enjoy!  Remember Avacados are the Healthy Fat that gives you natural energy!

2) Entree:  Black Bean Quesadillas

INGREDIENTS

• 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, preferably pepper Jack
• 1/2 cup prepared fresh salsa (or store bought), divided
• 4 8-inch whole-wheat tortillas
• 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 1 ripe avocado, diced

PREPARATION

1. Combine beans, cheese and 1/4 cup salsa in a medium bowl. Place tortillas on a work surface. Spread 1/2 cup filling on half of each tortilla. Fold tortillas in half, pressing gently to flatten.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 quesadillas and cook, turning once, until golden on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and quesadillas.
3. We like them with black beans, but pinto beans work well too- Beans are the undervalued superfood.
4. If you like a little heat, be sure to use pepper Jack cheese in the filling.
5. Serve with: Serve the quesadillas with avocado and the remaining salsa and a side salad.  See homemade garlic dressing.  These satisfying quesadillas take just 15 minutes to make.

3) Dessert:  Mojito Shakeology

INGREDIENTS

• 1 scoop Tropical Strawberry Shakeology
• 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup oce

DIRECTIONS

Place all ingredients in blender and whirl together.  For a creamier shake, use 4 oz almond milk and 4 oz water or all 8 oz almond milk and add more ice.

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