If you’re only using avocados to make guacamole and avocado toast, then it’s time to expand your use of the hallowed fruit into pudding. (And yes—avocado is a fruit.)

My favorite recipe—and one that my clients universally love—is a spin on traditional mousse. But because it has no cream and less sugar, you don’t have to feel bad about eating it every night after dinner—which, once you try it, you might decide to do.

But before I give you the recipe, I want to explain exactly why nutritionists, like me, love avocado so much.

It’s low in sugar Despite being a fruit (seriously guys, it even has a pit—it’s definitely a fruit), avocado has virtually no sugar. And decreasing your intake of the sweet stuff doesn't just help you stay thin; it also decreases inflammation throughout your body, which helps to ward off all kinds of diseases.

It protects your heart The poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids in avocado help decrease your body’s bad cholesterol (LDL), increase your heart-protective good cholesterol (HDL), and may assist with improving the function of your blood vessels.

It’s loaded with fiber With 3 grams of fiber per serving, avocados digest slowly. That keeps you full longer, allows your body maintain steady blood-sugar levels, and helps you fight off snack cravings later in the day.

It’s brimming with electrolytes Electrolyte replacement during a race is important—and equally important is maintaining strong levels of electrolytes every day. Avocados deliver with a payload of potassium and magnesium.

Now, the recipe: Chocolate Avocado Mousse Serving Size: ½ cup Number of Servings: 4

You’ll need: 1 medium avocado, ripe ½ cup pumpkin puree (available in cans) 1 4-ounce container of nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt (look for brands sweetened with Stevia over sugar) ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa ½ teaspoon (tsp) vanilla extract ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional) honey to taste (optional)

To make it: Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you have access to an immersion blender, go for it (you’ll need to use a spatula a couple times to help it along).

Nutrition per serving: Calories: 195 Fat: 14.5 grams Protein: 11.5 grams Carb: 24 grams

A note for Spartans Although I’m strongly suggesting more avocado in your diet, I wouldn’t suggest it as part of your pre-race fueling. Those healthy fats and fiber may do wonders for your overall health, but they’ll be right there with you at the start line if you’re not careful—like a lead weight in your gut. So avoid avocados the day before a big race.