Oh Nuts!
Before I started my healthy eating plan it would be nothing for me to snack on an entire bag of chocolate or eat a plateful of cookies or brownies. I was a chocoholic you might say but all that changed last July when I was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. I stopped eating sweets cold turkey and switched to healthy snacks. Now my favorite snacks are trail mix or just a handful of nuts.
Health Benefits of Eating Nuts
Nuts are high in fat, low in carbs, and a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Nuts also contain antioxidants which can protect your “bad” LDL cholesterol from damage caused by free radicals. Some nuts are considered high calorie but they can also help in weight loss. Studies show that your body doesn’t absorb all of the calories in nuts as a portion of fat stays trapped within the nut’s fibrous wall during digestion. A package of almonds may indicate that a 1-ounce serving has 160–170 calories but your body only absorbs about 129 of these calories. Since nuts are fiber, they help you feel full and reduces the number of calories you absorb from meals.
My favorite nuts with high fiber content per 1-ounce serving are hazelnuts (2.9 grams), almonds (3.5 grams), and pecans (2.9 grams).
I like to keep a variety of nuts on hand and grab a handful as a snack. They are also great to add when baking. I love adding pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts to my homemade banana bread or add slices almonds to green beans or a salad.
I would have to say my all time favorite snack is my homemade trail mix. I use almonds, cashews, peanuts, dried fruit and toss in some organic coconut. I don’t even miss my chocolate snacks! This is a blog I wrote with my trail mix recipe: http://themarthareview.com/delicious-trail-mix-recipe/
Nuts are also great when traveling for a quick and easy snack. They aren’t messy like chocolate and easy to carry in a zippered bag or small storage container. They are filling, healthy and delicious!
Hi Martha,
I am a fan of nuts and seeds too.
I often add them to a salad as well.
Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (Pepitas) are usually added before the olive oil and either apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
We love balsamic vinegar also Doug! Since I ditched the sweets, I’m loving my new snacks of nuts and dried fruit. Thanks for visiting!
Nuts are my favorite snack also but I do add some chocolate to my home made trail mix 🙂 Love those pictured trail mixes
When I was eating chocolate, I would add M&M’s to my trail mix but now I double up on the dried fruit. I don’t even miss the chocolate and that’s something for someone who could eat an entire box of Whitman’s chocolates in one sitting! LOL
I love nuts and fruits! My favorite thing to do it to put it in some unsweetened vanilla greek yogurt.
Oh that sounds yummy Alyssa, I’ll have to try that! Thanks for visiting and the yogurt tip!
I wish I could eat just a handful of nuts. They’re addictive!
Yes the are Anna Maria but at least they are healthy!
So well written
Thanks Rich, I’ll share some with you!
I love Nuts as well and try and keep Walnuts or Pecans on hand for snacks during the day. Although, I will pick up Planters Mixed Nuts because Charlie and David like Cashews.
I have to go along with Charlie and David, I love cashews too! Thanks for stopping by for a snack Glenda!
Nuts are such a great snack! And they are so versatile! I love snacking on them!
I like how “portable” nuts are Sarah. I always carry a bag of nuts when traveling, it’s a great snack and filling. Thanks for stopping by!
Nuts are so healthy, you’re absolutely right. Hazelnuts will forever be my favourite nuts, especially mixed with some dark chocolate.
When I made my organic almond joy bars I didn’t have almonds so I used Hazelnuts, delicious!! I think I’ll dip some nuts in organic dark chocolate, that sounds good! Thanks for the idea Pernille!