Blog Entry

Weight loss appropriate snacks can be confusing when you don't know what you can and cannot have. During my journey to the ideal weight, I have discovered that nuts are both a great source of protein, but they are also satisfying. 

 We are not talking about the snack packs that are covered in chocolate, spices, or other calorie busting, sugary deliciousness. If you are going to indulge in those types of nuts, I encourage you to turn the package over, and look at the number of calories per serving, and to look at the amount of carbs from sugar it contains. We have to be especially careful, because 1 - 10oz package of flavored nuts can contain as many calories as a piece of cake or a sandwich.  

What I recommend is to learn to enjoy lightly salted, whole nuts. Cashews, shelled pistachios (shelled because remember, we are in a crunch and hungry), roasted almonds, pecans, and walnuts are examples of appropriate nuts to eat. Once you begin to eat them, first you get the salty taste, then you get the crunch. Both of these serve to be satisfying as you would enjoy chips or fries. Once you begin to chew is when you get the meaty feel. If you eat enough of these, you will find yourself full and satisfied.   

The other thing I like about whole, crunchy nuts, is that, chewing helps to slim down the face and neck. Not only that, but you also burn lots of calories by exerting yourself chewing. Its not as easy to eat as, let's say, a doughnut, but you will be satisfied, and you will not have the guilt associated with breaking your diet.