Nuts????

[Miffy]

Are they good for you bad for you when dieting.

 

If they are good, how many should you eat, which are the best options?

 

All the health books seem to suggest snacking on nuts but I thought they were high in fat?

[ReluctantRomeo]

Originally posted by Miffy

All the health books seem to suggest snacking on nuts but I thought they were high in fat?

 

It's a relative concept. For various reasons (including the fact that protein fills you up), nuts are more of a diet snack than crisps/chips or chocolate And dieting is not the only health issue out there - the fats in nuts are better for your heart (albeit just as calorific as bad fats).

 

You're better off snacking on fruit tho, IMO. Or some nice olives.

[sophia34]

Nuts are very good for you, and are a great part of a healthy eating plan. Like anything you eat, however, their calories COUNT.

 

1/4 cup of most nuts (about a handful) = 170-180 calories. That's a serving. Don't eat handful after handful of nuts at one sitting and expect to lose weight!

 

A handful of nuts as a snack at mid-morning or mid-afternoon is a great way to keep well fueled. I have a handful of mixed nuts almost every day, often with half an apple or with a few dried cranberries mixed in.

 

Yes, they are high in fat, but it's monounsaturated fat--this is the GOOD kind of fat for your body. Good for your heart, for everything. You should eat some good fats (from nuts, avocados, olive oil, etc.) every day, always factoring their calories into your overall count for the day.

 

Low-fat and low-carb diets are impossible to stay on for the long term, in my opinion. GOOD fats, GOOD carb, high veggie, high fruit, portion-controlled eating plans that allow some treats now and then are the way to go.

[Ejames]

Nuts are great but try and stick to raw nuts.

[reservoirdog1]

As far as crunchy snacks go, nuts are one of the best. You have to exercise moderation, however, because they ARE fattening. However, it's heart-healthy oil.