Are Nuts A Good Snack For Weight Loss

Weight loss is something many of us are trying to achieve, and some of us are more successful than others. It can be hard to lose weight, especially if you’re on a diet that restricts what you eat.

The problem with many weight loss diets is they can leave you hungry or are so restrictive that they become boring and frustrating.

Many people struggle with snacking and eating on the go. Foods that are easy to prepare and can be eaten quickly are the biggest problem many of us face in our diets.

So what’s the answer? Nuts!

Why Are Nuts The Perfect Weight Loss Snack?

Nuts are quite possibly the perfect snack as they are healthy and are quick and easy to prepare. Nuts are a quick and easy snack that can be easily kept in your bag or desk and munched on at work or on the go. This makes them a perfect snack in terms of convenience and ease with minimal preparation.

Nuts offer healthy fats that are good for heart and brain health. They all contain fiber, which is essential for your digestive system. Additionally, fiber can make you feel full for longer so you’re less likely to snack on other, sugary and non-healthy snacks.

Nuts are also high in Vitamin E, which is beneficial for your arteries and can help to prevent heart disease. They can also help to lower your low-density lipoprotein, or ‘bad cholesterol’. High low-density lipoprotein is one of the leading causes of heart disease and strokes. Many other snacks that are this quick and convenient are nowhere near as healthy.

There are many diets that advocate nuts as part of the allowed food as a quick and easy snack. For example, The Paleo Diet focuses on only eating foods that were available in the Paleolithic era, which includes nuts, seeds, meat and other plant-based foods.

The Best Nuts That Make A Good Snack For Weight Loss

All nuts are about equal when it comes to calories per ounce and contain high levels of omega 3 and protein. Some nuts contain plant sterols, which are often added to many foods due to its health benefits. However, nuts have plenty of this naturally, so make them a good snack for weight loss.

It’s best to eat nuts, which are dry roasted or raw without any coatings or flavorings. Always check the labels. The nuts with the lowest number of calories are:

• Almonds. A top choice because they contain many complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates will ensure you feel satisfied and full up from just a handful of almonds, and won’t be tempted to reach for the sugary, unhealthy snacks shortly afterwards.
• Cashews: Magnesium in cashew nuts helps to regulate the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates, which may help you lose weight. Cashews are relatively good sources of protein, which is key to losing weight.
• Pistachios: These nuts have also been shown to reduce BMI in individuals and help contribute to effective weight loss.
• Brazils: These are incredibly healthy and good for weight loss. Two brazil nuts contain more than your daily allowance of selenium, which is crucial for metabolism, the immune system, and reproductive health.
• Walnuts: These nuts have high levels of polyunsaturated fats, also known as the good type of fat. A handful of these can help with weight loss and overall health.

In contrast, the highest calorie nuts to snack on are:

• Macadamia
• Pecans

However, as long as you eat them in reasonable portions they will still be healthier than many other snacks out there.

When Nuts Become Unhealthy

Be careful when eating nuts as they are high in calories. Moderation is key as eating too much of them at one time can easily tip the calorie count to 500 or more.

• Nuts are mostly fat, and while it’s the good kind of fat, they are not recommended in high quantities.
• The nuts that are salted or covered in some kind of topping or coating are much unhealthier than perhaps many of us realize.
• If they’re paired with any kind of sugary or salty snack or accompaniment, they become unhealthy and you’re often no better off than snacking on the usual unhealthy snack foods.
• Even nuts that are advertised as roasted can be unhealthy, as they will be roasted in oils that aren’t good for us at all.

What Should You Eat Before & After Your Workouts?

Your body also needs a certain kind of nutrition in each stage of an exercise workout. People are often amazed at how small dietary changes can reap huge results with their fitness goals. Whether you want to build muscle or improve your cardio performance, this free report, 15 Foods To Eat Before & After Your Workout provides details on the foods and snacks you should eat to help you achieve better nutrition and a new personal best.