Wouldn’t we all love to snack to our heart’s desire without worrying about the health risks? Unfortunately, most snacks out there are highly processed and terrible for our overall health–especially if you’re trying to slim down. And if you’re trying to lose weight, you probably know all too well that snacking can be a hard habit to kick. Luckily, believe it or not, there are snacks that are both tasty and healthy. In fact, there’s one crunchy snack that experts say you can eat on a daily basis without being held back from your weight loss goals: nuts!
To learn more about how eating nuts in moderation is a great way to satisfy those pesky snack cravings while also shedding some pounds, we spoke to dietitian Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, author of Recipe For Survival. She gave us a rundown on all the benefits of these delicious, fiber-packed foods. Find all of her expert insight below!
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Almonds, walnuts, or peanuts
Good news for nut lovers! Hunnes says eating one ounce of almonds, walnuts, or peanuts daily is one way to satisfy your snack cravings while also managing your weight. Part of what makes nuts such a fantastic snack for weight loss is the fact that they’ll keep you fuller for longer than unhealthy, processed snacks will. “This is a good snack that won't put on weight because it's very satisfying,” she assures us. “It's got protein, fiber, very healthy fats and it can help prevent you from eating more calories later in the day, and it also prevents blood-sugar swings (which make you feel hungry, even if you're not).”
In addition to the fact that they’ll keep you satiated, all of these nuts are also high in nutrients and provide a variety of health benefits. For starters, almonds are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. They also contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Walnuts are also high in monounsaturated fats and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and improving brain function.
Meanwhile, peanuts are are also high in vitamin E and niacin, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Overall, there are few snacks that are as equally satisfying and healthy as these nuts. So when you have a craving for something crunchy but don’t want to put your weight loss goals at risk, just grab a handful of ‘em and enjoy!
