Get Nutty - Daily Dish

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Registered: 04-01-2005
Get Nutty - Daily Dish
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Thu, 09-20-2007 - 7:15am

Daily Dish | The South Beach Diet
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11/26/2004
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Get Nutty, Snack on Nuts

Fall is a season of cooler weather, changing leaves, and bountiful nuts. That's right, most tree nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, chestnuts, and pistachios) are harvested during the fall months. And people living the South Beach Diet lifestyle know that nuts are a satisfying and nutrient-dense snack that you can enjoy in all Phases.


Nuts are low in cholesterol and saturated fat and high in good monounsaturated fat, protein, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid and niacin. While nuts used to be condemned for their high fat content, they're actually a beneficial addition to your diet — because they contain the right fats. Numerous studies suggest they may offer protection against heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

Nuts can be eaten raw (fresh from the shell) or roasted and can be used in cooking. Raw, unshelled nuts keep very well — six months to a year when stored in a cool, dry place. Shelled nuts can turn rancid more quickly and often require refrigeration or freezing, but some will keep for three to four months at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Finally, while nuts are good for you, too many can undermine weight loss, so they should be enjoyed in healthy moderation (for instance, 15 walnuts, almonds, or pecans, or 30 pistachios at a time).

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Thu, 09-20-2007 - 8:07am

A little bit more interesting info on nuts:


Go Nuts

Don't you just love it when a study shows one of your vices is actually good for you? First there was coffee being chock full of antioxidants. Now researchers have found your weakness for almonds could help you lose weight. Eating an ounce or two of them a day may help keep you slim.



That was the conclusion researchers from Purdue University came to after tracking the weight and eating habits of women who ate almonds daily for 10 weeks, then didn't for another 10 weeks. Interestingly, the women didn't gain weight when eating the nuts, as expected.



When researchers looked closer, they speculated that the high fiber content in the nuts was possibly offsetting their fat content, meaning while the servings weighed in at 344 true calories, in reality they may have only counted as 77 actual calories. Another theory: When the women ate the nuts, they felt more satisfied, and simply ate less throughout the day. Either way, almonds win! Another bonus, almonds are a good source of magnesium and vitamin E, two nutrients most people don't get enough of. So go ahead, go nuts!

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