This Beliefnet blogger went nuts when she thought her beloved nuts were not going to accompany her on the road to Sveltesville … Until …
Our Lady of Weight Loss whispered to her, “True enough, little nutty one. Nuts are high in calories and fat, but they are yum delicious, good for you and when eaten in small amounts may help to control your appetite.”
Is She NUTS?
Nuts and seeds are nutritious and are a good source of non-animal protein, fiber, B vitamins, selenium, zinc and Vitamin E. They may reduce the risk of cancer, and they have anti-aging properties! They are infinitely better for you than highly processed, empty calorie snacks!
The fat in nuts is pretty high (50%), but it’s mostly monounsaturated fat – the good kind – that helps increase HDL levels in the blood. Most nuts and seeds are naturally low in saturated and trans fatty acids – the two types of fats that are dangerous to the heart and arteries.
Consider including nuts and seeds as part of your daily fat requirement, rather than the usual vegetable oils, margarines or animal fats like butter.
Nuts eaten in small amounts, might help to control your appetite. The fat and protein combo satiates for a longer period of time than carbohydrate snacks. The stomach empties more slowly and the fiber content gives you a sense of fullness.
Now, don’t go completely nuts! Remember, one tablespoon of nuts equals one fat serving.
The Do’s and Don’ts of NUTS!
* DO sprinkle a tablespoon of nuts or seeds on your salad.
* DO add a tablespoon of nuts or seeds to your sandwich. Nice ‘n crunchy.
* DON’T eat nuts or seeds that are roasted in oil! It’s double trouble!
* DON’T buy nuts or seeds that look old or have mold on them. (Did I really have to tell you that?)
* DO eat your nuts and seeds in a reasonably short amount of time, one month tops, lest they get rancid.
* DO try walnut or pumpkin oil for a variety of taste. Use them sparingly and do not heat them (lest oxidation will occur).
And … here’s a Righteous Recipe from Kick in the Tush Club member Marilyn from MI. who has permanently removed 25 lbs. of excess weight (75 lbs. to go!) Kudos to Marilyn for being healthy! (clap, clap, clap)
“I attended a potluck this weekend (oy vey!) and needed something quick, healthy, and different, so I took a quick inventory of my ‘fridge, and this is what I came up with. Got a ton of compliments and had to write it out for a couple gals on the spot.”
Marilyn’s Salad a ‘la Nutty Granny”
Ingredients:
Granny Smith apple
4 cups baby spinach leaves
2 cups torn romaine
1/2 cup of crumbled Feta
1/2 cup of toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
Instructions:
Very thinly slice a Granny Smith apple. (I use a mandoline for convenience.) Immediately drop slices into a small bowl of cool water into which you’ve squeezed the juice of half a lemon. Set aside.
Combine:
4 cups baby spinach leaves
2 cups torn romaine
1/2 cup of crumbled Feta
1/2 cup of toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
Drain apple slices and pat dry. Toss with other ingredients and dress with fat free raspberry salad dressing. Crispy, crunchy, and refreshing. The pink and green colors would make this a very attractive salad if arranged on a platter instead of tossed.
Peanut Butter Smack a.k.a. PB & Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 small ripe banana, broken in chunks
1 1/2-cups cold milk; 1% or 2% or even fat-free#
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (natural or organic)
a splash of vanilla
Instructions:
In blender or food processor whirl all ingredients until smooth, frothy and yum delcious! Makes 2 servings.
More Fat-Burning Recipes!
Lasagna!
Lemon Angel Rocks!
Labor Day Pig-Out
Spread the word, NOT the icing!
Janice
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Required Reading:Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 – Buy NOW!
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