If you’re allergic to nuts of any kind, avoid them to prevent a reaction.
From pecans and pistachios to walnuts and almonds, nuts are simply delicious. Perfect to munch on at the 9 to 5 or to toss in your purse before heading out the door, it’s no wonder nuts are a staple snack for many. But you may have heard that they lead to weight gain due to their high fat and caloric content.
One study, published in the medical journal Obesity, showed that people who consumed multiple servings of nuts per week were less likely to gain weight. Another study, printed in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, reported that eating peanuts as a snack led to less calorie intake throughout the day.
Turns out, there’s no need to resist these tiny yet mighty morsels in fear of gaining weight, Sis. And if you’ve already eliminated nuts from your diet, you could be missing out on a host of benefits that may help you slim down. Just ask Andrea Mathis, an Alabama-based registered dietitian nutritionist and the owner of healthy food blogs Beautiful Eats & Things and Little Eats & Things. “As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I consistently recommend incorporating nuts into a balanced diet for their remarkable ability to curb hunger and provide a satisfying, nutrient-rich snack option,” Mathis says.
Consult with a health professional before making any changes to your diet.
The nuts and bolts
Mathis praises nuts for being a “powerhouse of essential nutrients,” including healthy fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated), protein and fiber. “This unique combination not only promotes satiety, but also contributes to a steady release of energy, making them an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight and maintain healthier eating habits,” Mathis explains.