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I have to admit something.

I don’t always love nuts.

But then I remember that they are kind of a perfect snack, and can be pretty darn delicious from time to time. Everyone likes peanut butter, right?  I just recently came around to raw almond butter, and now I slather it on toast, celery and apples on a regular basis. I would never turn down pine nuts in pesto either.

If you are aren’t yet a fan, try adding some nuts in at snack time or nut butters for breakfast or lunch. Here’s the what, why and how…

What:

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Pistachios
• Cashews
• Pecans
• Pine Nuts
• Brazil Nuts
• Macadamia Nuts
• (peanuts are technically a legume but are usually fall into the nut category)

Why:

• contain fat, protein and fiber
• full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol
• can help reduce the risk of diabetes
• nutrient dense: full of vitamin E, folic acid, niacin, copper, magnesium

How:

• Raw Nuts are best and then roast at home so they don’t go rancid
• Add some flavor to roasted nuts (like curried or herbed nuts)
• As a snack, on salads, or part of trail mix
• Nut Butter – look for natural varieties – the only ingredients should be nuts and/or salt.
• Watch portions! Nuts, although good for you, are very calorie-dense. A serving is one ounce.
• Recipes to Try: Almond-Honey Power Bar, Nut Recipes on Foodily, Nut Recipes on Gojee

Do you have a favorite nut or way to eat them?

Most of the time, I prefer snacks that are high in fat, protein and have at least 150-200 calories or I find myself snacking again 5 minutes later. Current favorites: apple + almond butter or cheese + crackers. (Ok, cheese + crackers isn’t current, it’s constant).

But there are times, *cough* at night *cough* when I’m not really hungry, I just want something.

Here are the “snacks” that aren’t really snacks  - for those times when I want something but don’t need it.

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Low Calorie Snacks: 

• miso soup (you can use instant or make your own with miso + wakame)
• tea
• a few olives
• raw veggies like celery, cucumber
• high-water fruit like watermelon, grapes, melon, etc.
• frozen fruit bars
• frozen vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans
• seaweed snacks
• roasted asparagus
• brothy soups
• leafy salads with a splash of olive oil and vinegar
• dill pickle or sauerkraut
• sliced tomato with drizzle of olive oil, salt & pepper
• tomato juice
• air-popped popcorn
• grilled scallions (we had these all the time in Mexico growing up)!

Any favorites to add to the list?