Almonds

[Twist]

Why are almonds a part of everyones diet now? I keep on getting clients who say they snack on almonds throughout the day because it is healthy. It's so common and its also so wrong I don't get it. Anyone know where this originated from? I think its from hikers who need energy for long durations and people think its healthy because healthy people eat it when they exercise. Not sure.

[gbrice75]

That's a good theory Twist - 'trail' mix probably got this way of thinking started.

Bottom line is almonds and other nuts have a relatively good fat profile, however they are SUPER calorie dense and to sit there munching on them as a snack... well, I just don't see the point. Better than sitting there munching on potato chips? From a health standpoint - hell yea. From a caloric standpoint - you'd be better with the chips.

[Peytonmanning_18]

I agree throughout the day isn't good, but a handful of almonds a day is proven to reduce your risk of heart disease. So that's good...

[SlimmerMe]

Better than the alternative for me in a BIG way. Plus a quick fix when my blood sugar is down.

[gbrice75]

I agree throughout the day isn't good, but a handful of almonds a day is proven to reduce your risk of heart disease. So that's good...

It has nothing to do with them being almonds, and everything to do with the fatty acids almonds contain. Fish oils would be a much better choice - and impossible to overeat IMO.

That said - I am not disagreeing on almonds being a relatively healthy snack. Just like peanut butter though, WAY too easy to overeat IMO - and super calorie dense. A few tbsp of PB or a 'handful' of almonds (which is always more than people estimate) can easily negate a day's caloric deficit, assuming one is cutting.

If you're trying to gain weight and need extra calories, calorie dense food is the way to go and almonds, other nuts and nut butters will do the trick fast - but you GOTTA watch your fat intake, bottom line!

[Twist]

Better than the alternative for me in a BIG way. Plus a quick fix when my blood sugar is down.

almonds don't have sugar...

[SlimmerMe]

^^ I know. But helps cut thru the craving....

[Twist]

^^ I know. But helps cut thru craving sugar big time.

I see.

[slimshady01]

Almonds are a main source of my fats in a few meals a day. THen olive oil and fish oils.

[slimshady01]

Almonds are a main source of my fats in a few meals a day. THen olive oil and fish oils.

[zaggahamma]

almost like any magazine you pick up and has diet advice for health, etc. they encourage a handful a day or something like that 1-2oz and i think they claim it helps prevent the diseases of the brain as well

[jimmyinkedup]

I dont think there is anything wrong with almonds at all (or many nuts). The problem lies in your clients applkication - eatring them all day would prob result in to many calories. For our pruposes - people who monitor caloric intake and marcos, almonds are excellent as are many nuts - healthy fats , fiber , hell walnuts are even rich in omega 3's. I like : Almonds , walnuts and occasionally macadamia nuts. All raw and unsalted.

I fell kind of funny typing this - im sure you already know it twist - am i missing your point? Are you just frustrated poeple have mistaken impressions of what is "healthy" without regard for macro and calorie content because they read about it somewhere?

[terraj]

Walnuts are where it is, the only omega-3 fat that is found in plant based food.

[jimmyinkedup]

Walnuts are where it is, the only omega-3 fat that is found in plant based food.

flax....
but i agree re: walnuts.....

[Twist]

I dont think there is anything wrong with almonds at all (or many nuts). The problem lies in your clients applkication - eatring them all day would prob result in to many calories. For our pruposes - people who monitor caloric intake and marcos, almonds are excellent as are many nuts - healthy fats , fiber , hell walnuts are even rich in omega 3's. I like : Almonds , walnuts and occasionally macadamia nuts. All raw and unsalted.

I fell kind of funny typing this - im sure you already know it twist - am i missing your point? Are you just frustrated poeple have mistaken impressions of what is "healthy" without regard for macro and calorie content because they read about it somewhere?

I know all the benefits, what I don't understand is the popularity. It's almost like NBC ran a show on how almonds will help you lose weight or something. I mean I hear at least one person per day talking about how they eat almonds in between meals to stay healthy. I understand our purposes but why did everyone all of a sudden choose almonds and why do they think it will help them lose weight? It is calorie dense with fat. I just feel like I'm missing something

[gbrice75]

flax....
but i agree re: walnuts.....

Crappy source though but yea, a source nonetheless

[jasc]

I think the almond craze has come about due to media coverage and lazyness. Its the new fad.... You see articles in health magazines, on tv, etc... While I'm not debating the nutritional benefits of almonds, I think many people use them as a cop out.. Instead of putting in the work or following a sensible diet, they just figure they can eat crap and be lazy but eat a few magical almonds and they are all of a sudden doing something good for their body. Ignorance is bliss..
Now I'm not talking about people who workout/diet/supplement with almonds
I'm referring to the people who do very little to be healthy and are always looking for that new magical food or diet pill to feel good about themselves without putting in any real effort. I see this all day at work, these people don't exercise or eat right and take tips like this from the media so they feel like they're being heath conscious, sad part is this is the majority of americans

[SlimmerMe]

Or maybe this: good news travels fast in the diet community when there is a healthy choice food out there that is easy and quick and prevents a lot of potential issues. Does that sound nutty?

[zaggahamma]

Or maybe this: good news travels fast in the diet community when there is a healthy choice food out there that is easy and quick and prevents a lot of potential issues. Does that sound nutty?

Nutrageous actually

moderation baby

[Kawigirl]

I don't eat them. Personally....I just have no desire and expensive. I choose other fats as my option.

[baseline_9]

I'd say it's just the 'in thing'

U always see it in these crappy girls mags....

Not that I read crappy girls mags LOL I always ask my GF to show me the 'celebrity diet' parts...

[baseline_9]

If I was going to eat nuts I would much rather eat natty peanut butter out of the jar

[zaggahamma]

If I was going to eat nuts I would much rather eat natty peanut butter out of the jar

love doing that....good movie watching snack

[gbrice75]

Please ignore the SPAM above jpk's post.... reported and will be removed soon

[zaggahamma]

Please ignore the SPAM above jpk's post.... reported and will be removed soon

thanks g...i actually ignored it without even thinking about it...i would have reported it also...i guess it looked to much like school to want to look at it

[gbrice75]

thanks g...i actually ignored it without even thinking about it...i would have reported it also...i guess it looked to much like school to want to look at it

[Twist]

Another client just called me to ask me if she can snack on almonds throughout the day... This is my off day! Stop stressing me out!

[SlimmerMe]

^^ LOL! Almonds are following you Twist....I will think of you later today when I have a few.....crunch crunch crunch