Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and magnesium. Eating nuts before a meal can help you to feel full and not to eat as much. Unfortunately nuts are also high in calories. If you are trying to lose weight just 8-10 almonds or walnuts 20 minutes before your meal or as a snack can give you fiber, bulk, magnesium, healthy fats and help you feel full but if you think you can eat them and not control your portion size you will get an unpleasant surprise when it’s time to get on the scale. I use nuts as a quick snack because it travels well, can be slipped into my lab coat pocket and eaten quickly on the run when I have a busy day and need my snacks to keep my metabolism revved up so I can burn those calories. Eating nuts has helped me with my weight loss but portion control is the key.

Nuts help keep you feeling full longer and may help prevent you from eating additional calories. Try a handful of nuts for a snack, eat them one at a time, and chew slowly. Nuts are high in calories and healthy fat. Most nuts contain healthy fats that do not clog arteries. In addition, nuts are also good sources of protein, dietary fiber, and minerals including magnesium and copper.

Have one handful of nuts a day. Choose to eat the nuts slowly instead of in one handful. Why? You will eat less overall.