A Handful of Almonds

One Serving of Almonds

Singing the praise of the humble almond!  Even if it isn’t really a nut, but the pit of an almond fruit.

I will certainly write more details and minutia of how I lost my 50 pounds.  It is the theme of Janet Eats, after all.   Nuts, the almond in particular, played a very important role in my weight-loss journey.  Bottom line: I started to lose weight because I cut my carbs.  We’re not talking the Atkins Diet here.

It started simply enough with advice from my physical therapist, the brilliant Ming Chew.  It was he who performed on me his miracle treatment, The Ming Method, when I was hobbled by excruciating hip-joint pain.  He counseled me to limit carbohydrates because they were the culprits causing the inflammation that led to my malady.  He suggested 50 grams of carbs a day.

I had always rejected even the concept of a low-carb diet.  But, I would have done anything to stop the pain!  The weight loss was a by-product of this medicine.  Once I started seeing the pounds melt away, I became motivated and inspired.  I proceeded to incorporate the low-carb approach into my ongoing Weight Watchers® program.

I had no idea that cutting carbs would curb my appetite.  And, a whole world of delicious snacks was opened up to me.  Almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, filberts, even an occasional peanut or cashew — all became my friends.  Who doesn’t want to eat a handful of nuts.  1 ounce portion of almonds = 4 Points® in Weight Watchers parlance.  And, they’re good for you!  As detailed on the non-profit site: The World’s Healthiest Foods:

Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats as are found in olive oil, which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease. Five large human epidemiological studies, including the Nurses Health Study, the Iowa Health Study, the Adventist Health Study and the Physicians Health Study, all found that nut consumption is linked to a lower risk for heart disease.

Takeaway tip here: grab a handful of nuts for that afternoon snack.  They fill you up, they feel a little sinful, and they’re good for you!