Raw Nuts:Nature’s Secret Weight Loss Weapon
10 Jun 2009
Living “green” has become a very popular topic right now. People are quickly realizing that we need to take care of our bodies naturally to improve our health and to lose weight permanently.
Adding raw nuts to your diet is a crucial step for holistic weight loss. These little power houses can save you in a pinch and will actually help you to shed those unwanted pounds. Remember: Eat fat to lose fat!
Eating raw nuts do not create the calorie intake that you’d expect because 5% to 15% of calories are not absorbed by your body. This is due to the skin on the nut and how well the nut is chewed up in your mouth. Both have a tendency to influence digestion. Because of the slow caloric release, you will feel much more fulfilled and your appetite will gently be surpressed.
All nuts are high in protein and healthy fats. Out of all of the different types of nuts, almonds and walnuts are the healthiest.
What they will do for you: Build muscle. In addition to having protein, almonds have an adequate amount of magnesium, which is crucial to building muscle. Fight cravings by eating 24 almonds for a snack or before a meal then immediately follow them with a drink of 8 ounces of water which will suppress your appetite. The water causes the fiber to expand in your stomach making you feel more full.
Major nutritional factors in almonds: fiber, potassium, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, monounsaturated fats
Other healthy replacements: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, avocados
Impostors: smoked nuts, peanuts, salted nuts
How to introduce into your diet:
- Add chopped nuts to your oatmeal.
- Put a small handful in your blender when making a smoothie.
- Add chopped nuts to your ice cream.
- Eat a small handful of raw nuts 15 min before your meal to curb your appetite
- Add chopped nuts to a bowl of fresh fruit
Dr Charles Livingston is a structure/function doctor who specializes in advanced nutrition and weight loss. He is also the author and creator of http://www.greenlifeweightloss.com which teaches healthy “green” principles for shedding weight fast naturally.