Why You Should Eat Nuts, Not Candy, This Year
By Genevieve Cunningham
The holiday season is a time when we all tend to eat a little more than usual. And more specifically, we tend to pack on the sugary pounds. Cakes and pies and bags full of candy are the norm for kids and adults alike. But is all of this sugar, even when it’s tied to this holiday season, actually harming our health? Maybe. If you’d like to make your Christmas season a little healthier, take a look at why you should trade in the candy and reach for a bag of nuts instead.
Nuts Contain Lots of Protein
One really great benefit of eating nuts is the large amount of protein that they contain. Nuts are heavy with this important nutrient, especially for their tiny size. So why is protein good? Protein keeps us feeling fuller longer, so you’ll be reaching for fewer snacks with this nutrient added to your diet. It also helps you burn fat and build muscle, as long as you’re also exercising regularly. Instead of grabbing a handful of candy, which provides zero nutritional value, reach for a handful of nuts and get a blast of healthy protein.
Nuts are Still Guilt-Worthy
OK, let’s just all admit it. One of the reasons that we love the food at this time of year is because we’re really not supposed to eat it. It’s guilt-inducing … which makes us feel as though we’re getting away with something. The good thing about nuts is that, even though they are incredibly good for you, in a large quantity nuts can also be bad. Nuts are actually very high in fat, so you’ll want to keep track of just how many you eat. This allows you to get the healthy benefits, but you’ll still get that holiday satisfaction of breaking the diet rules.
Nuts are Good for the Brain
Because of the fats that are in nuts, and also because of the fact that they contain a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, nuts are great for brain function. Your brain needs both of these to keep the synapses in the brain lubricated and working efficiently. People who eat a moderate amount of nuts on a regular basis often have greater memory retention, quicker mental reflexes, and more efficient function later in life. So in that regard, grab your nuts and enjoy them guilt-free!
Nuts are an excellent addition to any menu. They’re healthy and delicious and they make the perfect quick and easy snack. Enjoy your holiday treats by eliminating a little bit of that candy and replacing with this healthier option.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.