Watching Your Weight? Go Nuts!
Gray hair and wrinkles aren’t the only telltale signs of aging. Weight gain is often a part of the equation, too. But there may be a way to pump the brakes on plumping up, and it involves snacking.
A recent study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health indicates that nuts may be the key to keeping people from gaining weight as they get older. Researchers monitored the weight and nut consumption of more than 280,000 adults over 20 years and found that people eating nuts didn’t gain as much weight and had a lower risk of obesity.
People who made nuts a part of their diet on a regular basis only gained about a half a pound on average per year. Those who rarely ate nuts gained a full pound on average per year. Over time, that’s going to make a significant difference.
How much should you eat? The reports say that a dozen almonds or ten walnuts a day will help to minimize weight gain because nuts are rich in protein and fiber which keep you fuller longer. And since nuts are easy to carry and store, you can keep some in your purse, gym bag, and at your desk so they’ll be handy for a quick snack.
