Go Nuts on National Nut Day!

Any national food day is worth celebrating, and even better when you can partake and still lose weight. That’s the thrill of National Nut Day! Nuts are sources of heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber. The research supports these superfoods: people who eat nuts regularly are more likely to be able to control their weight than those who don’t!  

So how can you enjoy nuts this National Nut Day? We have a few ideas for great-tasting, high-protein, low-carb products and recipes – take a look!

Almond

There’s no better choice for a snack or meal than a Chocolate Almond Nutty Bar with a cookie-like base and a chocolate coating. It has 160 calories and 15 grams of protein to tide you over, plus vitamins and minerals to keep you nourished if you use it as a meal replacement. You can do a search for almonds in The BariatricPal Store to see almond options including Vanilla Almond Protein Cereal and Almond Protein Biscotti.

Pecan

Nothing says “decadence” like pecan pie, except possible a Caramel Butter Pecan Protein Bar. Get the pecan flavor and crunch from its cookie-like base, the sweet stickiness from the caramel layer, and the sense of satisfaction from the creamy chocolate finish. Skip the guilt of a 600-calorie piece of pecan pie as you know this bar has only 160 calories while delivering 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.

Hazelnut

What about hazelnut, one of the most versatile but overlooked nuts? Don’t depend on chocolate hazelnut spread for your fix, unless you are prepared to take in 20 grams of sugar at once. Instead, what about Hazelnut Cocoa Cream Shake or Pudding for 100 calories? You can have it whether you are on a solid food, pre-op or post-op liquid, or post-op pureed food diet. Just mix it with water to prepare it.

Peanut Butter

They are not technically nuts, but peanuts are the same nutritionally. Peanut butter goes with anything, and when you choose Peanut Butter Protein Powder, you can get the taste without the calories. Each 2-tablespoon serving has 45 calories, or less than ¼ the amount in peanut butter. Spread it on carrots, add it to shakes, and mix it into Protein Oatmeal, for starters. The rest is up to your imagination!

You can feel free to go nuts this National Nut Day! There are plenty of products in The BariatricPal Store, and you can also use nuts plain for snacks, or in recipes such as green beans almandine, pecan-crusted tilapia, and frozen banana puree with walnuts. Enjoy!