Nibble on Nuts

Nuts are a nutrition powerhouse - packed with protein for muscles, fiber for digestion, B vitamins & vitamin E, plus minerals: iron, zinc & magnesium. Nuts also contain a heart healthy mix of antioxidants, the amino acid arginine, and plant sterols. Eating a handful of nuts each day can help prevent weight gain and possibly promote weight loss. The fat, protein and fiber in nuts help you feel full longer, so you may eat less during the day. By helping induce a feeling of satiety, nuts help people feel less deprived, like they're not "dieting." Limit your portion to a healthy handful.

1. Divide nuts into small snack bags for easy snacking at home, office or on the road. Keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy! A handful of nuts can help you resist that gooey sweet roll in the break room at work.

2. Add a sprinkle of nuts to your favorite foods: Salads, yogurt, cereal, pasta, steamed vegetables, pancakes (toss a handful in the batter), muffins or just about anything!

3. Nuts are cholesterol-free and salt-free. Unless salt is added to them, nuts naturally contain just a trace of sodium. So eat the nuts, but don’t add salt!

4. Store nuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 6 months, or a year in the freezer.