All the tips and tricks needed to shape up for 2012. Each day brings new, expert advice on how to look your best and live life to the fullest, while having a little fun doing it.
Food & Drink
Day
18
Go Nuts
Nuts got a bad rap during the low-fat craze of years past. They were thought to be too high in calories and sodium. But raw nuts (in the right portions) are actually the ultimate snack. Packed with protein, fiber, nutrients and healthy fats, they build muscle, ward off risks of heart-disease and cut your cholesterol. In fact, the best nuts are like crunchy multivitamins that just happen to taste great with a beer. Here's what you need to know (in a nutshell) to nosh wisely.
Almonds
Benefits: Lowers cholesterol. Boosts energy and digestion. Rich in vitamin E and amino acids like leucine which helps build muscle.
Serving: 24
Nutrition: 160 calories, 6g protein, 4g fiber, 14 g fat
Walnuts
Benefits: Improves blood flow and coordination thanks to antioxidants and B-vitamins. Contains a day's worth of omega-3 fatty acids.
Benefits: Technically a legume, these "nuts" are abundant in protein and healthy fat, along with resveratrol, the heart-healthy flavonoid found in red wine.
A serving is 1 oz., which roughly equates to a handful. The ideal serving would be one to two handfuls a day.
FYI
Toasting nuts intensifies their flavor and texture (without any of the extra fat of roasting them in oil). To toast: lay them flat on a baking sheet and stick them in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes.