Friday, June 25, 2010

What I'm Eating...

I just wanted to write a quick post on an easy, yummy, healthy snack idea that you should consider.  I call it my Nut Mix.  It's nothing fancy or creative.  I have been telling most of my patients about it and they kept saying "I never thought of that", so I figured you might have never thought of it either.  And I am here to enlighten you! 

Nut Mix
  • 1/4 cup almonds
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 1/3 cup shelled sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries    
          Mix all ingredients together.  Serving size: 1/4 cup per day.

Keep in mind that all of these nuts should be raw: no salt, no sugar, no nothing!  You can add whatever dried fruit you would like, I happen to like dried cranberries or dried cherries.  Remember, only put a small portion of the dried fruit in the mix.  If you don't like dried fruit, feel free to substitute dark chocolate chips instead. Again, this is my "special" mix, these are the nuts I am into at this time, but feel free to vary my recipe to whatever you like!  KEY POINT:  Once you make a batch of the Nut Mix, scoop out 1/4 cup only as a portion size! 

Benefits:
     Almonds: Research has shown that the nuts actually lower blood cholesterol levels. 90% of the fats in almonds are unsaturated, and the nuts are high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. Almonds help prevent osteoporosis and they regulate blood pressure.
    Walnuts: One of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as Vitamin E. They also have significantly higher amounts of omega 3 fatty acids as compared to other nuts.
    Sunflower Seeds: The various health benefits of sunflower seeds can be attributed to the high levels of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, selenium, protein, copper, folate, iron, zinc and B vitamins that it contains.
    Dried Cranberries: Cranberries contain powerful antioxidants, which can cut bad cholesterol, and help fight infection. 


I hope you enjoy this tasty snack as much as I do.  Lately, I have been sprinkling a little of the mix over my salad greens...which I am eating tonight...again!

Have a fabulous weekend!

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