When you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll face several hurdles. What exercise plan works best for you? What adjustments can you make to your diet? How can you stay full for longer? And, if you do get hungry, what can you snack on?
For a long time, nuts were overlooked as a healthy food source for those who wanted to lose weight, because they’re high in fat.
But, those fats are actually extremely good for the heart. So, while nuts should be eaten in moderation, they are also very beneficial to your health and your weight loss goals.
Below are the 7 best nuts for weight loss we meticulously selected for you after a comprehensive research.
1. Brazil Nuts
Over the past decade or so, the popularity of Brazil nuts has started to spread. It’s used by health professionals across the world, whether they eat the earthy tasting nuts plain or whizz them up in smoothies. And there’s good reason behind Brazil nuts’ popularity.
They’re one of the riches natural sources of selenium, a mineral that isn’t easily found. It’s recommended you eat less than five of these nuts a day, because they’re so packed with selenium, they could cause you to have too much in your system. Selenium is a metabolism booster, which helps your body burn off fat faster.
And, if you’re trying to lose weight, a better metabolism is the perfect place to start.
2. Almonds
Most people know about the amazing benefits of almonds, even if they are high in fat. Studies have shown that adding them to your diet can increase the amount weight you lose per week, compared to those who don’t snack on these nuts.
Almonds are filled with L-arginine, an amino acid that increases how much fat and how many calories your body burns. And you don’t even have to eat that many to get these results. As little as a quarter cup of the nuts a day will be more than enough for you to snack on and get the benefits. Another added bonus? Almonds help keep you full longer!
3. Walnuts
Often lost in trail mixes and granola bars, walnuts are actually a delicious snack all on their own. Like many other nuts on this list, walnuts are full of fat, but they have a little secret.
Walnuts are a great source of polyunsaturated fats, which don’t harm you, but improve metabolism and decrease the body’s need to store fat. Like almonds, you don’t need to eat very many walnuts to get these benefits.
A single serving will give you more than enough of the fat to keep you losing weight.
4. Pistachios
One of the most distinctive and tasty nuts in the world, pistachios are a favorite with many people. And if you’ve always loved pistachios, you don’t have to cut them out just because you’re trying to lose weight!
Studies have shown that having a few pistachios as a snack in the afternoon will help burn fat. These green nuts are also great for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Like all the other nuts on this list, you’ll still have to watch your portion sizes.
And with pistachios, there’s one other thing you should be careful about: Salt. While salt makes pistachios extra delicious, it also isn’t good for your health. So, eat your pistachios naturally and enjoy their many benefits.
5. Cashews
What don’t cashews have? These little nuts are filled with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper, all important for your health. But, the big one there is magnesium.
This chemical has been found to help digestive issues, sleep problems, headaches and migraines, and it helps your muscles stay healthy.
If working out is part of your weight loss plan, and it should be, cashews and the magnesium they have will help your muscles stay healthy as they start growing. This will also help you with your recovery times between workouts.
6. Pecans
Not as high in fats as other nuts on this list, pecans are perfect if you want to add a few more antioxidants to your diet. In fact, pecans have some of the highest levels of antioxidants in the nut family.
They’re also great for lowering cholesterol levels and keeping your arteries clean and clear. If you need a snack that will benefit your overall health, to keep you going when you’re trying to lose weight, don’t overlook the pecan.
7. Macadamia
Granted, these little guys are pretty high in fat, but they’re filled with a healthy fat, or monounsaturated fat. These fats keep your heart healthy and your blood pressure and cholesterol levels low. As for helping you lose weight, because they’re so dense, macadamia nuts keep you full longer.
When you’re starting to get hungry or want a snack, pop a few of these in your mouth and you’ll be taking care of your body and keeping yourself full.
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