Almonds

I eat Almonds almost everyday. 

Do I absolutely LOVE them and crave them? Are they the most delicious snack I could choose? 

NO! No, they are not. I typically eat the salt free, raw kind, and there is nothing too  tantalizing about them. However, they are so super duper healthy, and for that reason, I make sure I eat them often. 

When your hungry for a snack, it's easy to act on impulse and grab whatever your initially craving, (or whatever is available) that isn't necessarily nutritious (Ice-cream, pretzels, chips, or a cookie). 
I usually go for something sweet! But this is what I do to keep myself in check...

I grab a handful of almonds (I like to keep them in the freezer. They don't freeze, they're just nice and cold!), and I eat them along with my treat. This really works for me. It balances my blood sugar levels, fills me up, and keeps me from over indulging. So instead of eating 3 cookies, I will eat a handful of almonds, and then only 1 cookie. I'm happy, satisfied, and I didn't deprive myself from what I really wanted. 

Also, I love fruit, and I have found that if I eat a few almonds or nuts with a piece of fruit, that will hold me over for a long time, and also satisfy me even if initially what I wanted was icecream, or a cookie...  

It's a brilliant trick to play on yourself! Finish reading the wonderful benefits of eating almonds, and try my trick on your next snack break!

• Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals!
• Almonds help provide good brain function
• Almonds nourish the nervous system
• Almonds alkalize the body
• Almonds provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss
• Almonds reduce the risk of heart attack
• Almonds lower "bad" cholesterol
• Almonds protect artery walls from damage
• Almonds help build strong bones and teeth

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Sources:
www.care2.com
www.whfoods.com