Is This The “Healthiest” Snack EVER?

By Kevin DiDonato MS, CSCS, CES


Do you know what the BEST snack is for a “healthy” diet?

No, it’s not fruit…

Those awesome Superfoods…

Or even yogurt.

It’s ALMONDS!

That’s right, the little old almond, according to a new research study, is the snack of choice for those looking to improve their health and shed some serious poundage.

Take a look for yourself…

Almonds: The Healthiest Snack Choice

Almonds are simply a powerhouse of nutrition.

They contain the omega-3 fats, have roughly 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein per ounce, and have plenty of the heart-healthy antioxidant, vitamin E.

Most people who consume almonds daily, frequently pair them with a piece of fruit, such as an apple, banana, orange, or peaches, just to name a few.

The reason most people consume almonds: Due to their extensive nutrient profile, almonds have been shown to aid in heart health, weight loss, and appetite control.

In regards to appetite control and fat loss, clinical studies have shown that almonds – due to the fiber and protein - may increase the satisfaction hormones produced by your brain.

This could lead to better portion control.  And that could equal better fat loss and overall health results.

And guess what?  A new study confirms….

Almonds are the go-to snack for a “healthier diet.”

Here’s what the study found…

The initial goal of the study was to assess the benefits of consuming a mid-morning snack of almonds (either 28 grams or 42 grams) and the effects this snack had on the satiety (satisfaction) response.

On the test days, the subjects consumed breakfast followed by a snack (different sizes) to see the effects on lunch and dinner meals.

They found that the group snacking on the mid-morning snack of almonds had significant decreases in food intake at both lunch and dinner, in a dose dependent manner – even though caloric intake remained the same throughout the day.

They concluded: “Almonds might be a healthy snack option since their acute satiating effects are likely to result in no net increase in energy consumed over a day.”

The Take Home Message

Snacking is one of the keys to a healthy diet.

And one of the go-to snacks for most people happens to be almonds.

They are chock full of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that could make them the healthiest snack around.

Most people pair almonds with a low-calorie fruit or vegetable, making it a perfect snack to satisfy your cravings.

So next time you get those hunger pangs and want to bite down on something that may not fill you up, consider trying almonds as YOUR go-to snack.

And if you want an even better snack that satisfies your cravings, then consider having a shake made with THIS awesome protein source!

References:

Hull S, Re R, Chambers L, Echaniz A, Wickham MSJ.  A mid-morning snack of almonds generates satiety and appropriate adjustments of subsequent food intake in healthy women.  European Journal of Nutrition.  2014 Sept 3.