I quite often get asked all sorts of questions about exercise, diet, and what’s good and not good to eat or drink. I received this message recently, from someone working out what’s good and what’s not good to eat as part of a healthy diet. It’s a BRILLIANT question because it highlights the difference between a healthy diet and a calorie-controlled diet. Read on!
Trust me when I say that a healthy diet and a calorie-controlled diet can be worlds apart.
YES, walnuts are healthy.
YES, they are high in fat.
And HELL YES you should be eating them (unless you have a nut allergy of course).
Walnuts, and all nuts, are a lovely rich source of good fats. These polyunsaturated fatty acids are a lot healthier for us than saturated fats.
Here’s how;
- contain masses of plant-based Omega 3. This helps maintain and repair every cell in your body.
- an energy source for your heart, lungs, blood supply, and immune system…
- rich in antioxidants.
- help to control cravings and unhealthy eating patterns if eaten as part of a balanced diet.
- promotes a healthy gut.
- balance your mood.
- may decrease inflammation.
- may lower blood pressure.
- contribute to the avoidance of diabetes.
- may help prevent some cancers.
Yes, it’s true they are calorific – all that goodness comes with a price! Walnuts should not be eaten by the bag. I’d suggest no more than 5 walnut halves each day if you feel you need a snack. Of course, if you use them as a meal base for say a Nut Roast or Stuffed Peppers you’ll eat more. But that meal will leave you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
In short, one calorie is not the same as another calorie.
Eating 300 calories of chocolate will leave you feeling regretful, thirsty, fat, and tired.
Eating 300 calories of healthy food like walnuts will do you goof, power you for hours, enable you to forget food cravings …and put you in a better mood!
If you feel you need more help and info about what makes a healthy diet please contact me here. Just ask!