0 Nuts

Lets start light.

Before I took a step into shaping a healthier me and dropping the 'couch potato' image. I started off by changing my appetite with snacks. Yes. that's right. Snacks. Instead of snacking on chips and a chocolate bars, I snacked on nuts and berries. In this post, I'd like to share a little trick. A trick that can help you go along way. Helping you change your hunger cravings, appetite and metabolism.

It isn't always easy to control hunger cravings. We all like to snack and nibble on something, whether you're at work or simply in a lecture hall. Snacking on what may seem to be a small pack of chips or sweets can greatly pull you back from reaching your goal. Instead of chocolate and sweets, have you tried snacking on berries and nuts?

Did you know. Walnuts are regarded as the healthiest nut, having a large range
of nutrients packed into a weird little nut. They provide twice as many beneficial antioxidants
compared to other nuts. According to a report in Food and Function. Seven whole walnuts
can provide you with a recommended daily amount of antioxidants and nutrients.

Berries on the other hand are also good for you. Needless to say of course. A study conducted
by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in the States, found that a high intake of flavonoid rich berries can delay memory incline in older women by 2.5 years. Yes 2.5 years of extra memory from indulging in your favourite strawberries and blueberries. Too easy.

Not only will nuts and berries help you nutritionally, snacking on nuts and berries helps your metabolism and appetite. Nuts and berries that are processed free of additional salt and sweeteners can help your body absorb vitals minerals and vitamins. Whereas salty chips and chocolates deprive your body of essential nutrients which will result in your body being in a continuous hungry state due to a lack of nutritious supply.

Next time you're doing the groceries. Instead of picking up a block of chocolate, why not buy some nuts and berries, mix it up a bit, keep things interesting and buy a variety of nuts and berries.

Try to avoid nuts and berries that have extra salt, sugar or artificial ingredients. Toasted nuts and dried berries is what I aim for extra flavour.

RSC Publishing article from Food and Function-Walnuts Research
www.pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2012/FO/C2FO10152a

Brigham and Womens Hospital-Berry Research
www.brighamandwomens.org/about_bwh/publicaffairs/news/pressreleases/PressRelease.aspx?PageId=1130

What are some snacks you substitute sweets and chips for?