That's Just Nutty!

Being from the South, I grew up on peanuts. I enjoy eating them any way they come, from boiled peanuts to peanut butter. Even though I've known for years that peanuts aren't really nuts, I still lump them in the nut category like everyone else. For those of you who may not have heard, peanuts are legumes, not nuts. Here's something I didn't know until more recently - peanuts are at risk of aflatoxin contaminaton.

Aflatoxin is one of the most carcinogenic substances known. It's a complex of toxins formed by fungi that frequently contaminate stored nuts, and these toxins can cause liver damage. At highest risk are peanuts. Because of this risk, I've thought twice about buying peanut butter. In fact, I've gotten in the habit of using almond butter as a replacement; and it's delicious.

Many of us have strayed away from including nuts as a regular part of our diets. This is probably due to the bad rap nuts get for high caloric and fat content. However, research has shown that people who eat nuts regularly tend to be thinner than people who don't. Not only that, nuts can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Nuts are packed with protein, essential fats, antioxidants and B vitamins that are necessary for metabolism and cell growth.

Here's a list of some of the healthiest nuts:

1. Walnuts - Considered the healthiest of all nuts, and they provide many nutrients some of which help protect against arthritis and promote better cognitive function.
2. Almonds - My favorite raw nut. They help stabilize blood sugar and have a high calcium content.
3. Cashews - Can help build strong bones because of their high magnesium content.
4. Pecans - Can help decrease LDL, the "bad" cholesterol.
5. Brazil Nuts - Have high levels of selenium that may help prevent breast cancer.
6. Macadamia Nuts - A great source of B vitamins.
7. Pine Nuts - A substance found in this nut may act as an appetite suppressant.

So, stock up on your nuts. I carry snack-sized sandwich bags full of almonds in my purse. They are a quick, easy and yummy snack.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: David had corn flakes with unsweetened soy milk. I had Amazing Meals vegan protein pack blended with almond milk, banana, blueberries and strawberries

Lunch: Leftovers from previous meals

Snack: Ants on a Log - celery spread with sunflower seed butter and topped with raisins. My friend, Hilary, who hosted a playdate for my 1 year old and his friends served up this fun snack.

Dinner: Feel Your Oats Burgers made with oats, veggies and spices with a side of homemade sweet potato fries tossed in olive oil and sea salt.