Which is the best (ok, safest) nut to try as I embark on Rung 3?

[Slapshot]

Of the acceptable nuts, here are my favorite, in order:

1. unsalted sunflower seeds
2. unsalted almonds
3. macadamia
4. pistachios

All things being equal, I'd probably go with the almonds for the extra health benefits.

Any particular wisdom on thoughts for which ones to try as I move to Rung 3?

Thanks very much...

[Elizellen]

When I saw the subject of this thread I thought to myself "Unsalted almonds and sunflower seeds" so we are on the same wavelength here

I find it hard to regulate eating only one ounce of macadamia nuts (we only get the salted ones here and they are very 'more-ish' for me) so I make them into macadamia nut butter instead as soon as I buy a pack and use it in a recipe or two instead of snacking on them.

Another tip would be to immediately divide a large pack of any nuts into individual small bags or container so you have an ounce in each and can more easily see how many you are eating I decided on this tactic after somehow eating a half pound of unsalted almonds over one weekend

I found some sugarfree sweets (for my husband btw ) at the petrol station in a small container which happens to hold about one ounce of almonds, so I don't even have to weigh out the one ounce I keep in my bag 'for emergencies'.



I now have enough of the empty packs to decant a whole bag of almonds into as soon as I get them home to help me resist the temptation of an opened half-used packet of them

[Slapshot]

Thanks! Glad to see I'm on the right track. I failed Atkins last time because I inducted for a few months, then took the elevator up to Rung 9 (and beyond). Not going to make that mistake again...

I'm toying between the 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds and 22 almonds. I think I'll go with the almonds to start, simply because they're easier to handle/count. I like the tip of premeasuring. I'll definitely do that if I find it too tempting to stick to the 22....

[imagood1]

I eat both -- but normally only eat 1/2 ounce (14) almonds. I measure the sunflower seeds and put them into a small bowl on the table. I snack on them off and on during the day especially after exercising. I haven't had any problems with gaining since I added nuts. I had pistachios earlier this week (after getting sick on them when I was 5) and they were "ok" but not something I'll be wanting often. Macadamia nuts are another that don't interest me....Brazil nuts..that would be another story - I know to stay away from them and walnuts!!

I only buy unsalted nuts -- I don't add salt to anything while cooking OR at the table - haven't for quite awhile.

[msanjelpie]

2 weeks ago, I added 22 almonds to my protein shake, it was kinda crunchy, I should have ground the almonds before adding them to the shake...

Last night I added ground walnuts to a vanilla yogurt smoothie, it was fantastic. I bought some natural peanut butter... I'm going to try some with some celery... Enjoying rung 3 so far

[liv]

Macademia is the best as it is the fattest. (I am allergic to it - that is sad)
After that is would say whatever is safe that is not making you go overboard. I avoid a lot of nuts because of that. Almonds I stick with. I can use them as food without going crazy.

[chinadoll]

I am like Liv. I try hard to avoid peanuts and pistachios because I cannot do portion control (peanut butter is tough too) but I like to divide my bag of almonds into one ounce portions and keep them handy for in the car. If I am late getting to a real meal I eat 1/2 an ounce. If I am still hungry I eat the other half ounce. Almonds seem to be the easiest to eat in small doses for me. Not so much a fan of Brazil or cashews. Love macadamias but they are too expensive on a regular basis. DH loves the seeds--just not my thing except to add to salads.