Are You Nuts?

The big three pound bag of almonds sits prominently in the front of my pantry. When I open the door, I spy the nuts first. Like the cereal companies who all fight for shelf space at eye level, I’ve tricked myself to spot my healthy snack. So I bypass the Cheddar Goldfish crackers and grab a handful of nuts.
Named as one of Natural Health Magazine’s top 25 Power Foods, almonds pack a big punch. As a vegetarian, I need to make sure I get protein. The almonds work for me, but there are other reasons to eat these nutrient dense nuts. Almonds are loaded with fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and other antioxidants and phytochemicals. Although they are higher in fat than some snacks, almonds contain the right kind of fats-monounsaturated and some polyunsaturated, so they help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol, while not touching the high-density, or good cholesterol levels. The trace nutrients in almonds are hard to find in other whole foods.
And, the almond was eaten in Biblical times. It is one of only two nuts mentioned in the Bible. Knowing that our Christian ancestors consumed the humble nut makes me feel even better about my snack decision. I wonder if Jesus and the Disciples packed a little bag of almonds for their days on the road? When I know I’ll be away from home for a few hours, I fill a Ziploc with some almonds. Instead of stopping for a snack, I have my healthy alternative along.
So go a little nuts…put away the unhealthy, crunchy snacks and grab the almonds.

By Kathy
www.lessonsfromthelaundry.com