Go Nuts, Boost Your Weight Loss Efforts

Looking to make delicious recipes that can supercharge your health and your weight loss efforts? Nuts are a surprising way to boost energy and calm hunger while you gradually slim down this spring in time for summer bikini fun!

Great news, right? And need recipes ideas? Don’t fret there are plenty to choose from in the 24/7 Energy Cookbook.

Fat Can Boost Your Weight Loss Efforts??

Fats for weight loss? It might seem counterintuitive, but not getting enough good quality fats along with other vital nutrients in your diet can sabotage your weight loss efforts.

Here’s why: Getting the right amount (between 30-50 grams) good quality fats can trigger “leptin”, the hormone that tells your brain that you’re full — so you eat less. But the key here is “good quality fats” (like mono- and polyunsaturated ones), since transfats and saturated fat (not from grass-fed sources) can trigger inflammation in the body which can block weight loss.

Nuts are natural hunger-busters, not only because of their fat content but also because of their protein and fiber content. All nuts contain fiber, which helps lower your cholesterol while anchoring your blood sugar. But most nuts, especially peanuts, contain other slimming nutrients. I consider peanuts the unsung heroes when it comes to building lean muscle mass, because they contain the non-essential amino acid called L-arginine. It’s being studied for its ability to lessen body fat while helping to build lean muscle mass at the same time.

Skinny Tips for Enjoying Nuts

Since nuts are high in good fat, they can be caloric, so portion size is key — and a small amount of rich-tasting nuts goes a long way! Aim for a small handful (10-12 nuts) as a snack or use a few tablespoons of chopped nuts added into meals such as smoothies, salads, and breading for chicken or fish fingers as a way to boost protein, good fats and fiber.

Seven-Minute Salmon

Salmon and peanuts are too high protein superfoods that taste great together. Even if you’ve never cooked fish before, this is a simple, no mess delicious way to do it!

Serves 4

2 small limes, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons reduced-fat peanut butter
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
Nonstick cooking spray
4 6-ounce boneless wild salmon fillets, skin on

Preheat the oven to 425° F. In a small bowl, mix the lime zest, lime juice, peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger and garlic. Heat large skillet over high heat. Coat the skillet with cooking spray and place the fillets in the pan, flesh side down. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, until salmon starts to brown. Turn fillets over; turn off the heat. Spoon the lime mixture over the salmon and slide the skillet into the oven. Bake 7 to 8 minutes, until the salmon flakes when pressed with a fork.

Nutritional Stats Per Serving (10 ounces): 265 calories, 19 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates, 10g fat (0 g saturated), 109 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 817 mg sodium.