If you’ve got a case of the munchies, the healthy nutrients in nuts can give hunger the one-two punch. A relatively inexpensive on-the-go food, nuts have been touted as a dieter’s best friend, and for good reason. Studies show nuts can help us live longer and eat fewer calories in a given day, thanks to slow-digesting fiber and protein. Plus, they contain heart-healthy fats that can help lower cholesterol. But is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? Follow along to learn the ideal serving size for peanuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios and more. These 200-calorie portions might surprise you!
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Here’s What 200 Calories of Nuts Looks Like
Nuts for Nuts
Can’t keep your hands out of that jar of nutty goodness? To keep your calorie count in check, divvy up those peanuts, cashews and pecans into serving size portions (small Ziploc bags work great). And if you’re opting for a trail mix that includes sugar-added dried fruit, pretzels, MMs or other confections, remember those handfuls will add up — fast. Just a half-cup of the sweet and savory stuff can run you 350 calories and 23 grams of fat. Not quite the nutritional makeup of a guilt-free snack.
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If you’re one to grab that choco-nut mix by the scoopful, try adding some popcorn, brown rice cereal or bran flakes to infuse something a bit more substantial to your pre-workout or afternoon snack. The complex carbs will help kick hunger to the curb, and keep you feeling fuller longer. Snacking smarter can be tough, but a little prep work — and some mindful eating — can go a long way.
Originally published July 2014. Updated July 2017.
