Mixed nuts..my weakness..

Does anyone else have this horrible issue of once opening a can of mixed nuts (unsalted of course) u just can't stop eating them?

I figure that they are so good for me that they would make a great at the desk snack for work, only I end up not being able to stop at just 1 serving (which is like 20 nuts, 170 cals) which sounds like alot but those suckers are small. Anyway, now I am totally addicted and very worried because they are high in calories. I suppose I could be addicted to worse like chocolates or french fries, but since they are so good for your body is it really that horrible to add those extra calories?

I am currently just maintaining my weight and doing tons of strength training to build muscle and get that 'bikini body' so will eating 200 or 300 calories worth of nuts have really bad body side effects?

Nuts are a terrific food choice but can be rather more-ish!  200 or 300 extra calories of anything isn't going to affect the body beautiful.   But maybe offer them around the office so that they disappear a little quicker.

Original Post by kmw_24:

Does anyone else have this horrible issue of once opening a can of mixed nuts (unsalted of course) u just can't stop eating them?

Like you wouldnt believe! Well, if you knew me because Im very good on portions but its like the salt the sprinkle on them is crack LOL!

Despite my over frugal mindset, I got to the point where I justified buying the individual bags (usually peanuts though, not mixed) at the check out because the can is so tempting.

I also the tins for my mom who is in nursing center and the protein is such a better snack for her as she doesnt eat well.  Its time she deserves to get one tin that hasnt been opened before she gets it though .  I got her a bag and some chocolate - theyre in my car as a precaution (but yeah, the tin was opened). 

I love nuts, they can be a great/satisfying snack but I too have the problem of overeating them.  Now I only buy nuts from trader joes that are prepackaged into little 150-200 cal portions, and I take one with me in my purse in the morning for a snack later.  This works out really well.  If you can't find the prepackages ones you can always portion them out in zip locks yourself.  :)

yes, i know that i cannot buy cashews or they will be gone in two days...i only get the small packs from the gas station every once in a while now since i have no control whatsoever

You could divide the can into individual serving baggies and bring them to work each day?

I like the idea of portioning it out and only bringing one serving size to work.. the only problem is then once I am home how to I force myself to stop then.. hahaha I need someone to hide them from me and only give me one serving a day. It totally bugs tho because I never have issues with portion control except for nuts..

Even though it's a little more expensive, I buy the Blue Diamond 100 cal almond packs for that very reason. I am nuts for nuts. One box in my supermarket is four dollars, it has seven bags, so I get a weeks worth of snack packs.

The only defense I have on that is to portion them out as soon as I open them, before I eat any.  Also, Trader Joe's just started carrying snack sized nuts, for the extra 40 cents a pound it's worth it to me.

I have been having this same issue with trail mix lately.  I never even ate it before and started buying it for my kids to have as a "take and go snack".  So much better then the empty calorie "fishies" or other junky pre-pack stuff.  Anyway, it smelled really yummy to me and before I knew it, I was pouring handfuls of the stuff for myself.  I actually have to "hide" it on myself.  And since I'm barely 5'1".....the top shelves of the pantry are a good spot.  So, yes, I totally relate to this.  And want some RIGHT NOW!!!

I think this kinda relates to the "Peanut Butter is part of the Crack Family" lol. Something about the fats in nuts, I think women crave it beyond anything else when dieting... I'm convinced. I never felt like that when I wasn't dieting. In fact I never had much of a sweet tooth either. Weird.

Anyhow, I have a scale. I weigh out 0.5oz and 1oz baggies, I never have a big cannister of nuts... last time that happened I was bartending, and I would re-stock the bar bowls, and my belly bowl.... until the end of the evening I ate 1/2 the cannister of mixed nuts (COSTCO SIZE!) lol. Needless to say I won't be doing that again.

I log my food in a "skeleton" a week in advance (meaning I got my protein and fat requirements, and my carbs is kinda "play it by ear" per day). I always include nuts... almonds, cashews, walnuts, macadamia, peanuts (anything but brazilians... gross!!) etc. I also find that adding 1/2-1 Tbs of PB to my protein shakes gives me the flavor and smell I am looking for... without too many excess cals

Good luck girl!! 

Original Post by heatherhm3:

I have been having this same issue with trail mix lately.  I never even ate it before and started buying it for my kids to have as a "take and go snack".  So much better then the empty calorie "fishies" or other junky pre-pack stuff.  Anyway, it smelled really yummy to me and before I knew it, I was pouring handfuls of the stuff for myself.  I actually have to "hide" it on myself.  And since I'm barely 5'1".....the top shelves of the pantry are a good spot.  So, yes, I totally relate to this.  And want some RIGHT NOW!!!

 This sounds like my story. Who can just eat a serving size of trail mix? Thats only 1/4 cup, like, a handful. I could eat the whole bag. But it is sooooo many calories. I buy it for my kids but then I end up eating it all.