National Almond Day

Happy National Almond Day! Active people are always asking me about healthy snacking options and with February 16 as National Almond Day it is the perfect time to talk about the benefits of one of my favorite foods. I am proud to be teaming up with the Almond Board of California to host a giveaway celebrating the healthfulness of almonds to one of my readers.

Just post a comment on the ways you enjoy almonds and a winner will be selected to receive an almond cookbook and almonds in several forms for snacking or making heart healthy almond appetizers, entrees, salads and desserts.

I've had the good fortune to visit almond orchards during the harvest and you can see from my photo that not only do almonds look heart healthy, they are! The American Heart Association recommends eating nuts, legumes and seeds at least four times a week as part of a heart healthy diet. Almonds pack a nutrition punch with nutrients that are good for your heart. One serving (1 ounce or about 23 whole almonds) contains 35% of the antioxidant vitamin E and that is more than any other tree nut. Almonds are also a rich source of fiber and monounsaturated fats; all recommended for reducing your risk of heart disease.

For active people, almonds have other great benefits. One serving contains 6 grams of protein and 75 milligrams of calcium to support muscle and bone health. Many of you are exercising to lose or maintain your weight but don't fear the calories in almonds. Research from the USDA shows that almonds contain about 20% fewer calories than what is stated on the label. So, your 100-calorie snack pack of almonds only provides 80 calories. When we eat nuts, especially hard nuts like almonds, the cell walls are not completely broken down and the fat contained inside the cells does not get absorbed so you get fewer calories but will all the great taste and nutrition.

If you are looking for satisfying snack that is:

• a good source of protein
• rich in vitamin E
• high in fiver
• calcium-rich
• gluten-free
• tasty
• crunchy
• and, delicious, almonds check all the boxes.

For more information and great recipes visit the Almond Board of California at www.almondboard.com. Tell me your favorite way to snack on almonds before February 16 to be eligible for a cool giveaway. (Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this post but the Almond Board sent me the almond bundle to enjoy and that you can also enjoy!)