I just wanted to share something I've learned along the way in my Lap-Band journey, that I am hoping will help others.

I have never been one to subscribe to the whole counting calories, fats, etc. while losing with the Band. I have been very vocal that I believe getting to the right fill level will make you much more successful than trying to 'have self-control.' The Band, for me, has SIGNIFICANTLY dimmed my appetite in where 'self control' is just a natural thing. I think like a thin person now. I eat when I am hungry, and stop when I am satisfied.

In the past few months, I have been trying to be very mindful of what I put into my body. More fish, veggies, nuts, healthy fats, more nutrient-dense foods. I've gotten to a very healthy weight and paying myself back, by treating my body with the utmost respect, is the best thanks I can give to myself, and to my Band.

One of the changes I have made is the DAILY addition of almonds to my diet. I eat a serving of almonds for Breakfast. One days when I am tight due to Water issues, or the band being fickle, almonds still work well for me, so I will choose them as a Protein source if meat doesn't agree. 1/2 to 1 serving when I eat them satisfies me, and I eat the ones without extra oils added. My favorites are the Blue Diamond Jalapeno Smokehouse Almonds, but I also like plain, ones with sea salt, and ones with cinnamon. I also make my own by buying raw almonds and roasting them with chili powder. Almonds have become a mainstay for me, and they have replaced other foods that are not so good for me like white carbs, etc. They ARE higher fat and calories than those things I am replacing. However... here is the kicker. I've lost few pound with the addition of them to my diet. I was quite happy at 138, and figured that was where I was meant to stay, but over the last month and a half, I have dropped to 133. My skin is clearer, I have more energy, and I in general, feel BETTER. I am not attributing this ALL to almonds, but I want to put this out there. If you're suffering from a plateau, want a BETTER protein source than just meat, and want additional health benefits, the addition of these healthy nuts will ADD to your health and weight loss. DO NOT be 'scared' of the fat. Americans in general focus too much on the fat aspect, when more and more information is coming out showing that fat is NOT where our focus should lie... Here's some more info I found, and I hope this helps someone... it sure has helped me!!

Almonds Aid Weight Loss and Lower LDL Cholesterol

so ironic you posted this today.

DH has a late night snack thing & after losing his weight he thought he could go back to the chips/sweet stuff.....we'll he's packed on 20lbs (he's also banded).

i just stocked the house back up w/the raw nuts (almonds/walnuts) fruits/veggies/.....all the stuff we had in the house in the beginning.

btw - he sneaks in the chips cause that is my downfall , cake means nothing to me.

good post!

I agree............I do a small serving of almonds most days. I LOVE the cinnamon ones you mentioned. Everything you said I would agree to.........

Love the "crunch" from them also........makes me think I'm having something more "sinful" LOL

They also take a while to chew up which means I don't overeat on them.

I haven't noticed they really help my weight loss in particular, but they do have some good health benefits. I've been eating more blueberries too this summer.....

As you mentioned, you do need to be mindful of the calories and fat content, but I whole heartedly agree!

I eat loads of nuts, and I often have a good handful of nuts and an apple for a meal.

I find the same thing, when I eat nuts regularly, my skin is incredible. My hair is healthier too. The good fats are great for your body, good for your heart etc.

they are high in fat and thus calories, but its healthy fat and for most bandsters, calories are not the problem they were, you eat less so you can afford to eat foods like nuts.

My favourites are macadamias, mmmmmmm.

We had a gastro bug in the house the other day, Eliza was puking, and I felt quite strange all day. I didnt get sick but my stomach just would not accept food, everythign substantial burned and I was tight as tight. I ate nuts all day, lol. I just had a couple here and there.

I too have started incorporpating almonds almost daily for the past two weeks. I get the Blue Diamond varieties and have also tried Walgreen's brands. I agree that they do have more calories but fewer carbs and good fat & protein. They are more filling than the 100 cal snacks and other snack items. I have bad constipation and since eating the almonds, I notice more regular BM's without the need for assistance from medication for constipation. Don't know if the almonds help with this or just a coincidence.

Just yesterday someone at work introduced me to almonds with sea salt. Yum! I've always loved nuts, and they really do make me feel like I'm eating something sinful!

Great thread!

Debbie

Sadly...nuts are (for me) an addiction. I have had to swear off of them. While some people may have a sweet tooth, or indulge in chips//backed goods, or can't resist chocolate, for me it is nuts. Any kind. I could (and have in my pre-banding days) sat down with the huge bags from costco, and ate in one sitting all the nuts. Even post banding, I could eat lots of them...all the time. B'fast, snack, lunch, snack,supper,snack....they go down easily and are so darned tasty.

I love 'em. Too much. So, no more. I have gone without them now for a few months. one day at a time. :biggrin::drool::biggrin:

Pre band I never really snacked on them but had them occasionally-- I find now with the band that I love trail mixes and the nuts especially-

I think I'm gunna try this Almond treck.....

Thanks for the 411:smile2:

That is such a good idea i was getting so tried of eggs or oatmeal for breakfast and it is so fast just put a severing in a bagie and away you go. Thanks so much for the post.

Another pound gone today!! I can't believe it!!! These nuts aren't magical, but my gosh, they sure make a difference... and the Fiber really DOES help with keeping things on track...

I bought a big canister of the Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds from Sam's Club yesterday and I have got to say, they are DELISH. No added fats, only a TINY bit of sugar, and they are divine. Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds

I hope others get the benefit I get... the nuts are truly a great addition to our whole family's diet. I made a GREAT Chinese Roasted Pork salad the other night and added some crushed peanuts and pecans to the salad. The family ate it up like they hadn't seen food in days, and the nuts made it extra filling.

Unfortunately I can't tolerate most tree nuts. They make me nauseous.

BUT I can eat peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios and cashews. :tongue2: I need to incorporate them more. I like to eat them but after so many years of dieting, it's hard to change the mindset that they ARE okay and in the smaller quantities that we are eating, aren't going to do any "damage," weight-wise.

Gotta love that dieting mentality. NOT!!!

Avocado works exactly the same way because it's high in natural fats. I don't like almonds but I wouldn't say no to cashews or pistachios. But I always heard that nuts where sometimes a problem food with people?

I will block up on almonds every time, something about the texture of them, I do find them very difficult. But peanuts, walnuts, cashews and macadamias are no problem.

I'm preband and have a stupid question.. how many almonds are in a serving. My container says one ounce is a serving.. well, how many almonds is that?

It is usually about 25 almonds in a serving...

I have been on an almond kick too! I agree that they do fill me up.

I buy the prepackaged 1 serving bags, you get 7 in a box. That way I don't over-indulge.

I open a bag and just grab a few throughout the day because I am a grazer and I'm always looking for something! (bad habit, I know). This really helps curb the munchies.

They are great!