When the snack attack strikes at 3pm, swap your biscuits for a handful of almonds
Not only can almonds help you lose weight – a study published in the International Journal of Obesity revealed those who eat almonds lose more weight, and keep it off too – one handful can provide 65 per cent of your RDA of vitamin E!
Almonds are also rich in calcium and magnesium, essential nutrients for fighting premenstrual syndrome, and also contain prebiotics that can nourish healthy bacteria in our gut.
Use almonds along with other nuts to replace proteins such as red meat in stir-fries, salads or pasta dishes, or try one of our three great almond recipes below.
Nutty Flapjacks
Good for: keeping you fuller for longer
Makes 12
Nutrients per serving:
- 150g butter
- 50g light brown sugar
- 100g golden syrup
- 225g porridge oats
- 75g chopped nuts – almonds, pecans or walnuts
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- Pre-heat the oven to 180ºC/fan 160 C/Gas 4. Lightly oil a 23 cm (9 in) square baking tin.
- Put the butter, sugar and syrup in a heavy-based saucepan and heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted.
- Remove from heat. Combine the oats and nuts. Transfer to the tin, level the surface and bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until golden brown around the edges and still soft in the middle
- While still warm, score into 12 bars with a sharp knife.
Spicy Nuts
Good for: healthy snacking
Serves 4
Nutrients per serving:
- 100g mixed nuts including almonds, peanuts, cashews and pecans
- 1tbsp olive oil
- 1tsp honey
- ½tsp cayenne pepper or chilli powder
- 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
- ½tsp ground cumin
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- Preheat oven to 180°C/ fan 160°C/ gas 4.
- Mix together ingredients with ½tsp sea salt and black pepper.
- Roast on baking tray for 15-20min, tossing occasionally, until nuts are golden.
Almond Hummus
Good for: boosting digestive health
Serves 6
Nutrients per serving:
- Large tin chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 rounded tbsp almond butter
- 1tbsp olive oil
- 1tbsp lemon juice
- ½tsp smoked paprika
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- Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Serve as a dip with crudités or use as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
This article has been adapted from longer features appearing in Healthy, the Holland & Barrett magazine. Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies.