So many people eat nuts and seeds like they’re going out of style, I have patients tell me they go through half a jar of a nut butter in one sitting?!!
If this is you too, then ask yourself… Why do I have such a strong craving for nuts, seeds and their butters?
If you constantly crave nuts and nut butters and can’t get enough of them, you might be DEFICIENT in NUTRIENTS & frankly CALORIES!
You might have been told that nuts and seeds are good for you, and some of you took that as: nuts and seeds are good for me therefore I can make a meal out of them. ☺️
If you’re not getting your macro and micronutrient needs met from other foods, then of course you’ll turn to these fatty nut butters to calm your cravings and to feel satiated.
As opposed to getting your nutrient needs met through a variety of sources, you’re limiting yourself to one group of foods that may not even be sitting well with you to begin with!
Yes, nuts and seeds can be good, but they are not for everyone and certainly not in huge quantities. And, not when you’re eating rancid and/or moldy nuts and seeds. And, perhaps not when you’re trying to get your GI health back on track.
Consuming too many nuts, seeds and their butters can lead to constipation or at the least slow down your gut motility which impacts your body’s natural ability to detoxify.
Nuts and seeds can also be allergenic and estrogenic – neither of which are really desirable outcomes.
The quality of the nuts and seeds you purchase matter. Depending on when they were harvested, how long they sat and under what conditions before landing in your hands they might already be rancid and/or contaminated with mold toxins.
When I say rancid, I’m referring to the oil content of these foods, and how do you know? By their color, texture and smell. I would say the most obvious indicator is their smell. They smell unpleasant and just off. And with texture, rancid nuts are softer and not as crunchy. And, their taste is a bit on the sour and bitter side.
Excess nut and seed consumption can exacerbate gut inflammation, autoimmune symptoms, weight gain, allergies and fatigue.
So, moderation is definitely key in this case! Think of them as condiments and not the main course.
As always, my goal here is NOT to create fear or to demonize nuts and seeds.
But more so to educate you and encourage you to find your balance with these foods. And, MOST importantly to help you better understand your body and what it’s trying to communicate to you.
There is ENOUGH nutritious foods and good fats out there that you don’t need to be getting all of your calorie needs from nuts and nut butters.
And, if you’re someone who is heavily consuming nuts, perhaps give yourself a break and see how you feel off of them…