NUTTY FACTS

5 Reasons You Can Lose Weight With Peanuts
authored by Sheryl Kraft
Among the benefits of eating peanuts is one that resonates with nearly everybody (and makes everyone happy, if they love—and previously eschewed—peanuts): peanuts can help with weight loss.

No, I'm not going to present yet another crazy fad diet, like eat unlimited amounts of peanuts and peanut butter and you're guaranteed to drop 10 pounds in one week.

Eating peanuts while you're trying to lose weight seems like an oxymoron, right?

Since peanuts and peanut butter are packed with fiber and protein, they keep you satisfied and full for a long time, helping to manage your hunger.
Because of their protein and fiber, peanuts and peanut butter will stick with you for about 2 1/2 hours vs. the half hour you'll get from high-carbohydrate foods, according to one study.
Peanuts can increase your metabolic rate. When researchers studied resting energy expenditure on peanut and peanut butter eaters, they found that it was 11 percent greater after regular peanut consumption for 19 weeks compared to the baseline.
The fat in peanuts (the "good fat") provides satiety and taste satisfaction, so you don't feel deprived.
Since peanuts stabilize your blood sugar with their low glycemic index (meaning they are digested more slowly and release sugar gradually into the bloodstream), they provide long-lasting energy and decrease cravings.
And now for the fun part. To win, please post your most inventive recipe or use for peanuts by 5 p.m. EST, July 6. It could be an unlikely or unexpected combination or something fairly common but with a twist. We'll choose the most original and announce the winner. As always, make sure to include your e-mail address so you can be notified. Once notified, you must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be selected. Sorry, contest is open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!