Question:
peanuts have more calories than cashews, but more protein, I'm so very confused!

So I needed to have a snack, because I'm hungry. At the little convenient store they have 1 1/2 ounce bags of peanuts and cashews. The cashews were 270 calories (170 fat calories) and 6g of protein. The peanuts were 320 calories (240 fat calories) and 12g of protein. I have no clue which would be better? Can someone give me insight on what to choose? Should I be looking at the calories, or the protein?? I walked out of the store with nothing! Thanks in advance.    — Michelle J. (posted on November 20, 2003)

November 20, 2003
Michelle, If you were a DS post-op, I'd tell you to choose the one with the higher percentage of fat. But since you're an RNY post-op, I'd say choose the lower calories. Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

November 20, 2003
I'm not sure if this helps or not but, since about 4 months post-op rny (150cm bypassed), I have consumed about 8 pounds of cashews....okay, not 100% on my own, but close! Even though they are high in calories and fat I haven't seen it slow down my weight loss, at all. As a matter of fact, I am now down 129 pounds in 9-1/2 months....and started out as at 274 as a 'light weight'. Now peanuts, they make my tummy feel icky....so, cashews it is! Good luck to you!
   — eaamc

November 20, 2003
I don't know if it will matter to you or not, but peanuts and cashews are not nuts (not genetically part of the nut family - they are roots - peanuts and fruits - cashews). A far better choise would be true nuts and/or seeds. Almonds and macadamias, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. The fats in these are incredibly healthy in reasonable amounts and the protiens are high with a lot of fiber to give a low net-carb count. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 20, 2003
Michelle- You can have effective long-term weight loss by controlling carbohydrates. As long as you are limiting your daily carb intake to less than 40 (which appears to be the break point for many people), you will lose weight (assuming you are getting in at least 60 grams of protein). So, although I would advise you to choose the nut with the highest protein-to-carb ratio, neither one will really hurt you in moderation. Just try to not graze on them throughout the day. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

November 20, 2003
I eat all kinds of nuts and enjoy them alot. I was told by the dietician not to worry about calories or fat at all. We are not absorbing the fat much and not eating enough calories to stress about that. Look at the carb count first and subtract and dietary fiber to get an accurate carb count. Then look at the protein count. If these are both a good number for you then enjoy. Just remember your portions and like someone elese said don't get into the grazing habit. The rule given by our dr's for carbs is no more than 10 carbs per meal(3-5 small meals a day) while in the losing phase. Hope this helps.
   — Kelly R.

November 20, 2003
I eat cashews almost everyday and I am at goal. I have eaten them since about 3 months out. I usually have them for a snack. They are a healthy snack and don't seem to have affected my weight loss at all. Good Luck!! Open RNY 9-12-02 down 125+ lbs
   — Sharon1964

November 21, 2003
My nutritionist told me to stick with cashews,almonds or walnuts instead of peanuts because of the lower calories. He said that with and without WLS, a person has to burn more calories than what is taken in to lose weight. We have to stay within 1000-1500 cals a day and 50-80 grams of protein a day. Good luck to you. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 125+
   — Siddy I.