Question:
How much

I eat a 2 oz portion of salted, roasted Planters peanuts for my mini-meals sometimes. I'm concerned about the fat content. My nutritionist told me I need a certain amount of fat, but how much is enough and how much is too much? I'm slowly losing (I've been a slow loser the whole time), but, if I nix the fats, can I be losing quicker? Any help from you knowledgable folks will be greatly appreciated.    — Lisa S. (posted on July 31, 2003)

July 31, 2003
Unlike carbohydrates and protein, fats do not either negatively or positively affect the way your body metabolizizes sugars and decides to either store or use your body fat. For weight loss purposes, fats are a concern only in the amount of calories they carry. You are probably not taking in enough calories to be worried about the fats. Unless you have some other medical condition where a higher fat content causes you problems, I wouldn't worry about it. Get your protein in first, and the rest will take care of itself. When you are much further out, and taking in a lot more calories, then you might need to worry about the caloric content of fats, but right now, don't.
   — Vespa R.

July 31, 2003
This is according to my nutritionist: If you are eating less than 1000 calories per day then it really does not matter how much fat you are eating as long as you are getting the recommended amount of protein each day. AND if you are getting the proper amount of protein then you probably are not eating more than 35-40% fat max. I eat peanuts if I am on the go. It only takes a little to satisfy me and as long as it it not my staple food then who cares. Our diets are a compilation of what we eat over the course of a week not what we eat for one meal or for one day. That said if you are eating over 1000 calories per day then you might want to keep track of the fat and see if cutting a little helps. Good luck!
   — Carol S.

July 31, 2003
Nuts! They have sustained me when I have gone through periods of not having much of an appetite-- they give me some protein and not too many carbs. Keep your portions small, chew them well and vow that you won't have them every day. I think that using them as a small snack every few days has helped with my weight loss.
   — SteveColarossi

July 31, 2003
the fats in them are great for your hair and skin, as well as keeping the plumbing working :>)
   — [Deactivated Member]