Question:
Why do we crave nuts and how can I wean myself off of them?

I never use to eat nuts regularly before this surgery. Now I go through cans of nuts like they were water. I know, I know just dont buy them. I have heard lots of folks in the chat room say they also eat lots of nuts. Is it because we dont absorb the salt from other foods we eat so we crave salty nuts? Is there something else I could be eating to help me curb this craving?    — SARose61 (posted on October 18, 2002)

October 18, 2002
I eat roasted unsalted peanuts still in the shell. They are high in protein and you don't get all the salt and processing in the canned nuts. My surgeon approves of them as a protein snack. And, it takes a while to shell them so that slow you down a bit. I buy the and divide them into individual servings in zip lock bags - and I'm allowed one bag a serving and that's it.
   — Patty_Butler

October 18, 2002
The info meeting I went to before wls said that one man gained all of his weight back by eating nuts all day. Makes sense since they are high in fat and calories. Just FYI, You must need salt and protien in your diet to crave them. I think when the body craves things it's missing something. Try eating salt plain or find high protein foods that are high in sodium. Good Luck!
   — ZZ S.

October 18, 2002
Try soy chips. Barbecue is the best flavor and they have protein in them. Lots less calories, but you still get the crunch and salt. Or you can try WOW chips-low in calories and fat, crunchy and salty-altho they are carbs. Nuts, though good for us especially early on, are high in fat and calories, so a small amount a day is OK but not a whole can!
   — Cindy R.

October 18, 2002
When I went through my salt craving I bought the stick pretzels and it worked for me. They are low fat and salty:)
   — Lynda T.

October 18, 2002
I am also a nut nut. :) I love cashews. The way I broke my addiction was to start tracking my calories on www.fitday.com. Once I saw what a big chunk of calories was taken up by an ounce or two of nuts, I "magically" forgot to buy another can when I finished the one I had. I do like to have them around in the afternoon because they make me feel really full, but I have been trying to reign in my calories and for that they had to go. I'll bet if you are really eating that many of them you will STOP after you keep track for a couple of days. I don't know about you, but I totally lose it if my calories get close to 1800!
   — ctyst

October 18, 2002
I don't know why you'd want to get off the nuts. They are an excellent source of protein. I go to my local health food store and buy them UNSALTED. Otherwise they are way too salty for me. And, by the way, SOYNUTS have the most protein, and are excellent.
   — Karen B.

October 18, 2002
I thought it was just me. I am crazy about nuts and sunflower seeds now. They are a great source of protein and better than the hershey kisses I used to eat so I am not too worried. I eat them like crazy and I lost 97.5 pounds so far in 5 months.
   — Linda A.

October 18, 2002
Hi. I don't know that eating nuts is a bad thing. Lots of protein. I DO relate that once you get started they are hard to put down and walk away from them. So I started buying the 99 cent bags of cashews, that way I am limited and once they're gone, that's it. The big can of cashews, it's dangerous for me to have it in the house. Good luck on your journey. May you reach all your dreams and goals.
   — Annie H.