A is for Absolutely Amazing Almonds

Like most nuts, these are not only fantastic for your heart but rich in antioxidants, densely packed with important nutrients and a handful, or 23 Amazing Almonds (about 1 oz.), a day can really keep the doctor away. So move over apples, there is a new boss in town.

Almonds top out with the most protein per bite for nuts (6 grams), as well as fiber (3 grams) and calcium (75 mg). They are also the lowest calorie nut too! But the bragging doesn't end there. They are a source for Vitamin E which helps to reduce free radical damage to the body. Also those 23 Almonds you're now eating every day is about 35% of your Daily Value (DV%) needed for that essential antioxidant.

So with all that said, what else could these tasty morsels do? They fight hunger with their fiber and provide you with mono-unsaturated fats, the "good" fats. Not only that but they serve as a prebiotic to help produce good microflora in your intestines and aid in digestion.

I found this nifty little Conquer Those Cravings application to see how you can incorporate a little Almond essence into your life instead of the tried and true popcorn, chips or candy.

Since almonds are in such an abundance in most grocery stores (even as a replacement for good ol' peanut butter, if you are looking for a lower saturated fat alternative or if you have a peanut alergy), I expect everyone to be lowering their cholesterol and gaining in heart health everyday from now on.

So go over to the bulk bins at whole foods and find a favorite, or pick up a bag at Trader Joes. I like the Dry Roasted Organic Almonds, but you can always go for the spiced or maple almonds. Although don't forget, unsalted is usually a better choice, for health purposes. If you need a little salt and spice though Try these Chipotle-Roasted Almonds.

So chop then up into a bowl of oatmeal, toast and toss into a salad, or snack on a handful a day to keep a craving away.



My boy and best friend is a fiend for these :

Almond Butter-Jelly Tortilla Rolls

Ingredients:
2 Organic Flour Tortillas (preferably the 8 inch kind, or whatever you like. The Gluten Free Rice Tortillas a good too!)
3 tbl divided Organic Unsalted Crunchy Almond Butter (Trader Joe's brand rocks.)
2 tbl divided Organic Low Sugar or Sugar Free Jelly ( Your favorite flavor of course. I like Blackberry or Boysenberry. But today I am showcasing my Cranberry-Strawberry Jam from this winter, a little star anise and cardamom really kicked it into its full potential similar to the recipe in the Q blog.)

Directions:
1. Toast tortillas in a dry skillet on medium high heat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until toasted to your liking. Try not to burn then, all those carcinogens will cancel out the positive effects of the Almonds!



2. Let cool slightly and spread 1 1/2 tbl of Almond Butter down the middle.
Follow with 1 tbl of your jelly on top of that. Repeat for second tortilla.
3. Roll bottom in 3/4 inch and then roll up side closest to you like a burrito!
4. Devour. 

Remember portion size is key here, so try to measure your ingredients and it will save you calories in the end.

These are excellent for breakfast, lunch and just do one roll up as a snack! Genius Joel. Truly Genius.