10 Ways to Enjoy Pecans

By : Jodie Shield | 0 Comments | On : April 13, 2015 | Category : Adults, Kids, Seniors, Teens

Go nuts! April is National Pecan Month.

By: Jodie Shield, RDN

Good things really do come in small packages. Pecans are powerful little nuts packed with body-building protein, hunger-filling fiber, and disease-fighting antioxidants. As if that wasn’t enough. Pecans contain more than nineteen vitamins and minerals, too. Studies have found eating a handful of pecans every day (about 19 halves) provides 200 calories and enough heart-healthy monounsaturated fat to help lower bad LDL cholesterol and prevent heart attacks. Move over pecan pie – here are 10 light and luscious ways to enjoy pecans.

1. Rev up pecans naturally sweet caramel flavor by roasting them in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes or until slightly brown.
2.  Stir chopped pecans into a bowl of cinnamon raisin oatmeal.
3.  Fill a parfait dish with layers of creamy Greek yogurt, fresh berries and roasted pecans for a light breakfast or refreshing snack.
4. Toss pecans into leafy greens, fruit salad, even tuna or chicken salad for added crunch.
5. Top baked acorn squash with a drizzle of maple syrup and handful of roasted pecans.
6. Make a high-protein trail mix by adding pecans, sunflower seeds, peanuts and almonds; then pop it in your workout bag for a quick pick-me-up.
7. Add chopped pecans to banana bread, blueberry muffin, and buckwheat pancake batter.
8. Sprinkle pecan bits over mashed sweet potatoes and sprinkle on a pinch of nutmeg.
9. Mix pecans into your favorite salsa or guacamole dip.
10. Stir-fry fresh green beans with a splash of olive oil then toss in some pecans and shaved Parmesan cheese.

For more healthy, homemade recipes that are super easy to make, check out my app Time to Eat Healthy.

Note: This article was written originally for Fit Studio.