This Thanksgiving you’ll likely be worshipping the humble pecan – and who could blame you? These delicious nuts are not just the perfect filling for your pie, they’re also loaded with impressive health benefits – here are a few reasons to add an extra handful to your plate this weekend. 

The benefits of pecans

Pecans are the hero of Thanksgiving – and a healthy gut! They’re packed with magnesium, fibre and immune-boosting zinc. The soluble fibre in pecans isn’t just good for fighting constipation, research shows it also reduces blood sugar levels and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, making it a heart-healthy snack. One study found that adding just over 40 grams of pecans to your diet reduces the risk for heart disease significantly through its positive effects on insulin resistance.

Add some pecans to savoury or sweet dishes for an extra health boost – whether it’s a refreshing summer salad or our Thanksgiving Pecan Pie. Find it in our all-new Ultimate Sugar-Free Thanksgiving Cookbook. Our flavour-packed recipes will thrill even the biggest of Thanksgiving traditionalists in your life. From roast turkey to your classic pumpkin spiced lattes, we’ve got all the crowd pleasers to make your Thanksgiving one to remember. In this book you’ll have access to 51 fun recipes that pack all of the taste and nutrition – minus the sugar crash, of course! Get your copy HERE. We know how stressful surviving Thanksgiving can be when you’ve made a massive change like quitting sugar – managing everything from critical words and judgemental looks from friends and family down to the temptations of the array of sugary foods lining the table – that’s why we made this book! To make the process just that little bit easier.

Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium – and considering up to a billion people around the world might not be consuming sufficient doses of this vital nutrient, it’s worth adding a handful of these nuts to your day. These are just a few of the benefits of selenium:

• Protects thyroid function
• Improves cholesterol levels
• Fights free radicals
• Fights inflammation
• Plays a role in DNA production
• Plays a role in reproductive health
• Boosts metabolism

As you can see, selenium plays a role all throughout our bodies and ensures everything is functioning as it should be. And get this – just 1 brazil nut packs in well over 100% of our daily needs for selenium! But be sure not to overdo it – there is an upper limit for selenium, and it sits at around 400 mcg – that’s around 4 nuts.

Walnuts

Ever noticed how walnuts are shaped like a brain? Some believe this is symbolic of their brain-boosting nutrients – and we have to agree! Walnuts are loaded with omega-fatty acids which are known for their positive effects on mood, mental clarity and memory. Research shows that regular consumption of these nuts boosts heart health as well, along with helping with the weight loss process and reducing our risk for cancer. Win, win, win! But that’s not all, walnuts have also been found to lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. So, whip up a Waldorf salad this festive season and enjoy the health benefits of these humble nuts! Here are a few of delicious foods you can add some walnuts to:

• Muffins
• Brownies
• Oatmeal
• Muesli
• Pesto
• On their own!

If you’ve been having a little trouble keeping that sugar addiction at bay, we’re here to help. With all the festivities on the horizon, it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. Join us for the 8-Week Program where we’ll be quitting sugar and turning our health dreams into a reality. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to JOIN NOW!