If you’ve recently decided to make the switch to a paleo diet, then besides making sure that you’re stocking up on all the essential food groups, you’re also going to need to make sure that you’re stocking your cupboards up with something just as important – snacks!
If you’re currently on the search for some healthy yet delicious snacks that are suitable to eat alongside your paleo diet, then you might currently be wondering about whether or not you can eat pistachios.
From their creamy taste, all the way to their subtly crunchy texture, pistachios are deliciously moreish – but are they suitable for those on a paleo diet?
If you’re currently asking yourself this question, then rest assured that you’re in the right place! In this article, we’re going to be talking you through whether or not pistachios are paleo-friendly, as well as some additional tips to maximize your paleo diet. So, whenever you’re ready – let’s jump straight in.
What Is A Paleo Diet?
As we’re sure that you might already be aware, a paleo diet is a type of lifestyle diet that is based on all of the types of foods that are considered to have been consumed by early humans.
For this reason, the main foods included in a paleo diet are meat, fish vegetables, and fruit, and the main foods that aren’t included in a paleo diet are cereal products, dairy, as well as unprocessed foods.
Are Pistachios Paleo?
To cut a long story short – yes, pistachios are suitable to be eaten for those who are on a paleo diet! Seeing as the paleo diet is a lifestyle choice that consists of no refined foods, sugar, or trans fat, it means that all food choices need to be unprocessed.
For this reason, pistachios are an awesome snack choice for those who are on a paleo diet (alongside foods such as greens, fruits, and grass-fed foods) which means that besides meeting the requirements of the diet, they can be enjoyed as a tasty snack while also adding a yummy finishing touch to your main meals, too.
Now that you know that pistachios are suitable for your paleo diet, it’s important that you make sure to know about all the different ways that you can maximize the various different health benefits that pistachios offer.
So, to help you get started, we’re going to be talking you through some of the best ways that you include pistachios in your paleo diet:
Research All Of The health Benefits That Pistachios Have To Offer
Before you begin including pistachio into your paleo diet, we recommend that you take the time to familiarize yourself with the different health benefits that pistachios offer.
Generally speaking, pistachios are super high in fiber which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
In addition to that, pistachios are full of good fat rather than bad fat, which makes them a great filler food whenever you’re feeling in the mood for a snack, or if you are wanting to bulk out a yummy salad.
Besides that, pistachios are also super high in B vitamins, manganese, phosphorus, iron, and calcium, which will all work together to make sure that you’re getting all of the nutrients you need to stay healthy as can be.
They are also known as being a “heart-friendly” snack, as they work to lower high cholesterol levels, which can, in turn, reduce the chance of a heart attack when consistently eaten in moderation!
Make Sure That You’re Using Portion Control
As you might have noticed from our point above, pistachios are packed full of fiber and good fats, and while this may be a good thing, it is a good idea to make sure that you’re eating them in moderation and that you aren’t going above the recommended daily intake allowance.
Another cool trick you could try to help you regulate how much pistachios you are eating is by purchasing them with their shells still intact, as you will need to take the time to remove the shells in-between eating, which will increase the chances of you being able to snack on less in one sitting.
Don’t Be Afraid To Get Creative In The Kitchen!
As we’ve already mentioned, pistachios are versatile paleo-friendly food options! For this reason, they can be enjoyed as either a yummy, tasty snack in-between meals whenever you feel hungry, or even on top of your salads and other foods.
Don’t be afraid to include pistachios in the different paleo recipes that you prepare, as their creamy, subtly nutty flavor complements a variety of different foods, including mixed into pasta and sprinkled on top of delicious, leafy salads.
Not only that but it should also be noted that pistachios are a great option for getting your daily healthy fat intake up due to the fact that they are rich in both fiber and good fats.
Know Where To Find Your Pistachios
Believe it or not, there are some processed pistachios out there on the market that are not compatible with a paleo diet! These types of pistachios are not suitable to eat on your diet, so it’s important to make sure that the only pistachios you’re buying and eating are ones that are unprocessed and organic.
Where possible, we recommend that you purchase your pistachios from your local Whole Foods or grocery store that sells raw and unprocessed pistachios, so that you can be sure that you’re going to be benefiting from all of the health benefits that pistachios offer.