I received free pistachio samples from the Pistachio Health Institute mentioned in this post. By posting this pairing I am entering a contest sponsored by Pistachio Health Institute and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
As I mentioned in my last post, pistachios are a great mindful snack because as you shell them, you’re left with a visual cue of how much you ate. Mindful eating relies on internal signals, focuses on flavors, and makes eating a singular activity (instead of secondary to work or watching TV) to help people eat the right amount and maintain a healthy relationship with food. And by extension, maintain a healthy weight too.
This pairing fits into the “Skinny Nut/Reduced Calorie” category of the contest.
A word about the word “skinny.” I don’t like it. Skinny makes me think bony, undernourished, or weak. There are many words that more complimentary than skinny: “willowy” implies grace and flexibility, “svelte” implies sleek muscle tone, “slender” implies lithe femininity. I don’t know when or how the word “skinny” was chosen as the media and marketers’ synonym for “lite” or “attractive” or “healthy,” but think twice before you call a person skinny (especially if you mean to flatter!). Ok – soapbox disembarked!
For the purposes of this category, I went for foods that complement the flavor of pistachios and are lower in calories – I target ~200 for a snack. It also fits the bill of having a protein + fiber combo, includes a fruit or veggie, and finishes with a tall glass of water. This combo (dried apricots + string cheese + pistachios + mint infused coconut water) is portable, delicious, and sweet, salty and creamy! Pictured below is about the right amount for 2…so grab a buddy and get crackin!
Check out more pistachio pairings here:
