Nut Guide

Almonds help stabilize blood sugar, have high calcium content, and are the least acid forming. (see important information about almond pasteurization at the end of this article).

Brazil nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and high levels of the mineral selenium that may help prevent breast cancer.

Cashews are high in magnesium (second only to almonds) that can help build strong bones and have more carbohydrates and a lower fat content than most other nuts. They are often inexpensive relative to other nuts discussed here.

Hazelnuts are a good source of quality protein. Vitamin E and beta-sitosterol in hazelnuts contribute to heart health and fight cancer.

Macadamia nuts are high in fat, though nearly all of it is monounsaturated. They are a good source of thiamine and contain small amounts of phosphorous, selenium, calcium and potassium.

Walnuts have high levels of vitamin E and an ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids (1:5). These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, protect heart health and guard against arthritis.

Pecans also have high vitamin E content and regular consumption may help decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Pine nuts are actually the seeds of pine trees and contain large amounts of thiamine (vitamin B1) and protein. If you are trying to lose weight a substance in pine nuts may act as an appetite suppressant.

Pistachios have lots of calcium, magnesium and vitamin A, as well as fiber and iron.

Soak or Sprout Your (Raw) Nuts for Maximum Nutrition

Before you eat your raw nuts, be sure to soak or sprout them first. Soak them for at least 

8-12 hours or overnight in purified water with a pinch of sea salt. Be sure to rinse them 

well 2-3 times with fresh water. This makes them easier to digest, and removes an outer 

coating that contains a digestive enzyme inhibitor. The best way to eat nuts is either raw 

or dehydrated. at a very low temperature( no more than between 115-120 degrees F. 

until dry and not roasted. This techique will dehydrate the nuts without destroying the 

beneficial enzymes. Roasting at high temps destroy some of the vitamins and many of 

the valuable live enzymes in raw nuts. Grinding soaked nuts (in a 

Vita-Mix or food processor) into a pate' also helps with digestion.

Links to Local Farmers Markets

As a follow up to yesterdays post about Farmers Market Week, I figured I would post a couple links of where you can find your local farmers market....you can find me at the Union Square Farmers Market (nyc) almost every Saturday.....Enjoy.

check here for local markets across the US - http://www.farmermarketsusa.com/

check here for local markets in NYC - http://www.cenyc.org/greenmarket

National Farmers Market Week!

Check it out, National Farmers Market Week!!

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

In Defense of Food was the first book I read in learning about food.  I think its a great book to read if you are looking to get started....actually even if your experienced in food and all its benefits, I still think its a great read anyway.  To quickly sum it up....

Eat Food.
Not too much.
Mostly Plants.


The author, Michael Pollan also has a couple other books out as well....Food Rules, which is small book with 64 rules that people should follow when eating.....two of my favorite rules are "Don't eat anything your grandparents wouldn't recognize as food" and "Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle".  Think about those....His other books, which there are about 4....i plan to read but haven't yet.

Also, I should note, I found a way to include Michael Pollan's links towards the bottom of this blog.  It's a capture of links that he comes across and finds notable....the links will be updated ever day or so.

How I started

I think a lot of people start learning about the health benefits relating to food because of a problem they are having; this is how I started.  It makes sense for people that aren't experiencing issues to feel like there is no reason to change anything about their diet.  I was experiencing issues with gluten so during my research into what was going on with my stomach, I stumbled upon all of this beneficial information.....so there it began, I kept reading and reading.  The more I read, the more I want to learn more (I am still like this btw).  So I decided to start this blog for 2 reasons, one...as a means to save all of my information in one place and two...to share what I have learned with others....there is a huge food revolution going on out there, go and join it!

Introduction to Solo Bite

Solo Bite was started to put out information and educate others relating to health, food and overall wellness.  The name Solo Bite came from the decision each and every one of us have to choose what we are eating.  Many people are not aware of the changes over the last 50 years relating to agriculture and food production in the USA that are taking a toll on each and everyone of us.  Certain aliments relating to food along with exercise benefits and its important influence on us will be discussed here.  It's a shame that doctors today with all of the knowledge they posses just write you a prescription and send you on your way without ever discussing or educating people about nutrition.  I am hoping this blog will help get the word out and help people.  The more I read and learn myself, the more I want to pass on the information so that others can benefit from everything I have learned.  I hope you enjoy the blog.  If you have any comments or would like to add anything, please let me know.