Nuts/Nut Butter, Protein

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bbabs99
bbabs99 Posts: 51
in Health and Weight Loss
This is something that has always confused me.

I never understand why people talk about Nuts and Nut Butters like they're super high in protein, when they really aren't. When you look at a ratio of protein:calories, they're actually very ,very low. Broccoli has more protein per calorie, and so do many other vegetables, foods that are generally considered to be very low in protein.

Replies

  • foodeeee
    foodeeee Posts: 50 Member
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    Yeah, I don't eat nuts for the [minimal] protein. I like the fat :)
  • bbabs99
    bbabs99 Posts: 51
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    Yeah, I don't eat nuts for the [minimal] protein. I like the fat :)

    I'm not trying to disparage nuts or nut butters in anyway, I think they're great and I have at least a serving a day, I just think that people somehow associate nuts and protein, despite the fact that most only have about 6 grams for 150 calories (if that) and it's a pretty measly and useless standalone protein source, as it lacks a bunch of amino acids.
  • MissFit0101
    MissFit0101 Posts: 2,382
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    Yeah, I don't eat nuts for the [minimal] protein. I like the fat :)


    Ditto!
  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
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    completely agree! People do talk about it like it is a great source of protein.
  • killagb
    killagb Posts: 3,280 Member
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    Definitely a better source of fat than protein.
  • Mindful_Trent
    Mindful_Trent Posts: 3,954 Member
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    The thing with nuts/nut butters is that they are very calorie *dense*. It's much easier to eat 200 calories of peanut butter, about 20% of which would be protein, that it would be to get that from any vegetables. Most veggies are so calorie-light that it's not realistic to try to get significant protein from them.
  • patilee
    patilee Posts: 125
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    I never really thought to check this out. Thanks!
  • bbabs99
    bbabs99 Posts: 51
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    The thing with nuts/nut butters is that they are very calorie *dense*. It's much easier to eat 200 calories of peanut butter, about 20% of which would be protein, that it would be to get that from any vegetables. Most veggies are so calorie-light that it's not realistic to try to get significant protein from them.

    6 grams of protein is pretty insignificant as it is, and there are a bunch of lower calorie, lower density, higher protein things that people could be eating. Ones that are complete proteins, too.
  • IronmanPanda
    IronmanPanda Posts: 2,083 Member
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    I usually think of them as calorie dense foods with the added benefit of protein and fat.
  • killagb
    killagb Posts: 3,280 Member
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    The thing with nuts/nut butters is that they are very calorie *dense*. It's much easier to eat 200 calories of peanut butter, about 20% of which would be protein, that it would be to get that from any vegetables. Most veggies are so calorie-light that it's not realistic to try to get significant protein from them.

    6 grams of protein is pretty insignificant as it is, and there are a bunch of lower calorie, lower density, higher protein things that people could be eating. Ones that are complete proteins, too.
    Of course, a lot of this depends on your personal goals. If weight loss is not your goal, it would be a fine source of protein, assuming you're trying to fit more calories into your day. It's still not a very 'good' source though, in my opinion, just fair.
  • stephabef
    stephabef Posts: 936 Member
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    I eat them for the fat/flavor. The protein is just a nice bonus.
  • _GlaDOS_
    _GlaDOS_ Posts: 1,520 Member
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    I usually just think of them as delicious.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
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    I usually just think of them as delicious.

    agreed!

    If nut butters are your primary protein source then I think there could be some total calorie issues :tongue:
  • bbabs99
    bbabs99 Posts: 51
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    I'm glad y'all get it, at least.
  • Xtina_Beba
    Xtina_Beba Posts: 218
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    I eat them for the fat/flavor. The protein is just a nice bonus.

    Same here...I need those "good" Fats :)

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