Ah, nuts!

[AimeeKnox]

As someone who already eats pretty clean, ridding my diet of dairy is the last step I need to take to make the Whole30 leap! I'm more than happy to trade in my Greek yogurt for cashews, but my question is, how many can I have at a time/in a day? Also, I know we're not supposed to snack, so can nuts be eaten between meals, or with meals only?

[jent103]

If you're just asking about Whole30 compliance (following the rules), you can have as many as you want (just make sure they're raw or not roasted in any noncompliant oils, or with any other noncompliant ingredients).

 

But for best results, most people find that limiting them to garnish on a salad or similar amounts works best for them. If you tolerate them well and want to use them as a fat source at a meal, the recommended serving size is a closed handful - but keep in mind that eating a lot of nuts tends to mess with many people's digestion, and that they're a food without brakes for many many people.

 

If you do need a snack, having a mini-meal with both protein and fat (and vegetables, if you want) works better - for the purposes of Whole30, nuts are considered just a fat, not a major protein source. Having the protein too will help satiate you.

[Tom Denham]

If you need to eat between meals, you are not eating enough at meals. And when you eat between meals, we recommend a mini-meal of protein, fat, and veggies. Eating no nuts at all is best for most people because nuts are foods with no brakes for most folks. It is best when you consume nuts that they are part of a recipe and not as a separate item on the menu or as a snack. 

[AimeeKnox]

Thank you. Nuts are definitely a "food without brakes," so I think for me, best to avoid. I just like the crunch. I appreciate the feedback and advice.