Nut up or shut up.

Got nuts? If not, you should. This article at CNN explains why.

Nuts are rich in good fats like omega-6 fatty acids (walnuts are also rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids) and monounsaturated fatty acids, both of which have been found to improve cardiovascular health by lowering LDL or bad cholesterol. (And don't be afraid of the 'F' word -- a recent Spanish study found participants who ate nuts at least twice a week were more than 30 percent less likely to gain weight than those who almost never ate nuts.)

The article recommends about 1/3 of a cup makes a good snack. While this looks good on paper, that's not a lot of nuts, frankly. Many recovering chubsters, myself included, have a difficult time with nuts because they're incredibly easy to overdo. Eating too many carrots is hard work, but if you give me unlimited access to almonds, I gotta walk away or there'll be nutty trouble.

So if 1/3 of a cup doesn't scratch your nut itch, here's a hint. Buy nuts still in the shell. 15 walnuts doesn't seem like much, but by the time you crack each of these little bastards open and pick their guts out, you're ready to move on to the next activity.

And there's something just so swingin' seventies about eating nuts in the shell. I can just see that bowlful of unshelled Brazil nuts, sitting on a mahogany coffee table next to a fish bowl full of car keys. It makes me want to wear polyester and drink a Harvey Wallbanger.