The Most Powerful Voices In Sports Radio Encourage Football Fans To Snack Smart During The Season

MODESTO, Calif., Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- While they do not always agree on the day's top sports news, co-hosts Mike Greenberg and former NFL player Mike Golic agree that smart snacking is crucial to power through hunger during game day gatherings.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131120/LA20517)

Setting aside their differing opinions, Mike and Mike have joined forces with California Almonds to share hunger-fighting snacking tips so fans can enjoy the game without missing a moment of play. The ESPN radio hosts grab a handful of almonds to power up and stay energized at work, at the gym, on the road and while watching games.    

Golic and Greenberg are on different ends of the field when it comes to their favorite way to snack on almonds. Golic, the former NFL defensive lineman, grabs a handful of almonds during the day and prefers his almonds on the sweeter side with a little cinnamon when craving a treat.     

"At my job, we have really long days and are constantly on the road. Snacking on almonds helps me stay satisfied and energized all day long," says Golic. "Especially being a retired NFL player who doesn't get the exercise I used to, it's crucial I watch what I eat and seek heart-smart snacks like almonds."

California Almonds are always cholesterol-free, contain a boost of fiber (4g) and protein (6g) with only one gram of saturated fat and 13 grams of unsaturated fat per ounce. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease." Furthermore, new research published in the October issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (EJCN)¹ shows crunching on 1.5 ounces of almonds daily curbed participants' appetite without increasing calorie intake or body weight (for more information about the new study, click here).

In the other end zone, sports expert and co-host Greenberg likes to start his day with almonds to power through the morning hours. Throughout the day, he snacks on a handful of whole natural almonds to fight hunger and sustain energy.

"I kick-start every day with a handful of almonds in my yogurt because it helps me get through my day,"  says Greenberg. "Almonds provide the boost I need to power through the show and stay satisfied until lunchtime."

Mike and Mike are not alone in their snacking habits. According to a recent IRI report, 21 percent of Americans are considered "opportunistic eaters" who snack throughout the day as the opportunity arises.

"Not all snacks are created equal," says Jenny Heap, RD, with the Almond Board of California. "The best snacks are both tasty and nutritious. Snacks with protein, fiber and a little 'good' fat that are low in sugar will keep you energized and curb your hunger so you won't find yourself making poor choices later in the day."

To learn more about Mike and Mike's favorite snacking tips, and for a variety of other quick and easy ways to flavor this heart-smart snack, visit AlmondBoard.com/Football.

Mike & Mike at the Fifty Yard Lounge Event

For in-person snacking inspiration, come visit Mike and Mike at the Fifty Yard Lounge in New York City during the days leading up to the 2014 Super Bowl. This VIP food, football and spirits event will feature top athletes, chefs and the opportunity to try Golic and Greenberg's favorite snacks including almonds. Tickets and more information are available at 50yardlounge.com.

About California Almonds

Almonds from California are a natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the more than 6,000 almond growers and processors in California, many of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com.

¹ Tan YT, Mattes RD. Appetitive, dietary and health effects of almonds consumed with meals or as snacks: a randomised, controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition , October 2, 2013, doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.184

SOURCE Almond Board of California