Western Pistachio Association Teams Up with LIVESTRONG.COM to Help Americans Snack Smart and Get Ready for Swimsuit Season

FRESNO, Calif., May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The month of May ushers in plans for family vacations, increased time outdoors and even busier calendars filled with activities. As schedules heat up for summer, the pistachio industry and LIVESTRONG.COM, a destination for all-things food, fitness and healthy living, are urging Americans to still make health a priority while packing in the action.

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"All the latest research shows that extreme – or fad – diets don't work in the long term even if you're trying to get into that favorite swimsuit or pair of shorts," said Alyse Levine, MS, RD, ambassador for the pistachio industry and nutrition advisor for LIVESTRONG.COM. "It's vital to have good habits all year long including finding fitness activities you actually enjoy, eating balanced meals and snacking on nutrient-rich foods – like pistachios – to get you through the day."

The Western Pistachio Association, representing American pistachio growers, has some quick tips for better health and a swimsuit-ready body:

• It all adds up. If you want to maintain a healthy weight, the equation is actually quite simple. You must burn as many calories as you consume and make smart food choices every day. Keeping track of what you eat is often half the battle. Use a food tracker tool such as LIVESTRONG.COM's MyPlate™, which is free and has more than 1.2 million recordable food options within its database. Log foods throughout the day and set goals for the future.
• Take the 49 nut challenge. Incorporate a serving of pistachios into your daily diet to help keep your blood sugar levels in check and protect your heart. In fact, research shows that, on average, people who regularly consume tree nuts, including pistachios, have thinner waist lines and a better overall diet. Pistachios are a power-packed snack – filled with antioxidants and other key nutrients. And, you can enjoy 49 pistachios in every serving – more than any other snack nut!
• Get a leg up on fitness. You can get your legs toned and ready for shorts by vowing to give up your car one day a week and travel by bike or walk.  As an added bonus, you'll save on gas and help out the environment while getting your body in shape.
• Stop being fake. Swap out highly processed foods filled with artificial ingredients for foods packaged by nature. Pre-packed, portion-controlled snacks are a great idea when you're counting calories, but many are overly processed, which can strip out a lot of nutrients. Instead, buy and cut up fresh veggies or pack up some pistachios for easy – and much healthier – on-the-go snacking!

For more summer snacking and wellness tips visit www.TheGreenNut.org and www.LIVESTRONG.COM.

About the Western Pistachio Association

Founded in 1980, it is the only voluntary organization representing American pistachio growers' interests.  It is governed by an 18 member board elected from a variety of states with the shared goal of increasing national awareness about the nutritional benefits of U.S. grown pistachios.

About LIVESTRONG.COM

LIVESTRONG.COM inspires and empowers people to achieve their daily goals around living healthy. The site connects visitors with useful tools, trustworthy information and a passionate, engaged community of likeminded people, who are willing to share their experiences. For additional information about LIVESTRONG.COM, please visit: www.livestrong.com.

SOURCE Western Pistachio Association