Fareeha Jay’s latest reminder is simple — when it comes to nuts, stop obsessing over calories and start focusing on variety
If winter had a signature snack, this would be it — a comforting handful of nuts and dried fruits. There’s something about the colder months that makes these tiny powerhouses feel like a warm hug from the inside out. They’ve been part of traditional diets for centuries, and every year, as the temperature drops, we circle right back to them — for energy, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia.
In one of her 60 Second Sabzi videos, nutritionist Fareeha Jay broke down a very relatable question: “Should we only eat almonds since they have fewer calories than cashews?” Her response was refreshingly simple — don’t think calories, think variety. “Eat all kinds of nuts — almonds, walnuts, cashews. Calories can be controlled through quantity. Each nut gives you something different,” she said. And honestly, that’s the mindset shift most of us need.
Nuts are the kind of snack that deliver on all fronts — taste, texture, and nutrition. They’re loaded with healthy fats that keep your skin from drying out in winter, plant protein that keeps you full longer, and antioxidants that help your body fight inflammation and fatigue.
- Almonds are your skin’s best friend — rich in vitamin E, they keep that winter glow intact.
- Walnuts, the classic “brain food,” improve cognitive health and hair strength.
- Cashews are creamy little mood boosters thanks to their magnesium content.
- Pistachios are energizing, easy to snack on, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
And then there’s the underrated half of the duo — dried fruits. Dates, figs, raisins, apricots — they’re natural sweeteners that keep energy levels stable when the weather makes you sluggish. They also help digestion, improve iron levels, and add that perfect chewy balance to your nut mix. It’s why your dadi always insisted on soaking a few almonds and tossing in some raisins first thing in the morning — ancient wisdom, now backed by science.
The key, as Fareeha pointed out, is moderation. Thirty grams of mixed nuts a day — roughly one small handful — is enough to get your daily dose of nutrients. Pair it with your chai, sprinkle it over oatmeal, or keep a mix in your bag for those midday cravings.
So this winter, skip the processed snacks and pick up what your grandparents always trusted. Nuts and dried fruits aren’t just food — they’re fuel. They keep your heart happy, your skin glowing, and your energy steady when winter’s chill starts to creep in.
Think of it as your daily dose of wholesome comfort — simple, satisfying, and just the right kind of indulgent.
About Fareeha Jay Anwar
Fareeha Jay is a Registered Dietitian specializing in South Asian nutrition. With a background in anthropology and dietetics, she combines cultural understanding with nutritional science to provide personalized dietary guidance.
Sources: Healthline, NIH
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