PSA: This Smart Snack Will Help Boost Your Overall Wellness

With 2022 upon us, we can’t help but think about making new resolutions, whether that means finally attending spin class, starting a daily meditation practice, making healthier food choices, or all of the above.

But our grand plans, however well-intentioned, usually don’t make it past Valentine’s Day. That’s why for this coming year, we’re setting our sights on smaller (but equally effective) ways to feel our best, including snacking smarter. Our secret weapon? Adding almonds to our diet. And we’re not the only ones. In fact, according to a new survey conducted by Dynata and California Almonds—yielding a sample size of 6,000 adults representative of the U.S. adult population—millennials across the country are choosing almonds to help them feel full, energized and good about their overall wellness goals. Here’s why.

As we start listing out those New Year’s resolutions, one thing becomes obvious: Most of us prioritize wellness and know exactly what it looks like. According to the California Almonds survey, the majority of respondents agree that healthy eating (73 percent), exercise (70 percent), taking time to relax or meditate (69 percent), and practicing self-care (64 percent) are top priorities. And 74 percent plan to continue to prioritize self-care and changes to their wellness habits as we emerge from the pandemic.

Even though we know the importance of daily wellness habits, that doesn’t mean we’re always practicing them. Most of us consider wellness important in our lives, but less than half (47 percent) admit to practicing wellness rituals daily. And that especially includes what we eat. Less than half (48 percent) report healthy eating as a regularly practiced wellness routine. What’s more, over one third of us admit to struggling with healthy eating, and that number actually increases for younger generations: Almost half of both millennials (41 percent) and Gen Z (42 percent).

That’s where almonds come in. These naturally nutritious nuts are an easy way to start incorporating healthy choices into your routine. By the numbers, just 1 serving of almonds (28 grams) has 13 grams of unsaturated fat and 1 gram of saturated fat. It also provides 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 20 percent of recommended magnesium—which aids in the production of energy in the body—and 50 percent of your daily Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin health and supports immunity.

Which is actually perfect, because according to the survey, the majority of millennials say that learning a food provides energy, improves mental acuity and strengthens their immune system impacts their decision to eat it. Almonds fit the bill. Those key nutrients we mentioned above are linked to better health and a more energetic body, so you’re not only getting a guilt-free option for daily snacking, but also supporting your physical wellness.

Take it from regular almond eaters, who place a higher priority than average on wellness as part of their daily routine and are generally more likely to incorporate activities that support wellness into their routines, such as getting enough rest/sleep (53 percent), exercise regularly (59 percent), and eating healthy (58 percent). That strategy of mindful eating is a practical way to jump-start a healthier routine come January 1^st and beyond. Because by learning about the nutrients in our food (like almonds) and being intentional with our eating habits, we’re able to better see it as a way to nourish our minds and bodies (not a marker for guilt or deprivation), which can in turn have a positive effect on our overall well-being.

Yes, almonds are great for you, but they’re also pretty seamless to add into your day to day. They’re the ideal on-the-go fuel, easy to tote along from home to the car, class or work, or for a quick pre- or post-workout energy boost. And they’re a surprisingly versatile little nut; you can snack on them whole or sip on some almond milk. So, if you’re looking to prioritize your wellness by doing something good for yourself (and who among us isn’t?) almonds are the go-to snack to help you get there. No over-the-top New Year’s resolutions necessary.

The study yielded a total sample size of n=6,000 with a margin of error of ±1% at a 90 percent level of statistical confidence. Subgroup analysis was conducted to understand nuances across audience segments, with a priority on the following:
•Millennials (n=1,573)
•Almond eaters (n=1,884; defined as weekly+)
•Families with children in the household (n=1,641)