Glad you are enjoying the fruit and nutty goodness

The reason is simple. Nuts are full of unsaturated fat, so very energy rich. 1 gram of protein or carboydrate has an energy yield of 4 calories. 1 gram of fat has an energy yield of 9 calories.
That is why 'high fat' snacks are associated with obesity, a little goes a long way to tip the energy scale against you
Nuts are often seen as unhealthy because it is our culture to coat them in chocolate, sugar glaze or salt. The nut itself is a good source of nutrition,it just got in with a bad crowd

Unsalted nuts, combined with dried fruits, have been a staple of backpacks the world over. Trekking, hiking, survival persuits etc. all are energy intensive, and 'trail mix' as it is commonly known, is a compact, portable way of avoiding starvation.

Another advantage is that because you are eating a concentrated source of 'good' fats, your production of ketones is kept high- these little fella's help break down and process fats into useable energy, as well as being crucial in the metabilisation of stored body fat.
This is the same thinking behind the high fat percentage allowed in 'atkins' eating- it is known as a ketogenic diet.
I believe in balance so dont advocate extremes, but a little theory can go a long way when applied to sensible eating.

TADAAA!!! one why and wherefor complete as requested

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TADAAA!!! one why and wherefor complete as requested

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I thank you sir! Now I definately have a new found appreciation of nuts!

There really is no answer to that

Also I would like to ask about the availiability of all those exotic vegetarian supplements that you would need to replace meat with.
Do I need to eat a thousand different type of pulse, bean, soy, and other green stuff to compensate for the lack of anything else? Or are they quite common?

Also I understand people who dont eat meat because they dont like the taste or it upsets their stomach, but I dont understand the ideological side of it.

The difference between a vegan and a vegetarian is that a vegan doesn't eat meat or fish and also doesn't consume dairy products like milk, cheese and eggs. I eat dairy products but do not eat meat or fish or any products which contain gelatine or rennet etc.

Good point one armed piker, (couldnt you have a shorter name?- can I just call you 'pikey' in future responses? )

My explanation was not in continuance of the vegetarian/meat argument, merely addressing a direct question. I eat Biltong (south african style beef jerky) at least once per week, if not more- cracking good stuff for omnivors.

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lso I understand people who dont eat meat because they dont like the taste or it upsets their stomach, but I dont understand the ideological side of it.

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My personal reason is that I see too much suffering and unecessary death in the world already and feel I don't want to contribute to it any more than I already do. If I can live without it then why not?