Holidays are times when roasted mixed nuts in their shells are served. When you crack the shells open, the nuts seem to taste better. Roasting mixed nuts in the shell can be tricky since the nuts have different shell thicknesses that affect the preparation, cooking process and roasting time.

Cashews offer several health benefits, although many avoid eating them because of their fat content. The fact is that cashews contain less fat than many other nuts, and what they do contain is primarily unsaturated fat. Unsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

A popular college student cuisine, Ramen noodles are easy to make and inexpensive to buy. Traditionally cooked in a pot of boiling water and combined with the enclosed high-sodium seasoning packet, you eat the noodles as a soup or drain them and enjoy as a pasta dish.

Sliced almonds make quick work of adding crunch, protein and flavor to baked goods, salads and meats. While you can purchase a bag of sliced almonds at the grocery store, it may be more economical to purchase whole almonds and slice them yourself, as needed.

Roasted, sliced almonds offer a healthy and filling alternative to the many unhealthy snacks that might tempt you throughout the day. Try a handful of roasted sliced almonds as a quick snack or as a topper for a fresh garden salad, fruit or cereal.

When you're trying to stay healthy, lose weight and get in great shape, it can be difficult to determine which snacks are healthy and which aren't. Apples with peanut butter are actually a very healthy snack to eat any time of the day.

While peanut butter is a high-calorie food, it also provides essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, protein, healthy fats and potassium. To ensure that you don't consume too many calories, it's best to enjoy peanut butter in controlled portions along with other healthy foods.

A typical bodybuilding diet is calculated to promote increased muscle mass and strength; proteins, carbohydrates and fats are carefully balanced, while processed and fried foods are kept to a minimum. When eaten in moderation, dry roasted peanuts can be used to supplement a bodybuilding diet.

Pregnant women need to eat a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Because all of the nutrients a developing fetus receives comes directly from mom's diet, mothers-to-be should avoid eating foods that contain lots of calories and little nutritional value.

Limiting the amount of sodium in your diet plays an important role in your health, because high-sodium diets contribute to chronic diseases, including heart disease and stomach cancer.

If you look at some of the healthiest diet plans, such as the Mediterranean Diet or the DASH diet, you will notice that they recommend you make seeds a regular part of your eating plan. Seeds are nutrient-dense foods high in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

Nuts provide healthy fats to help fight high cholesterol and heart disease. The Harvard Medical School says eating nuts several times a week can lower your risk of developing heart disease. Walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds and peanuts are all healthy choices. But you can enjoy too much of a good thing.