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Better Snacking for GLP-1s

Better Snacking with Pecans for GLP-1 Diets

Better Snacking with Pecans for GLP-1 Diets

Nourishing GLP-1 Diets with Pecans

GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin agonists are a class of medications that reduce food cravings and food noise, slow digestion, control blood sugar and make patients feel full on fewer calories. These medications are used as treatment for obesity and diabetes. Because patients have drastic reduction in calorie intake, quality nutrient dense calories matter more than ever before. For patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists:

Focus on fiber-rich foods

to support digestion and help minimize GI side effects

Choose small, nutrient-dense meals and snacks

to get the most nutrition in every bite

Make protein a priority

to help maintain muscle and strength

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Proven Power of Pecans

Pecans support satiety thanks to their unique mix of nutrients.

Exploding Pecan Evergreen Image CUT
Dietary Fiber Dietary Fiber

Pecans are a good source of fiber, providing 11% of the daily value.

Protein Protein

Pecans provide 3 grams of plant-based protein per serving.

Unsaturated Fats Unsaturated Fats

Pecans provide 18 grams of unsaturated fat per serving, including oleic acid - the primary fat found in olive oil, and only 2g of saturated fat.

Polyphenols Polyphenols

Pecans have some of the highest concentration of polyphenols among common tree nuts.

**A one-ounce service of pecans contains 18g of unsaturated fat and only 2g saturated fat.

** Data for antioxidant capacity of foods generated by test-tube methods cannot be extrapolated to human effects. Clinical trials to test benefits of dietary antioxidants have produced mixed results.

Serving size = 1 ounce or about 19 halves    DV = % Daily Value     Source = USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

Pecans Are a Nutrient Dense Meal or Snack

Honey Ginger Pecan Snack Mix

For a convenient, nutrient-rich snack, combine pecans with unsweetened dried fruit and other nuts.

Nutrient-rich Recipe
Pecan Brie Honey Crostini

Pecans go well with whole grains and dairy for a well-rounded snack - perfect for enjoying anytime.

Whole Grain Recipe
Pecan Crusted Salmon with Apple Slaw

Pair pecans with lean proteins for a meal with a protein punch.

Protein Recipe
Find more pecan recipes
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Did you know?

The scientific community has defined food noise as heightened and/or persistent manifestations of food cue reactivity, often leading to food-related intrusive thoughts & maladaptive eating behaviors.

Proven Benefits

Eating tree nuts is assocated with weight stability because of the impact on fullness and satiety.

2 Prater, M. C., Guadagni, A. J., & Cooper, J. A. (2024). Postprandialappetite responses to a pecan enriched meal: A randomizedcrossover trial. Appetite, 201, Article 107598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107598

Pecan Tree
Pecan Elote Salad Recipe

Pecans and Fullness After a Meal

A study of healthy young adults compared similar calorie meals (785 calories) that included pecans and no pecans. Participants who had the meal with pecans reported increased fullness, increased PYY, decreased ghrelin and appetite.

2 Prater, M. C., Guadagni, A. J., & Cooper, J. A. (2024). Postprandialappetite responses to a pecan enriched meal: A randomizedcrossover trial. Appetite, 201, Article 107598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107598 

Pecans and Satiety Over Time

An 8-week randomized controlled trial assigned adults at risk of cardiovascular disease to a group who added pecans, substituted pecans or a no-nuts group. The group where nuts were added to the diet for 8 weeks reduced food consumption and desire to eat. Pecans increased post-meal cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide PYY (PYY) and reduced post-meal ghrelin.

3 Guarneiri, L. L., Paton, C. M., & Cooper, J. A. (2022). Appetiteresponses to pecan-enriched diets. Appetite, 173, 106003.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2022.106003

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Additional References

1 Sandhu, A. K., Edirisinghe, I., & Burton-Freeman, B. (2025).Pecans and human health: Distinctive benefits of an American nut.Nutrients, 17(23), 3686. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233686

4 Despain, D., & Hoffman, B. L. (2024). Optimizing nutrition, diet,and lifestyle communication in GLP-1 medication therapy forweight management: A qualitative research study with registereddietitians. Obesity Pillars, 12, 100143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2024.100143

5 Gentinetta, S., et al. (2024). Dietary recommendations for themanagement of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients treatedwith GLP-1 receptor agonist. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndromeand Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 17, 4817–4824. https://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S494919

6 International Food Information Council. (2025). IFIC January2025 Spotlight Survey: Obesity medications. https://ific.org/wpcontent/uploads/2025/07/IFIC-January-2025-Spotlight-SurveyObesity-Medications.pdf

7 Mozaffarian, D., et al. (2025). Nutritional priorities to supportGLP-1 therapy for obesity: A joint advisory from the AmericanCollege of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition,the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Obesity Society.American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.