Participants will be randomized to each diet for 4-weeks with a minimum 2-week break between the diet periods. All caloric foods and beverages will be provided. Outcome assessments will be done at baseline and the end of each diet period.
A three-period, randomized, crossover controlled feeding trial will be conducted to examine the effect of including 2 oz./day of pecans, as a snack, in a diet representative of average American intake, compared to a diet representative of average American intake devoid of nuts, and a healthy dietary pattern including 2 oz./day of pecans on markers of peripheral vascular health, lipids and lipoproteins, blood pressure, and glycemic control.