Stalls are normal. I was stuck at 208 for months, Started IF one Winter and lost a stone.

About the only nuts I can eat and not gain are almonds or macadamia in moderation -- peanuts are NOT a nut. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds are OK too.

You can check BG with one of the cheap meters out there. Mine was $9 and test strips are $12 for 50. Like a cheap printer the Ink is what costs.