FUN peanut butter facts:
• Contains monounsaturated fats and resveratrol (which may protect against a high risk of cardiovascular disease)
• Is a vegetarian source of protein (so if you are NOT a vegetarian, remember to consider how much other protein you are consuming in your diet if and when you eat pb)
• Contains fiber (as much as a half cup of broccoli per one serving of pb)
• Studies show that small amounts (measure!) can help people lose weight because of satiety factor
(Satiety factor=feeling full longer from eating certain foods like pb)
Like hummus and dates, there are many different types of peanut butter. Natural, salted, unsalted, flavored, crunchy, and creamy are just a few types that we may be familiar with seeing at stores and health food shops. I recommend the natural, unsalted type because it usually has minimal preservatives. You can always add your own salt or honey to the mix at the end, but it’s always best to purchase the product with the least amount of processing. I understand that selecting the correct type can be mind boggling, so check out this article for some guidance.
Or why not make your own?
A very famous sports dietitan Nancy Clark, MS, RD has written many books about sports training and nutrition.
Clark calls peanut butter “a super sports food.”
Clark says, “In this day and age of energy bars, protein powders, and weight gain shakes, many athletes forget about "real" foods, such as peanut butter. Peanut butter, in my opinion, is one of the best sports foods around. It's tasty, inexpensive, satisfying, nourishing--and even good for our health.”
So how do my readers enjoy their peanut butter?
Classic pb&j?
Apple slices?
Bananas?
Rice cakes?
Yogurt? (it’s good--try it!)
Homemade protein bars?
Smoothies?
Those of you who know me personally can say that I am obsessed with peanut butter in my oatmeal. Peanut butter mixed right inside of my warm old fashioned oats makes for a satiating meal. PB is a great way to add flavor but remember….a teaspoon goes a long way, so measure up!
