PEANUT BUTTER
THE BENEFIT
Peanut butter is high in protein, which is
essential for rebuilding muscle. It also contains carbohydrates, fiber, and
unsaturated fats. These are all excellent dietary nutrients that can be used
for replenishing the body after a demanding workout. Although peanut butter
contains fat, unsaturated fats are much healthier for you than the saturated
fats found in most foods. Unsaturated fats are fats that are liquid at room
temperature and have the ability to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL
(bad) cholesterol. There are two types of unsaturated fats, which are
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats include nuts, avocado,
olives, oils, etc. On the other hand saturated fats are solid at room
temperature and can be found in animal products and processed foods. Saturated
fats are not heart healthy since they raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Overall, fat serves many functions within the body such as being an insulator,
protecting organs, regulating hormones, being a carrier for vitamin A, D, E,
and K, and supplying the essential fatty acids that are in charge of proper
brain and nervous system function/development. Therefore, why not get your
healthy fats through a delicious and nutritious source such as PEANUT BUTTER?!
FUN WAYS TO INCORPORATE PEANUT BUTTER IN YOUR DIET
- ON TOAST, BAGEL, ENGLISH MUFFIN, WAFFLE, ETC
- With jelly, honey, or bananas
- SANDWICHES
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Peanut Butter and Honey
- Peanut Butter and Banana
- Peanut Butter, Honey, and Banana
- MELT IN OATMEAL WITH MILK AND BERRIES
- GREAT FOR DIPPING
- Carrots, celery, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
- Pretzels
- SHAKES
- Combine whey protein, a banana, yogurt and 3 tbsp. of peanut butter in a blender for a delicious, nutritious shake. You can also include berries, spinach, milk and chocolate syrup in your shake recipes along with a healthy serving of peanut butter
- Dry oatmeal, coconut flakes, peanut butter, flaxseed, chocolate chips, honey, and vanilla (click on NO BAKE ENERGY BITES to see the full recipe)
- DESSERT
*click on the underlined recipes to see the list of ingredients and cooking instructions
