How to Choose a Peanut Butter
These days the supermarket shelves are packed with an almost overwhelming range of peanut butters: chunky, super-chunky, creamy, sugar-free, sodium-free, natural, organic. It goes on and on. When it comes to your weight-loss goals, how do you choose the best one? Start by considering that many supermarket peanut butters may contain more added sugar and hydrogenated oil than all-natural peanut butters.
Going Natural
On the South Beach Diet they recommend “natural” peanut butter, either freshly ground in the store or a national brand. Peanut butters labeled “natural” use peanuts and oil (usually peanut oil) as their ingredients, although some do contain a little salt and occasionally a little sugar (look for brands with 1 g of sugar or less). Because the peanut oil rises to the top in these natural products, you will have to stir it in. There are also “no-stir trans-fat-free” natural peanut butters available. These products usually contain palm oil or palm stearin, which is added to keep the contents from separating. There is no need to shop in health-food or specialty-food stores to find natural peanut butter these days. Most supermarkets carry it.
On the South Beach Diet they recommend “natural” peanut butter, either freshly ground in the store or a national brand. Peanut butters labeled “natural” use peanuts and oil (usually peanut oil) as their ingredients, although some do contain a little salt and occasionally a little sugar (look for brands with 1 g of sugar or less). Because the peanut oil rises to the top in these natural products, you will have to stir it in. There are also “no-stir trans-fat-free” natural peanut butters available. These products usually contain palm oil or palm stearin, which is added to keep the contents from separating. There is no need to shop in health-food or specialty-food stores to find natural peanut butter these days. Most supermarkets carry it.
Benefits of Peanut Butter
In addition to being a great source of protein, peanut butter is rich in monounsaturated fat, the B vitamin folate, and resveratrol (the phytochemical also found in red wine). These nutrients are important for cardiovascular health.
In addition to being a great source of protein, peanut butter is rich in monounsaturated fat, the B vitamin folate, and resveratrol (the phytochemical also found in red wine). These nutrients are important for cardiovascular health.
Snack on It
You can enjoy up to 2 tablespoons a day of peanut butter as your nut allowance on all Phases of the South Beach Diet. But it’s especially good as a satisfying mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack. Enjoy it with celery, jicama, or fennel, or in a lettuce roll-up. It’s great with all-fruit jam on whole-grain crackers, or spread it on apple, pear, or banana slices.
You can enjoy up to 2 tablespoons a day of peanut butter as your nut allowance on all Phases of the South Beach Diet. But it’s especially good as a satisfying mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack. Enjoy it with celery, jicama, or fennel, or in a lettuce roll-up. It’s great with all-fruit jam on whole-grain crackers, or spread it on apple, pear, or banana slices.
Humpty Dumpty - Not
Like two young kids,
we laughed and played
We were like one
happy couple portrayed.
And then finally,
I heard the truth.
I couldn't believe
you'd be so uncouth.
The daggar went deep
breaking my heart
Our dreams were shattered
my hopes fell apart.
But I will pick up the pieces
and put them together again
unlike Humpty Dumpty
I will make a new friend!
from "Awakening Love" by Yolanda P Garcia
-- www.victoryp.com
