Peanuts contain large amounts of protein, fiber and healthy fats, making them a healthy choice at snack time. Peanut butter and nut snacks often keep you feeling full longer so you can keep your hunger under control until your next meal. Peanut products are easily accessible and affordable. Peanut allergies cause severe reactions in some people. Use caution when introducing peanut products to children or when eating peanut butter around other people.
Modified Peanut Butter Sandwiches
The classic peanut butter and jelly gets boring and might contain lots of sugar, depending on the type of jelly used. For a healthier twist on a peanut butter sandwich, start with a whole-grain bread, pita, tortilla or bagel. Spread on your favorite natural peanut butter. Get creative with additional fillings for the sandwich. The World's Healthiest Foods website suggests bananas, apples, pears, raisins and honey. For a sweet treat, sprinkle a few pieces of chopped dark chocolate and finely-chopped peanuts onto the sandwich.
Peanut Butter Dip
Plain peanut butter pairs well with apples and celery as a basic dip. To add more flavor, combine equal parts of peanut butter and plain yogurt. Taste of Home also suggests adding a dash of cinnamon and some semi-sweet chocolate chips. Customize your dip based on your personal taste. For example, you might substitute low-fat cream cheese for the yogurt or leave out the chocolate chips for a healthier dip. Chopped nuts, either peanuts or other varieties, add crunch to your dip. Use the peanut butter mixture for your favorite fruits, vegetables, whole grain crackers or pretzels.
Peanut Butter Smoothie
Peanut butter added to a smoothie creates a rich, healthy drink that works well at snack time. The peanut butter adds more bulk to the smoothie and makes it stick longer to keep away hunger. Add about 1/8 of a cup of peanut butter for every half cup of milk in the smoothie. A frozen banana makes the smoothie creamier and adds flavor. Additional flavoring might come from cinnamon, honey or apple juice. Substitute low-fat chocolate milk instead of plain milk for a chocolate-peanut butter smoothie.
Stir-ins
Peanut butter and nuts work well as stir-ins for a variety of foods. Peanut butter mixes well with hot cereals, adding protein and fiber to the dish along with flavor. Chopped nuts work well on salads, hot cereals, muffins, pancakes and in stir fry recipes. Experiment with adding nut products into your dishes to add complexity to the flavor and nutrients to the overall dish.
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