Saturday, February 8, 2020

NUT BUTTERS - WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?


With so many nut butters on the market, which one should you choose? Here are my six top picks:

Natural peanut butter: 190 calories for 2 TB, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, and 8 grams of protein. Look for the word “natural”. The ingredients’ label should list only peanuts and minimal salt. Stay away from those with hydrogenated vegetable oil, which raises LDL cholesterol and can increase inflammation. My favorite brand is Teddies Super Chunky Unsalted. Hint: Open, stir, and store it upside down in the cupboard so the oil does not come to the surface.

PB2 (powdered peanut butter that you can mix with water or add to smoothies or oatmeal): 2 TB have just 45 calories and 5 grams of protein. This stuff is delicious! Great to mix with water in a small bowl and then dip apples or banana slices. I love to add it to my morning protein shake. It contains no saturated fat either.

Almond butter: 180 calories for 2 TB, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, and 6 grams of protein. My favorite is Barney Butter, although I find the taste a little bland. You can also buy almond butter in 2 TB portable packets, which come in handy when you are on the road or just want to control your portion size.

Sun butter (made from sunflower seeds): This delicious butter contains 200 calories for 2 TB, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, and 7 grams of protein. My favorite is SunButter Natural Sunflower butter.  I really enjoy Sun butter on an English muffin. It’s a little pricey, but it’s worth it.

Soy nut butter: 200 calories for 2 TB, 8 grams of protein, and 1.5 grams of saturated fat. My favorite is Wow Butter.

Cashew butter: 190 calories for 2 TB, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 6 grams of protein. My favorite is Woodstock Smooth Cashew Butter.  Like almond butter, I find cashew butter a bit bland.

So, choose your favorite nut butter, but make sure there is no added sugar, salt, or hydrogenated vegetable oil. 1-2 tablespoons are a reasonable serving and the protein and fiber will help keep you full. Do a taste test and let me know which one you like best. __Lisađź’–

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