Peanut butter tends to get the cold shoulder for people who are trying to watch their calorie intake because it packs a hefty fat and calorie punch for a fairly small serving, making it easy to overeat and ultimately contribute to weight gain. However peanut butter isn’t quite the black sheep of health foods that people have dubbed it, and the fats and calories found in the nut butter actually offer an array of health benefits that make it a welcome addition to anyone’s nutrition plan who is trying to lose weight. Some of the health benefits include:
Healthy fats
That’s right, fats. Even though the diet industry would try to have you believe that fats are bad for you, as they push low-fat and fat-free processed and packaged foods on consumers, not all fats are created equal. The fats found in peanut butter are good for creating a strong and healthy heart, and keeping your heart strong is pretty important if you want to continue your journey to be both healthy and fit.
Protein
One serving of peanut butter typically contains around 7 grams of protein. Consuming ample amounts of protein is imperative to building strong muscles, repairing the body from hard workouts, and staying satiated throughout the day. This makes peanut butter a perfect addition to snacks and meals alike.
Energy
The combination of healthy fats and protein means one thing for your body: increased energy. It will also help you feel fuller for a longer amount of time than any processed snack will. The next time you hit the afternoon slump reach for a tablespoon or two of peanut butter and pair it with an apple or banana instead of that bag of chips or that candy bar – you’ll find yourself satisfied for a much longer amount of time.
Fiber
A serving of peanut butter also delivers a nice little dose of fiber to your body, which is the key to maintaining optimal digestive health as well as regulating both your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. Getting enough fiber each day helps keep your digestive track clear and your body running efficiently. Fiber also helps you feel fuller for a longer period of time, making peanut butter the ultimate superfood when it comes to eating a serving and staying full.
If you’re trying to lose weight don’t cut this creamy food from your diet; instead, measure out the serving size and make it a regular part of your nutrition. Your body needs the nutrients found in peanut butter, and as long as you don’t eat multiple servings in one sitting you’ll reap all the benefits it has to offer without expanding your waistline.