How I started using peanut butter in my diet….

Peanut butter has been my first product, ever since I started retailing i2cook products. You will be surprised that I hadn’t even tasted peanut butter (PB) until, then. I’ve noticed that a lot of you detest peanut butter or rather are not used it. I was one amongst you.

I was never brought up on PB and it took me some time to get used to it. I realized that PB is a MUST in my diet.  I started looking up on the net and found that there are some thousand recipes to gawk at ( I LOVE food porn, especially – food gawker). I took it up as a challenge to come up with some recipes that will not only make me like PB, but also give me variety for my everyday use.

Here is what I came up with

– Banana and peanut butter smoothie

– No bake peanut butter and oat cookies

The result – an instant win 🙂

Ingredients for Banana & PB Smoothie

1 banana, peeled, chopped roughly

2tbs natural peanut butter

1tsp cocoa powder

raw sugar or honey to your liking

1/2 cup milk, yogurt or soy milk

ice (optional)

peanuts for garnish (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a blender with some ice until smooth. Drink chilled. Serves one.

You can carry your PB smoothie in cute little bottles to work.

Ingredients for No bake PB & Oats cookies

1 cup rolled oats, lightly toasted

1tbs butter

1 1/2 tbs sugar

200gms natural peanut butter

1/2tbs raisins

Heat butter and sugar in a pan, on medium flame. Heat until the sugar has melted and bring it to a light boil.Turn off the stove and mix peanut butter and oats. Allow it to cool enough for you to shape them into desired shape. Lay them on a tray to dry and refrigerate for atleast two hours or overnight. Store them in an air tight container, refrigerated. They (can) last for about two weeks.  I got 16-20 small cookies.

Yum!

Why PB is good for you

•  Peanut butter is considered as the “real food” and is stated has the best sport food.
•  Peanut butter is perfect for dieters. It can satisfy you sooner and won’t keep you hungry for too long. Small amount can quell hunger faster.
• It is packed with nutrients, which help you build and repair muscles.
• Fat is good for you – the monounsaturated fat is good for your heart.
• Peanut butter sandwich is healthier and better than a fast food burger.
• Natural peanut butter (with oil formation on top) is healthier than the commercial ones, in which the oils get converted into harder and saturated (trans-fat).

Useful links

Harvard Health Publications

CNN Health

Home Cooking

About.com

Livestrong.com

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