Peanut Butter is a Good Source of....Protein??

UponThisRock

Good post and I agree, and additionally I don't understand how people continually list foods as being "good sources of protein" when they really aren't protein dense.

next on my *kitten* list: cheese

UponThisRock

Let's talk politics and religion! I think that might be a less divisive topic than peanut butter.

LOL!

Di3012

This is an excerpt from a blog post I just posted. Below is the relevant portion. If, for some odd reason, you want to read the my stupid ramblings along with the relevant portion, it's located here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/UponThisRock/view/peanut-butter-is-a-good-source-of-protein-245431


Ok, enough with the conspiracy theories. How do I define "good source of protein?" Most people on MFP practice calorie restriction. If someone is trying to add protein to their 1800 calorie diet, a "good" source of protein would be something that is "dense" in protein, that is, you get a lot of protein for the amount of calories you eat. Comparatively speaking, peanut butter simply doesn't fit that bill. The following shows calories and protein per 100g, the data was taken from nutritiondata.com:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: 23g of protein/110 calories

Egg Whites: 11g/48 cals

Canned Chunk White Tuna: 26g/116 cals

Peanut Butter: 22g/ (brace yourself) 588 cals.

So, on a calorie restricted diet, how can you justify calling peanut butter a "good" source of protein? You can't. You have to eat 5 times as many calories to get the same amount of protein you would get in canned tuna.

Of course, the typical serving of peanut butter isn't 100g, it's 32g (2 tbsp). For 190 cals you get a not so whopping 8g of protein. If you insist on calling that a "good" source of protein, then in the interests of consistency, you also should call oatmeal a pretty good source of protein with 5g for 150 cals.

My point should be pretty clear by now. If someone asks how to add more protein to their diet, nuts or nut butter would be one of the last things I would recommend. There are so many more options that would add substantially more protein for a far less expensive calorie hit. Now, if they say, "but I'm vegan, how do I get protein with no animal products?" The proper answer to that would be, "I don't know, the same way you ice skate uphill, I suppose."

I adore peanut butter but have had none since losing weight and I won't do either, because I find it moreish.

myak623

My head hurts after reading all that. I'm amazed at some of the responses in here.

Nowhere was it mentioned that PB should not be consumed. The OP was trying to point out that there are better sources of protein. Maybe there are other posts about this topic. However, I see at least one post per day where people are suggesting PB as a good source of protein. And that statement simply isn't true.

Now, for those who have adjusted their MFP settings for a higher daily protein intake, then this is probably more relevant. For those who are using MFP's suggested macro setting, then I can see where this may be a confusing topic. My opinion on MFP's settings is that protein is too low and carbs are too high. Not saying carbs are bad, but just pre set too high by MFP.

Sidesteal

Nowhere was it mentioned that PB should not be consumed. The OP was trying to point out that there are better sources of protein. Maybe there are other posts about this topic. However, I see at least one post per day where people are suggesting PB as a good source of protein. And that statement simply isn't true.

^ This seemed pretty clear to me but apparently some people took it as "peanut butter is bad and will kill you".

Elizabeth_C34

Nowhere was it mentioned that PB should not be consumed. The OP was trying to point out that there are better sources of protein. Maybe there are other posts about this topic. However, I see at least one post per day where people are suggesting PB as a good source of protein. And that statement simply isn't true.

^ This seemed pretty clear to me but apparently some people took it as "peanut butter is bad and will kill you".

I think people react this way because they are hungry and cranky. Eat some PB and chillax people!

shellybean73

Thanks!!!

sammys1girly

I am in love with peanut butter. So even if it's now proven to not be a good source of protein, I'm still gonna eat it, almost every day! And it fits into my calories, even better!

Kylieikerd

Just use PB2. It has 45 calories as apposed to 190. I use it in smoothies to get in all my protein. It's delish.

mamnboston

I consider crunchy peanut butter to be a treat, love it...especially on an english muffin, yummers

TheBakerGirl

Psssssst.

Yoke is something you attach to your oxen to pull your cart.

Yolk is the gooey yellow-orange orb of deliciousness in your egg.

Mine is always over-easy because the oxen just won't hold still long enough . geeze.

heylatimer

Thanks for the info. This made me look up a bunch of the spreads that someone might put on bread to compare the various macros. Here is what I found below... Bottom line is, pick your poison.

Butter Salted
100 calories
11g fat
0g carbs
0g protein
81mg sodium

Mayo
90 calories
10g fat
0g carbs
0g protein
90mg sodium

Miracle Whip
35 calories
3g fat
2g carbs
0g protein
100mg sodium

Peanut Butter
90 calories
8g fat
4g carbs
3g protein
70mg sodium

Strawberry Jam
50 calories
0g fat
13g carbs
0g protein
0mg sodium

jennieth

Touchy touchy subject! I agree with it being a source of good fat if you need it that happens to have protein.

Nopedotjpeg

Beans and legumes aren't that incredible of a source of protein per calorie either! *runs away from thread*

DB_1106

Is this debate still going on?:huh:

IamOnMywayNow

I love PB and want to thank the OP for the info I will no longer think of PB as a "protein" source but as a very tasty treat.
However, I do have to say I am shocked that there are still people that do not brush their teeth before bed!!! Not brushing before bed can lead to cavities and gingivitis. I do not want to start another debate as the whole PB for protein was enough but PLEASE BRUSH BEFORE BED!! Thanks:)

My1985Freckles

I love PB and want to thank the OP for the info I will no longer think of PB as a "protein" source but as a very tasty treat.
However, I do have to say I am shocked that there are still people that do not brush their teeth before bed!!! Not brushing before bed can lead to cavities and gingivitis. I do not want to start another debate as the whole PB for protein was enough but PLEASE BRUSH BEFORE BED!! Thanks:)

We would, but toothpaste is not a good source of protein.

lilbrohoppy

broken down well by OP ty

hikeout470

my brother ate about three things as a weird kid growing up. Mainstay was peanut butter sandwiches, so it wasn't until I was about 30 that I liked it... Still don't think it was a particularly healthy diet staple...

oh yeah,

peanut butter sandwiches
chocolate ice cream
peperoni pizza.


all brand specific.

BreakingOath

Not giving up the peanutbutter. Simply will never happen.