Peanut Butter Help Please!

p1nkpr1ncess
p1nkpr1ncess Posts: 254 Member
edited September 20 in Food and Nutrition
Hi everyone,

I'm new here and have been following a calorie controlled diet for a few weeks now - planning 3 meals and 2 snacks each day - so I'm always looking out for new snack ideas!

I've noticed a few people mention apple and peanut butter and I'm intrigued. I don't know if I like peanut butter (I think I used to like it as a child?!) but it sounds like a really nice snack idea.

Can someone tell me the benefits of it? And also what sort of calories to expect from it? Can I get a light version? (I'm in the UK) Do people dip their apples into it? Or eat it alongside the apple?

If anyone can answer my silly peanut butter questions I'd really appreciate it! :o)
-x-x-x-
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Replies

  • lknorthstar
    lknorthstar Posts: 132 Member
    I spread it on apple slices or dip the slices in. Yes you can get light peanut butter....I normally don't though. there are 190 calories in 2 Tbsp (32g) of the peanut butter that I get. I normally only eat half that...
  • maurierose
    maurierose Posts: 574 Member
    I wouldn't worry about a "light" version, I prefer natural, creamy peanut butter myself, but you could try any! (Sometimes you have to stir the oil back into the natural kind.... so it might be more "work", especially if you're just trying it to see if you like it!)

    The kinds I find are typically around 200 cals for 2 tablespoons (1 serving portion), but I find that 1 tablespoon is usually sufficient. You can spread it on your apple slices, and I also love to put it on celery, or dip carrot sticks into it. It's also great on toasted whole wheat bagels, and on sandwiches with jam.

    I'm no expert on all the benefits of it, I just know it's a "good" fat, and a decent source of protein, and makes my snack go a little further because it has some fat/protein to add to the healthy fruit.

    Keep me posted on what you find, and if you like it! I can't imagine not knowing peanut butter..... it's a staple in our house!! Probably like an aussie not being able to comprehend life without vegemite? Heehee :laugh: :happy:

    Good luck! :smile: :flowerforyou:
  • kellykat
    kellykat Posts: 180 Member
    It's yummy on bananas too!
  • ♥seoid♥
    ♥seoid♥ Posts: 476
    i love love love peanut butter!!! i usually eat some on a piece of light bread for breakfast.
  • Samantharose8akaDebbie
    Samantharose8akaDebbie Posts: 407 Member
    Yes, I agree.... a tablespoon goes a long way. I like on celery as well.
  • cherie2304
    cherie2304 Posts: 632 Member
    I am in love with Skippy Natural Peanut Butter! I have that with a green apple everyday. If I don't have it I miss the peanut butter. I think I've actually gotten a bit addicted. Oh its so good!!!
  • MamaBear05
    MamaBear05 Posts: 100 Member
    Natural peanut butter is best. I am not a fan of just about anything labeled "light." It just doesn't taste the same to me.

    I too find that 1 tablespoon is sufficient. I used to slice my apples and scoop the peanut butter with the apple slices but now that I eat them at work I just grap the apple and use a spoon or knife to add a dollop of peanut butter to the apple as I am about to take a bite.

    This is one of the greatest snacks ever. I eat it just about every day between breakfast and lunch.
  • ZebraHead
    ZebraHead Posts: 15,207 Member
    I learned at this site to melt the PB and dip my apple slices. What a lovely treat. Apple and 1 Tbsp of PB are 'about' (this varies) 170 calories.

    I use regular creamy JIF - If you can stand the 'natural -purest' PB go for it. I can't.

    Go here: http://www.nutritiondata.com and search apple. Then search Peanut Butter. You can get the nutritional values and see if it meets your needs.

    Good luck...
  • p1nkpr1ncess
    p1nkpr1ncess Posts: 254 Member
    Oh my goodness I didn't really realise all of the uses for peanut butter haha. I feel like I've been a bit deprived! (Especially since my other half has just informed me that he loves it! I have never known that in our whole 3 and a half years together lol)

    I am deffinately going to get some, I feel a bit daunted about it though - should I get it with bits in or smooth do you think? (this could be decided by my OH I think!!) Deffinately like the idea of having it with apple or carrot sticks - and toast!! I rarely have toast these days!

    I will deffinately keep you peanut butter lovers updated! I might even buy some tomorrow!
    -x-x-
  • cherie2304
    cherie2304 Posts: 632 Member
    I learned at this site to melt the PB and dip my apple slcies. What a lovely treat. Apple and 1 Tbsp of PB are 'about' (this varies) 170 calories.

    I use regular creamy JIF - If you can stand the 'natural -purest' PB go for it. I can't.

    Go here: http://www.nutritiondata.com and search apple. Then search Peanut Butter. You can get the nutritional values and see if it meets your needs.

    Good luck...

    When you melt the peanut butter do you microwave it?? That actually sounds like a good idea...I might have to try it later today.
  • Melvillin
    Melvillin Posts: 7
    Whole wheat English muffin-toasted, little bit of peanut butter, sliced banana and a drizzle of honey = Awesome!
  • mellers1313
    mellers1313 Posts: 105 Member
    Hey,
    I get my peanut butter from Tesco, they do a 25% less fat one, its yummmmmmmy
  • p1nkpr1ncess
    p1nkpr1ncess Posts: 254 Member
    Whole wheat English muffin-toasted, little bit of peanut butter, sliced banana and a drizzle of honey = Awesome!

    Mmmm I can see how this would be nice (providing I like the peanut butter! Lol) I will remember this after my peanut butter experience! :o)

    Thanks mellers - good old Tesco, I will pop in there tomorrow, is it just an own brand one?
    -x-x-
  • lilchino4af
    lilchino4af Posts: 1,292 Member
    Oh my goodness I didn't really realise all of the uses for peanut butter haha. I feel like I've been a bit deprived! (Especially since my other half has just informed me that he loves it! I have never known that in our whole 3 and a half years together lol)

    I am deffinately going to get some, I feel a bit daunted about it though - should I get it with bits in or smooth do you think? (this could be decided by my OH I think!!) Deffinately like the idea of having it with apple or carrot sticks - and toast!! I rarely have toast these days!

    I will deffinately keep you peanut butter lovers updated! I might even buy some tomorrow!
    -x-x-
    If you've never tried it and he loves it, ask which one he prefers; creamy or crunchy. I eat either, but prefer creamy because it spreads better.
  • porkchopz
    porkchopz Posts: 77 Member
    Another delicious pb treat is to mash up 1 tbsp of peanut butter with half a banana. Eat it with a spoon. Thank me later.
  • ka_42
    ka_42 Posts: 720 Member
    I can't believe you've never had peanut butter- or don't remember liking it! it's amazing! I like crunchy! I usually get reduced fat - it still has a lot of calories.
  • andyxbear
    andyxbear Posts: 269 Member
    Oh my goodness I didn't really realise all of the uses for peanut butter haha. I feel like I've been a bit deprived! (Especially since my other half has just informed me that he loves it! I have never known that in our whole 3 and a half years together lol)

    I am deffinately going to get some, I feel a bit daunted about it though - should I get it with bits in or smooth do you think? (this could be decided by my OH I think!!) Deffinately like the idea of having it with apple or carrot sticks - and toast!! I rarely have toast these days!

    I will deffinately keep you peanut butter lovers updated! I might even buy some tomorrow!
    -x-x-
    If you've never tried it and he loves it, ask which one he prefers; creamy or crunchy. I eat either, but prefer creamy because it spreads better.

    I like both as well and prefer the creamy for the same reason. lol
    The one with bits just has actual bits of peanuts in it and the smooth doesn't. Buy a little jar of both. =]
  • maurierose
    maurierose Posts: 574 Member
    FINALLY some else DIPS CARROTS IN PEANUT BUTTER!!

    Yep, everyone thinks I'm wierd until they try it!

    Our littlest dips carrots in peanut butter, then a raisin.... and he calls it a "bug-catcher"..... :laugh: :laugh: gotta love boys! Our teens did the same, when they were little..... of course they'd never admit that now. :huh: :laugh: :devil: :wink: :laugh:
  • valerie521
    valerie521 Posts: 140 Member
    A brand I really like that is LESS than most is called Naturally More w/omega & flax seed. I get it in the organic
    section (yellow cover). Its really great with Banana :) Here's the numbers.

    Per 2 Tablespoons
    169 calories
    98 fat calories
    11 grams fat
    8 carbs
    2 Sugars
    130 sodium
    4 Dietary Fiber
    10 Protein

    So many other vitamins: Folic Acid, Iron, Niacin, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Omega 3, Omega 6

    Pull your regular peanut butter and compare. If your going to have it, don't feel guilty :)

    I like it (and you dont have to refrigerate !
  • valerie521
    valerie521 Posts: 140 Member
    it displayed my twice in error (must be doubly good) :laugh:
  • bksteve26
    bksteve26 Posts: 216 Member
    I do a piece of toast with a little peanut butter spread onto it, then sliced bananas and a sprinkle of sugar. Delicious! Also, if you haven't tried it I would really suggest Nutella. That is even better, to me at least. It's about the same amount of calories as peanut butter, higher in carbs, lower in fat, and lower in protien. But not by much.
  • xLissyx
    xLissyx Posts: 30 Member
    Ahhh..peanut butter is amazing :heart:

    I usually have it for breakfast, 1 tbsp whole earth organic PB on 2 slices of wholegrain nimble bread (i use the smooth one just because it spreads better) this comes to just under 200 cals :smile:

    I also have it as a dip for apple slices, i spread it on rice cakes & oat cakes too! nom nom nom :smile: :heart:

    Also, i try to use the naturalist PB i can find, u have to pay a little more for it but it's so much better for you! The cheaper brands often contain unecessary ingredients such as dextrose, vegetable fat, sugar etc.

    Lissy x
  • FabiolaEnvy♥
    FabiolaEnvy♥ Posts: 730
    well if you want the HEALTHIEST peanut butter it would have to be Adam's peanut butter. but if they dont have that in UK. then just get a simple one. maybe the one that has reduced fat would be better of a choice. usually that put the peanut butter on the apples. so do which ever ways you like best. some people also like to eat just the apple alone and lick the peanut butter off the spoon. pretty normal around here im not sure in UK. but give it a go :) and it depends on what brands you get is the calories.
  • nursestewart
    nursestewart Posts: 229 Member
    Try peanut butter on whole wheat (or whatever you like) pancakes or waffles and a drizzle of honey if you must have some "syrup". YUMO!
  • Bernadette69
    Bernadette69 Posts: 28
    I use Peter Pan Reduced Fat PB. Still a bunch of calories, but soooo worth it. 200 calories; 13 grams fat; 150 mg sodium; 170 mg potassium; 14 grams carb; 0 cholesterol. Someone on MFP gave me the idea to spread it on rice cakes - yummy! A breakfast staple.
  • nursestewart
    nursestewart Posts: 229 Member
    Also spread some peanut butter on your apple that has been cut in half and then dip it into your favorite cereal (like bran flakes)... sweet, crunchy and delicious.
  • Iffer75
    Iffer75 Posts: 2,817 Member
    All Natural Creamy Peanut Butter by Smucker's is the best!!! :bigsmile:

    Peanut butter may be high in fat, but it is a good fat for you in moderation. I hope you enjoy. I can eat it straight out the container, I am addicted. I did not bring any to work today just for that fact. I will eat it all. YUMMMY!!! :drinker:
  • lisawest
    lisawest Posts: 798 Member
    PB was the only source of protein my son would eat for a very long time. He still prefers it over anything with beef in it.

    As for snack ideas, I have bunches (I also :love: PB!).
    1) chocolate rice cake, 1 tbsp of PB spread on top- taste just like a peanut butter cup!
    2) tortilla, 1 tbsp of PB, 1 banana- spread the PB on the tortilla, wrap around the peeled banana
    3) a spoon, 1 tbsp of PB- enjoy!
    4) I also get Peanut Butter & Co.'s flavored peanut butter. It has a few less calories (maybe 10 or 20 less per 2 tbsp). I like the "Dark Chocolate Dreams" or "White Chocolate Wonderful." I spread them on rice cakes, dip fruit in them, eat them on pancakes, waffles, etc. Oh the wonderful things that can be done with PB!

    If you don't get enough ideas, let me know and I'll give you some other ideas!
  • p1nkpr1ncess
    p1nkpr1ncess Posts: 254 Member
    Thanks everyone!

    I am so excited to try all these new things! I hope I don't like it too much or the cals will pile up! Haha! Going to pop to Tescos later and see what varieties I can find :)
    -x-x-
  • kwardklinck
    kwardklinck Posts: 1,601
    When I started my "lifestyle change", I would have this every night for a snack. It was filling and very sweet which helped fight off cravings.
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