All peanut butters may seem similarly healthy due to their eye-catching appearance in packaging and healthy labels. However, some nut butters may be detrimental to your fitness efforts.
Everyone is aware that peanut butter functions as a healthy snack or a meal replacement but fails to understand the importance of checking the label before deciding whether to eat it as a midday snack or as a replacement for breakfast.
Read on to know the three most common peanut butter buying blunders and how to avoid them.
1. Low Fat Doesn’t Mean Healthy
Choosing a peanut butter solely on low fat levels is not a good idea. Do you know that manufacturers use hydrogenated fats and sugar to low-fat products to make up for the low-fat levels? Yes, and as you may know sugar has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and other health issues.
It is better to go for organic and natural peanut butter like fitness peanut butter. Please take the time to carefully read all labels. Your peanut butter should have peanuts and maybe a pinch of salt.
2. Eating Peanut Butter Daily
Some people can maintain their weight by eating peanut butter every day. However, for some people, this could have devastating consequences. You will gain weight if you eat peanut butter every day, especially if you are one of those people who can’t stop eating. A person needs to consume fewer calories than they burn in order to shed extra pounds. A daily peanut butter habit will add to your calorie count.
3. Making It Your Only Protein Source
Scientific studies have shown that consuming protein can aid in both fat loss and muscle growth. However, peanut butter isn’t the best way to get protein. To a much greater extent than it contributes protein, peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats. For your daily protein requirements you need to add protein rich foods or other protein supplements.
4. Going Overboard With Peanut Butter
Due to its high-fat content, peanut butter is also high in calories. The problem is compounded by the fact that most people do not stop after two tablespoons but rather continue eating. A diet so high in calories is counterproductive and will lead to weight gain. Remember to consume it in a recommended amount and if you always overeat when you eat it, you should avoid it altogether.
5. Peanut Butter With Junk
There’s a plethora of peanut butter-based recipes out there. It goes well with both cheese and apples, or you can eat it on its own. Some combinations, however delicious they may be, can lead to unwanted weight gain. That’s why it’s probably best to keep the peanut butter and chocolate recipes for when you really need them. Some nutritious options to pair with peanut butter are apples, whole wheat bread, pears, cheese, etc.
Conclusion
Peanut butter is a convenient and healthy option when consumed in the right amount without hampering your Immune system, digestion health and more. It is also important to know what goes into your favorite peanut butter in order to avoid sabotaging your fitness goals.