Review; Sanitarium Natural Peanut Butter

As you know, I love food. I think this is a result of the house I grew up in where food is used to celebrate, commiserate and compensate. Occasionally, I go through a phase of being uncontrollably addicted to a certain food and the most recent for me, was peanut butter.

For a long time, as I ate 2-3 tablespoons straight from the jar a day, I ignored all nutritional information on peanut butter. Sure I knew it was high in fat and calories, but I loved it! (especially with honey). I'm now a reformed peanut-butter-aholic,

Peanut butter is a funny spread. Some people swear off it due to it's high fat content, and some people endorse it as a good source of protein with your breakfast. I'm with the latter, in moderation, but you have to choose the right kind.

Let's have a look at Sanitarium Natural peanut butter.

This PB is 100% peanuts.

Why does this matter?

Regular PB contains salt.

Regular PB contains sugar.

Many regular PBs contain hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Nobody knows what effects long term exposure to hydrogenated oils are having on our bodies, but apart from the obvious trans fats, I have heard (read) everything from theories about it being linked to degenerative diseases, to heart disease and diabetes. Why would you put that in your body when there's a healthier alternative? Even if you really really super think it needs salt and sprinkle a little on, it's still much better.

Pros; It's 100% peanuts so it could not be more natural, and it's got no added salt, sugar and is obviously lower in trans fats than many other peanut butters.
Cons; It doesn't keep fresh as long without the hydrogenated oil and it tends to separate (get oily - watch out when you open it) and need mixing.
Verdict; It's fantastic stuff and about a million times better than regular peanut butter, but you can't escape the fact that peanuts are fatty in themselves so it's just a healthier alternative, not a green light to triple the amount you put on your toast. 1 tablespoon is the equivalent in calories of a large banana, so think about what you want to use your calories on. If you love your PB, it's worth it!
Do I eat this? Yes, 2-3 times a week in the recommended serving size.
Would I give this to kids? Absolutely, on wholegrain toast for breakfast with some fruit and a glass of milk would be a great kids breakfast.
It's $3 for a tub of this in Coles (crunchy and smooth, in the health food aisle). If you're a peanut butter lover like me, please give it a go!
Stay well,
Nat x

Peanut Choc-Chip Muffins

Although I whole-heartedly believe in a balanced lifestyle and all the perfectly balanced meals that come with that, I believe that a big part of every balanced lifestyle should be a few meals that would be suitable for a detox, and some suitable for a re-tox. Both of which are fine in a balanced scheme of things along with what I hope is your life of mainly balanced meals.

However, this is the re-tox.

Peanut Choc-Chip Muffins

(For Casey)

Recipe from 'The Essential Vegetarian CookBook' - Murdoch Books

I;

2 cups (250g) self-raising flour

1/3 cup (80g) raw sugar

1 1/2 (240g) dark choc bits

1 egg

1 cup (250g) crunchy peanut butter

2 tablespoons strawberry jam (I used raspberry)

60g butter, melted

1 cup (250ml) milk

Icing sugar for dusting (I ignored this)

M;

Preheat oven to moderate 180c

Brush a 12 hike standard muffin tin with melted butter or oil (I sprayed olive oil)

Sift flour into large bowl

Add sugar and choc bits; make a well in the centre

Add combined egg, peanut butter, jam, butter and milk

Stir until just combined (do not over beat)

Spoon evenly into muffin cups

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean

Loosen the muffins in the pan and leave for 10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack

When cool, dust with icing sugar (I found them sweet enough)

Enjoy!

Stay well,

Nat x