"Peanut Butter Crazy"

Is natural peanut butter a good source of "healthy fat" and protein? And what are the recommended servings per day? Natural peanut butter is a great source of healthy fat, but take caution:

First, do not substitute peanut butter for a major source of protein, such as chicken or fish. Not only does peanut butter not contain a significant amount of protein per serving, but the protein is what is known as “incomplete” protein, meaning it lacks several important amino acids. For protein, go with animal sources or milk protein-based products that contain whey and casein. These are much better “complete” sources.

Also, a peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergens out there. While that doesn’t mean you’re going to blow up like a fish and have a major allergic reaction, it can slow fat loss. Many people find that when they cut peanuts out of their diet it makes a big difference in their rate of fat loss. However, if you are not sensitive to peanuts, then all-natural peanut butter can be a great source of healthy fat, as nearly all of the fat is unsaturated.

I would recommend sticking with a single serving a day. I love adding peanut butter to a cut up apple as special treat, and it's a great sweet tooth buster too.  I also love blending peanut butter with a chocolate protein shake. It tastes just like a peanut butter cup – yum!

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