What I Ate Wednesday #105: Nut Butter All Day!

It should come as no surprise that we currently have 5 open jars of nut butters in the house. That said, they’re all dwindling because I can never decide which one I want and I never want to finish a jar. Such problems, right? Most days I usually have 4 of the 5 nut butters; I’d say that’s a good day!

The health benefits of nuts, including peanuts [technically a legume], are undeniable. Aside from just being known for healthy fats, they also contain a number of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

[Pre-Workout]

I wasn’t even counting my Skoop blueberry bite, but this does have some PB&Co. Bees Knees in it. Peanuts are higher in protein than most nuts and are a heart-healthy food due to the mono-unsaturated fatty acids that can help to lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

[Breakfast]

You all know how much I love my melty nut butters on my oatmeal. This bowl has a mixture of peanut butter, coconut cashew butter, and protein almond butter. Almonds are a fiber-rich nut which, along with the healthy fats, helps you stay full. And a recent study funded by the Almond Board of California has shown that these nuts can even raise the levels of good bacteria in your system for a healthy gut!

[Lunch]

I swapped out my healthy fats at lunch for a little avocado on my snack plate. As for the tuna, I mix in some ketchup and relish.. is that strange? I’ve put ketchup in tuna my whole life so I don’t even know. Ha!

[Afternoon Snack]

Soon after my lunch, I had a few slices of freshly roasted sweet potato with more coconut cashew butter. This was pretty much the best combo all day! Cashews are a great source of iron—helps to prevent anemia—, zinc—for immune health and vision—, and magnesium—to help improve memory. Crunch on some cashews so you can remember all of this 😉

[Dinner]

Skipped the nut butter in dinner again, but there’s a sprinkling of peanuts on top! I filled my bowl up with tons of broccoli and it hit the spot. Nice and light but super filling.

[Evening Snack]
Sliced up an apple with some more peanut butter. I just can’t get enough!

Nut butters are something I always have to use measuring spoons for, otherwise I’d go crazy! So while it may look and sound like I’m eating a ton of nut butter, I’m actually limiting it to about 2-3 tablespoons per day. You bet your butt I could eat more [like a jar per day!] but there is such a thing as going overboard on healthy food too 😉

Food for Thought

What’s your favorite nut?
Do you measure out your nut butter or just go for it?

Sources: 29 Amazing Benefits Of Peanuts For Skin, Hair And Health & Why You Should Go Nuts for Nuts

Foodie Friday: Creamy Coconut Cashew Butter

My name is Brittany and I’m a nut butter addict.

And I have no shame. I’m never without a variety of nut butters in the house, but since getting my Vitamix, they’ve only gotten better. Polish off a jar? No problem, let’s just make something else! The best part of making your own nut butter is scraping the bottom of the blender. Am I right?! 😉

Of course I didn’t bring it back to the computer with me.. like I said, no shame.

A couple months ago I found Coconut Cashews from Trader Joe’s. I figure if I can make nut butter with raw or roasted nuts, why not try this?

Go buy these now!

The result was an extremely flavorful, creamy, wonderful nut butter that I loved. What I didn’t love, however, was the added ingredients. Of course that meant the minute I ran out, I had to make my own without the extras. It’s so easy, it’s silly.

Creamy Coconut Cashew Butter

Make twelve 2 tbsp servings

Ingredients
– 2 cups cashews; roasted
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tsp salt

Directions
Place all ingredients in a high-power blender or food processor and blend away! You may need to stop and scrape the sides a few times, but give it a couple minutes to get creamy.

I didn’t need to add any additional oil because of the natural oils in the cashews and coconut. I store my fresh nut butters in the fridge and they last months. I also recommend that you leave it out at room temp for a few minutes before spreading, scooping, etc to soften up a bit.

Nutritional Information
Per 2 tbsp serving

157 Calories  /  14g Fat  /  7g Carbs  /  1g Sugar  /  2g Fiber  /  4g Protein

Don’t want to stop there? Use this coconut cashew butter in my Minty Irish Powerballs for a St. Patty’s Day-approved treat 😉

Food for Thought

What is your favorite kind of nut [or seed] butter?
Are you making anything green for St. Patricks Day?

What I Ate Wednesday #53: A Couple New Faves

Happy Wednesday, friends! Nathan sent me this video yesterday and I had to share it. This guy is incredibly inspirational and it’s so nice to see someone with such a positive attitude. It’s definitely worth the watch.. I hope you enjoy!

Now onto the food..

I have to admit, my eats have not been the most exciting lately. I’ve been loving big salads and roasted veggies and there are really only so many times I can show the same old stuff. So today I wanted to share another new twist on my protein oats and a couple other favorites that I’ve enjoyed recently.

Zucchini Bread Protein TVP Oats

I decided to explore a few breakfast options [only a little] and tried Zoats. I really enjoyed them but wanted to give them my own little twist and I’ve been devouring ever since! And obviously zucchini is not in short supply right now, so this is the perfect recipe to use some up!

Serves 1

Ingredients
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– 1/2 banana; mashed
– 4 egg whites
– 1 small zucchini; shredded and squeezed dry
– 1/8 cup rolled oats
– 1/8 cup TVP* [If you don’t have TVP, just substitute another 1/8 cup of oats]
– Cinnamon
– Nutmeg
– Your fave nut and/or seed butters [Optional.. but why wouldn’t you?!]
– Your fave granola [Optional.. see note above]

Directions
In a small pot, bring almond milk to a boil with mashed banana and a sprinkling of cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. Turn the heat down to medium high, add in your egg whites and mix continuously so the egg whites don’t poach. After the egg whites are partially cooked, add in the zucchini [make sure you squeezed as much of the moisture out as possible!] and mix to combine.

Let the zucchini and egg mixture cook for a few minutes, then add in the oats and TVP. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the oats reach your desired consistency. Once cooked, top with 1 tbsp nut or seed butter, a sprinkling of cinnamon, and your favorite granola for crunch!

*You can purchase TVP from iHerb.com. Use discount code ZAF482 at checkout for up to $10 off your purchase!

Nutritional Information

Per serving, without optional toppings

235 Calories  /  2g Fat  /  32g Carbs  /  7g Fiber  /  12g Sugar  /  24g Protein

Pretty close to the original protein TVP oats, but with a little spin 🙂 This is also a perfect #PowerbowlChallenge breakfast. If you’re not participating, get with the program!

Snacks

I’m sure you’ve heard Chobani’s recent news and after having to toss a few of my beloved flips*, I’ve decided to take a little break and branch out to other brands of Greek yogurt. I’ve discovered some new flavors from Oikos that are off the chains! Yep. I went there. And I highly recommend you check them out.

I love that the lids say “with room for toppings” 😉

*Chobani’s customer service is incredible. If you’ve had any issues with your yogurt, be sure to contact them and they will send you coupons for free cups!

Salad Topper

I finally found a store in my area that carries miso and was super psyched to start cooking with it. I’m in love with Kathy’s miso dressing and have made miso-dipped tofu multiple times!

The tofu is perfect to throw on top of salads or into a wrap. I can’t wait to try it with tempeh and other proteins!

Food for Thought

What is your favorite flavor of yogurt?

Have you ever cooked with miso? Are you a fan?

Never Forget. 9/11/01