Tasty treats and good news are two things many dieters aren't accustomed to having. But anyone who wants to look a little thinner has an old childhood favorite waiting to help in their quest--peanut butter. Here's why.
How peanut butter makes you thinner
Fats got a bad rap some years ago and a lot of misinformation tore through the dieters' advice columns and websites. All fats were to be avoided. People developed such a phobia about consuming any fats that they overlooked a powerful ally in their weight loss efforts: good fats.
Think of the Mediterranean diet, which has been proven repeatedly to help dieters lose weight. Two short answers explain why--it tastes good and it leaves you feeling satisfied. And those two things are crucial for any weight loss program to be successful. Regardless of willpower and determination, most people can stand being hungry for only so long. Eventually the urge for something tasty and filling overwhelms their best intentions. So, think of peanut butter as another version of the Mediterranean diet. Good fats, lots of fresh veggies and fruit.
ABC News reports that author Holly McCord of Prevention magazine wrote the book "The Peanut Butter Diet" to illustrate how peanut butter and other foods high in monounsaturated fats can help people "lose weight and prevent heart disease." It just makes sense that the most successful diet will allow dieters to have tasty, filling foods. But unlike diets using expensive and exotic foods, peanut butter is affordable, easy-to-find and easy to prepare.
Add peanut butter to fruits and veggies and sauces
A serving of peanut butter spread on celery, carrots or apples is packed with vitamins, minerals and good fat. For many dieters, peanut butter on fruit or veggies is also tasty and has real staying power, which means you don't feel deprived and hungry again in an hour or so. Or add peanut butter and a banana to a smoothie, using low-fat milk. Lots of protein, vitamins, fiber--and taste! Get creative and try adding peanut butter to your favorite fruits and veggies.
Many recipes use peanut butter (or coarsely ground peanuts) in a coating for baked boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Or try a yummy sauce made from plain yogurt, peanut butter and onions for dipping or for a filling salad dressing.
Dieters still need to heed the recommended daily allowance of various foods and to continue exercising. But the good news is that peanut butter can help many people become thinner and stay healthy.
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