It's NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER DAY!!!!

Wow... a day to celebrate Peanut Butter.... Really?  Yes indeed... today January 24th is National Peanut Butter Day.  I absolutely love peanut butter.  I used to eat it by the spoonful, on apples, on celery, on crackers, on anything.  Baked, you name it.  Did you know that the average person consumes over 6 pounds of peanut butter products a year?  Peanuts are cholesterol free and a great source of Protein.  They are truly a staple in today's households around the world.   So today, I want to talk about peanut butter.  Peanut butter within reason is a great source of protein in our daily diets. Being that a two tablespoon serving is over 200 calories and contains 16g of fat, that is not the easiest choice when watching our diets.   Before we look to take it away from our diets we should know that apart from being a good source of vitamin E, folic acid, niacin, and phosphorous, most  of the fat in peanut butter is the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind; plus, it contains no cholesterol. They have developed reduced fat peanut butters, but they tend to contain a higher amount of sugars. Peanut Butter does contain small amounts  of  partially hydrogenated oil to prevent separation.  Because of this, there are some trans fats in it.  Natural peanut butters are a better option as they are strictly peanuts and salt.  Be aware that some natural peanut butters contain palm oil which takes the place of the hydrogenated oils.   Look for natural peanut butters that DO NOT contain oil stabilizers. 
MY FAVORITE type of PEANUT BUTTER is PB2.  This is an amazing peanut butter that contains absolutely no oils, just the peanut.  They press the peanuts and remove all oils.  It is only a mere 45 calories for a Two Tablespoon serving and less than 4g of fat.... all good fats. I bake with this, I add it to my protein shakes, I even add water and make creamy peanut butter out of it.  It is delicious.   They do have a website to purchase from but check in your local area.  If you are in Arizona, they sell it at House of Fitness in Mesa, AZ and you can get it for less. 
Now onto some YUMMY Peanut Butter Recipes.....  Enjoy. 

Peanut Butter Balls   ( High Protein and YUMMY )
 low-glycemic, high-energy, high-protein)
source: Body Rock
(makes 3-4  balls)
32g (1 scoop) Natural Vanilla Protein Powder ( I use gluten free )
42g (2 tbs) Honey
32g (2 tbs) Raw, Natural Peanut Butter (no sugar, salt or oil added; should be very soft) You can also substitute your PB2 here...  I do and it is terrific.  Make with water to creamy consistency. 

Directions:
1. Put the protein powder in a bowl, then the honey and stir
2. Pour in the peanut butter
3. Stir until everything is incorporated (it takes a while, but if you need more honey or something, add it now)
4. Add any toppings if you would like  (oats, walnuts, coconut, flax seed, chocolate chips )
4. Roll into balls with your hands, and refrigerate to harden (if you are not eating it immediately)

Protein Peanut Butter Cups 
makes one serving
1 scoop of Protein Powder ( can be vanilla or chocolate) 
1 Tablespoon of unsweetened baking cocoa
2 Tablespoons of Stevia ( you may do truvia or try agave) agave adds calories
small amount of water... around 1/8 cup.  You will want to experiment.  You do not want to make it liquid.  Almost like a thick thick  pudding.  
Muffin Cup
Take 1/2 batter and pour into muffin cup.  Place in refrigerator for 15 min.
Add 1 Tablespoon of Natural Peanut Butter to the muffin cup.  ( You can use a 2 tablespoon serving of PB2 made creamy with water also)  Place in freezer for 15 min. 
Now add the final chocolate amount to top of muffin tin.  Place in freezer for 15 minutes. 
Makes 1 VERY BIG MUCH HEALTHIER Peanut Butter Cup.  Over 25g of Protein. 
You can double or double again the recipe to make multiples. 

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

1 Frozen Banana (cut into bite size pieces set aside)
1 scoop Chocolate or Vanilla Protein Powder: put into a bowl
Add 2 Teaspoons of unsweetened baking cocoa.  Add to protein powder
Next add a small  of unsweetened coconut milk to the powder mixture.  You want to add a small amount so the mixture is very thick. 
Take a plate with wax paper and dip your frozen banana bite into the protein mixture.  Place on waxed paper and into freezer for 45 minutes.
Once completely frozen you will add a dollop of all natural peanut butter ( PB2 also works. add water to make creamy.   
Enjoy.  If you don't eat all, keep in freezer to avoid soggy bananas.