Looking for an easy way to get protein? Nuts are a good solution! Just make sure you are choosing the right kind that won’t give you problems down the road, like ones that add to your body’s chemical overload with preservatives.
Peanut Butter
What should the ingredients list say on your jar of peanut butter? Peanuts. That’s it. Raw and not roasted is also better because of enzymes.
With natural peanut butters you have to stir the oil in, but once you stir it in, it stays. We like and use the creamy Adams brand for sandwiches or pancakes. Use an organic peanut butter powder for shakes and oatmeal.
You can also switch out peanut butter for other butters like almond butter, cashew butter, and coconut butter. If the kids are dipping veggies or fruit, I choose an almond butter. You can make all of the nut butters yourself in a food processor, just make sure you buy things raw and unsweetened.
Coconut Butter
You can replace coconut butter for any recipe that calls for regular butter. You can simply buy coconut butter or you can make it yourself! It can be pricy to buy, however, and it is not hard at all to make, so I recommend making your own! All you need is
- 2 cups raw coconut flakes (found at any health food store)
- Food processor or blender
- Glass jar for storage
- Pinch of sea salt, or real salt if you want
Simply place the coconut flakes in the food processor and blend till smooth, then store in your glass container.
Almond Butter
This is an alternative to peanut butter and is so good in desserts and for dipping. It is easy to make, just like the coconut butter. All you need is three cups of raw almonds, a food processor and a glass container.
Almond butter takes a bit longer to make than coconut butter (If you want to make a smaller batch to just try it then it won’t take so long to make). Place the almonds in the food processor and start blending! You have to keep blending for 20–30 minutes, stopping every five minutes to stop and stir the sides in. Add a pinch of salt and 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil so it keeps soft. Store it in a glass container.