PEANUT BUTTER
Peanut butter is an inexpensive lunch option that most kids will eat and can be spread on more things than just sliced bread. Of course you always want to check with your school’s policy on peanuts on campus.
Peanut butter does have health benefits such as being a good source of protein, 2 tablespoons contains about 7.2 grams of protein, it’s full of fiber, contains no cholesterol, is rich in vitamins and minerals, and is an energy-dense food which can help make you feel fuller and satisfy your appetite. But most do contain added fats and sugar, 2 tablespoons have about 3.36 grams of sugar, which can contribute to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
- EATEN IN MODERATION THOUGH, PEANUT BUTTER IS A LOW-COST AND NUTRITIOUS OPTION
A basic sandwich of two slices of bread and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter will cost 40 cents to a buck, depending on where you shop. Swapping out your basic whole-wheat or white sliced bread with specialty types of bread will of course amp up the price, as will specialty peanut butters.
BE CREATIVE – Some kids just want a slather of peanut butter on some bread and call it a day. Others might want added jam or jelly or fruit such as berries or bananas. For younger kiddos, and if you have the time, cut-out shapes or “sushi” rolled sandwiches are a fun way to change things up. Rice cakes with peanut butter and fruit or a small container (2 tablespoons is the recommended serving-size) of peanut butter with apples and celery are good options, especially for gluten-sensitive or celiac kids.
- DON’T TOSS THE BREAD CRUSTS! THEY MAKE WONDERFUL AND “FREE” BREADCRUMBS
I personally like peanut butter with pickles, which is my favorite way to eat a peanut butter sandwich, making it more savory than sweet if I added jelly.
- DO BE WISE WITH THE ADD-ONS…marshmallow, chocolate, bacon, etc., will add even more sugar or fat which doesn’t make for a healthy option.
719woman.com