Protein Packed Peanut Butter Smoothie

Along with the new year comes promises to ourselves to eat healthier. Well many of us, I should say. The frustrating part is getting started (and there is always the dread of missing your favorite food items).  In my opinion though, it is all about modification. There are always alternatives so that you can still enjoy your favorite foods. For instance, when baking, many times you can substitute vegetable oil with applesauce.  Another idea is to use a sugar substitute instead of regular sugar.  There are really so many options. This leads me to sharing a protein packed peanut butter smoothie recipe. This recipe will get you started on your new healthy journey!

My family and I recently tried Jif Peanut Powder, and we are smitten. Honestly I had never heard of it before, but I am so glad to have discovered it, as it is so versatile and the options for using it are endless. Jif Peanut Powder does not contain added sugar or salt, and it has 85% less fat than regular peanut butter. There are also 8 grams of protein per serving! It just makes sense – I can enjoy the peanut butter flavor I enjoy SO much, but without the guilt.

One of my favorite ways to use Jif Peanut Powder is in my morning smoothies. It gives them that extra “kick”, with a creamy peanut butter flavor. I almost feel like I am drinking a decadent dessert.  Jif also has a Chocolate Peanut Powder, which I haven’t tried yet, but yum, I can’t wait to add it to my smoothies and baking!

 

You can use Jif Peanut Powder in so many different recipes. Simply mix in water (directions on back of bag) with the peanut powder to get the equivalent of the amount you need . I am excited to make cookies using peanut powder, and also my very special chicken wonton recipe. It will be nice to have less fat and fewer calories while still enjoying that peanut-y flavor that my whole family loves so much.

So how did my smoothie turn out? We all thought it was pretty darned good! I do believe that it will be easy to keep us on track with our eating since everyone enjoyed it so much. The peanut powder really made the smoothie. Long gone are boring, tasteless smoothies in the morning! In my smoothies, I use the following ingredients (recipe is on the back of the peanut powder bag): Peanut Powder, one banana, skim milk, a touch of honey and ice cubes. It couldn’t be easier and again, it tastes amazing.

I still do enjoy a healthy snack of apples and peanut butter from time to time and am thrilled that Jif offers a natural peanut butter spread in addition to their regular products. It is non GMO and gluten free. This combo is a good option for early evening snacking. YUM.

What modifications do you make when you are trying to eat healthier? How would you use Jif Peanut Powder? How else do you use peanut butter? I would love to hear your ideas!

Check out some of my other healthy recipes:

• Easy vegetable side dishes
• Easy weeknight dinners

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