Tag Archives: peanut butter

Smucker’s Peanut Butter Recall Due to Salmonella Risk

With a name like Smucker’s it has to be… recalled. Some of the company’s 16-ounce jars of Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter Chunky is being pulled from shelves due to possible salmonella contamination. The recall is only their chunky-style peanut butter.

During a routine sampling program it was revealed that some of the peanut butter could contain the bacteria. Luckily, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the recall.

The potentially dangerous jars can be narrowed down to certain regions of the country during a particular time range: (more…)

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Jason

The Truth About Peanut Butter: 4 Healthier Brands

Who didn’t grow up eating peanut butter sandwiches? While peanut butter and jelly has been a lunchbox staple for as far back as anyone can remember, the delicious sandwich spread is far from diet-friendly.

“Peanut butter in its basic or pure form is a healthy source of protein,” said Oliver Gerard Heffern, owner of glor foods.  “It’s what’s added there after that can cause concern:  sugars, preservatives, additives and colors.”

According Brandon May, author of The Healthy Advocate, peanut butter label claims can be be misleading. “No matter which brand, any peanut butter labeled ‘reduced fat or ‘low-fat’ should be avoided,” May said. “They typically have fillers that increase the sugar content, making them potentially more harmful to your health than a higher fat version.”

Additionally,  most commercial peanut butters have oils that have been fully or partially hydrogenated, which creates trans-fat. “It isn’t peanut fat that’s a problem, it is the trans-fats in the peanut butters that contributes to poor health,” said May.  “Any peanut butter labeled ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ will not have hydrogenated oils, but you should always check the label to see the sugar content.”

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Posted on August 24, 2023 by Maris

Sweet Treats Made With Coconut Full of Healthy Fats

We already know that there are many healthy ways to enjoy coconut, a fruit that provides a number of functional vitamins and minerals for the body. While coconut is rich in fat and saturated fat, it is healthy fat that provides energy for the lymph nodes, liver and other vital organs.

Because coconut is rich and satisfying, it can be a good source of dietary fat. Next time you want to add a little bit more coconut into your diet opt for one of our figure-friendly recipes.

Coconut Cream Pie: Even if you’re on a diet, you don’t need to give up eating pie. Just make sure it’s our coconut cream pie, that’s made with real butter and cream. Our advice? Just eat a small slice and add an extra ten minutes of cardio onto your workout the next day.

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Posted on April 18, 2024 by Maris

RECALL: Reduced Fat Skippy Peanut Butter

Skippy LogoPotential salmonella contamination has prompted Unilever to recall reduced fat Skippy peanut butter in 16 states. Both Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread are being recalled, although there have been no reports of illness yet. No other Skippy products are being affected.

The recall is effective in New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Wisconsin. The limited recall is being conducted with help from the Food and Drug Administration.

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Posted on March 7, 2024 by Health Buzz

Fast Lunches for When You Don’t Have Time to Eat

When the day seems to slip away from you, full of  meetings and deadlines, lunch is the last thing on your mind.  Studies have proven that skipping meals can hurt weight loss efforts, not to mention affect your physical health and concentration.

Instead of skipping your midday meal in favor of a marathon status meeting, keep these mini-meals at your desk for when you need a healthy lunch in a pinch.

Starkist Tuna Salad Sandwich-Ready Pouch: For just 100 calories, the pouch comes with with low-fat mayo, water chestnuts, celery and relish already mixed in—just pack whole wheat crackers or bread for a quick tuna salad with all the fixings.

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Posted on November 24, 2023 by Maris

Empty Calories: Peanut Butter Lover’s Month

See more Empty Calories right here in the blog each week, or receive one each month when you subscribe to our free newsletter. (more…)

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Health Buzz

Easy Back to School Breakfast Options

Happy Back to School Day! For many parents across the country, it’s the beginning of a brand new school year. It’s time to start new habits, and one of the best things that you can do to help your children get the day off to a good start is to serve a healthy breakfast. I don’t know about you, but when I mention healthy breakfast to my kids, they often think of sticks and twigs and other unappetizing options so I have to get creative with my before school meals.

Instead of a bowl of cold cereal, which often won’t fuel your child until the end of first bell, make one of these amazing choices, high in protein and flavor.

  • Create your own trail mix by mixing dry, high fiber cereal, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and  roasted edamame for protein. An added bonus is you can toss some of this mix into a baggie and pair it with a drinkable yogurt, like those from Stonyfield Farms, to make a travel-friendly and filling breakfast. (more…)
Posted on September 7, 2023 by Carmen

Love Peanuts? We Have an iPhone App for You

National Peatnut Board App for iPhoneThe National Peanut Board has launched a free iPhone app, called Peanuts: Energy for the Good Life. It features recipes, facts and even a little tool to help you curb snack cravings. While peanuts are high in calories, they contain more protein than any other nut, and contain many other nutrients. According the to the board, 90 percent of Americans have a jar of peanut butter in their homes.

Naturally, the app discusses the health benefits of peanuts and has over 30 dietitian recommended recipes featuring the legume. I’m particularly excited to try the masala slaw, with ginger, cilantro, cabbage and, of course, peanuts. Some of the desserts look pretty high-calorie, although delicious–maybe not so diet friendly. But the app isn’t just about discovering new ways to eat peanuts. It also has a meditation feature, guided by the relaxing voice of Stephan Bodian. Bodian practiced as a Zen Buddhist monk for ten years and is the author of Meditation for Dummies. Finally, the app has a note tool that you can set to remind you take a break or even have a healthy snack.

Get Peanuts: Energy for the Good Life now.

Also Read:

Prevention‘s Peanut Butter Diet

The Best Low-Fat Peanut Butters

Diabetic Peanut Butter Cookies

Posted on August 9, 2023 by Margaret

Tune-In: Hungry Girl’s Crave Busters on the Rachael Ray Show

Tune in Wednesday, April 7 to the Rachael Ray Show when the Hungry Girl stops by with a healthy answer to all of your junk food cravings with recipes that will satisfy your stomach without busting your waistline.

From French toast to buffet breakfasts, Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien shows you how you can have all the things you crave, but without the guilt!

We’re not sure what the Hungry Girl is whipping up, but we think it is a peanut-butter-licious recipe that swaps regular peanut butter for Better n’ Peanut Butter, which has only 100 calories per two tablespoon serving.

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Posted on April 5, 2024 by heather

Smart Choices Program May Not be Overly Smart for Shoppers

smart choices logoI was recently invited to attend the launch of the Smart Choices food labeling system. Smart Choices is a front of packaging nutritional food label system developed by an alliance of U.S. food manufacturers and retailers. Products must meet specific guidelines to be included. The program is funded by the participating food companies – basically, a company pays for the label. Smart Choices is “designed to promote public health by helping shoppers make smarter food and beverage choices,” says the program’s press statements.

The basic premise couldn’t be more simple. Qualifying foods are stamped with a green check mark, which is designed to help a shopper make the healthiest choice within a particular category. (All fresh fruits and vegetables are automatically included – but they don’t get a green check mark because they are grown on a farm and not represented by a company.) If you are buying peanut butter, the green check mark container might contain the best choice in terms of health. (more…)

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Carmen

Snack Smarter for Effective Weight Loss

woman-eating-berriesSnacking isn’t the evil that everyone portrays it to be in a diet. In fact, a healthy snack has a tremendously powerful presence in your daily caloric intake. Of course, what you choose to snack on is key – chocolate cupcakes and Cheetos won’t give you the edge that almonds can. (Darn it!)

The timing of your snacks is extremely important to your weight loss success, too. Try to have a mid-morning snack and a mid-afternoon snack, both in the neighborhood of about 300 calories, to keep your blood sugar level and help you avoid overindulgence at the next meal. Here are some great, healthy choices to keep on hand. (more…)

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Carmen