HEALTH

 

Peanut butter is basically considered a food group to some girls, especially ones who take their PB&J to school with them every day in their lunchbox. Such a simple sandwich and yet, it’s just so yummy. The issue? Between the white bread, the processed peanut butter and sugary jelly, it's not all that great for you every day. Don’t worry though, we aren’t telling you to stop eating your fave sandwich—in honor of National Peanut Butter Day (that's today!), here are 10 ways to make your sammie *actually* healthy and delicious at the same time.

Start with the bread.
Exchange your white bread for whole grain wheat to get all the vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein and fiber that bread companies remove in order to make the flour they use for white bread. You could always make your own bread, too.

Think outside the square.
There is no rule that mandates you use bread slices. You could always make yourself a burrito-style PB&J with a whole wheat wrap or flatbread.

Go totally gluten-free.
Instead of bread, spread your PB on one apple slice and your jelly on another and sandwich them together. Yum!

Buy better butter....
You may want to consider switching brands when it comes to your peanut butter. Some brands, like Jif and Skippy add sugar and oils that, simply, are not necessary. The best brands of PB have only peanuts and maybe some salt in them.

...or at least buy the natural kind.
If you are a die-hard Jif or Skippy PB eater, that’s okay. Just try buying the natural version of your fave brand instead of regular.

Learn to love the crunch.
It’s probably going to be hard to sway your opinion, but the fact is that crunchy peanut butter is definitely a bit healthier in that is has less saturated fat and more fiber.

Peanut butter and *jam*
Switching your jelly out for jam is an easy way to up the health factor. Jam is made by crushing up the *entire* fruit while jelly is just made out of the fruit juice with a lot of additives. It's always good to get the low sugar or even organic jam as well—you probably won't taste much of a difference.

PB&H
If you really want to change it up, use raw honey instead of jelly. Yes, it still has sugar, but it’s a great natural alternative to store bought jelly. Bonus: Peanut butter and honey taste awesome together.

Fresh fruit
Instead of jelly, dice up some strawberries, grapes or bananas and add them to your sandwich. This is a great way to get in a daily serving of fruit while eating your fave lunch.

Add some seeds
Spread your peanut butter and add a sprinkle of flaxseed. It’s an extra boost of nutrition and you will hardly notice it’s there.

Are you nutty for PB&J’s? How do you change it up so it’s healthy? Sound off in the comments!

Photo credit: Spoon University.

by Maddie Smith | 1/24/2017