Healthier PB & J
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Healthier PB & J
Peanut butter and jelly or PB&J are a great food for kids. Problem is peanut butter and jelly are loaded with sugar. Although peanut butter is a great way of getting protein, many parents are trying to curb the sugar content in their children’s' diets.
So how does a parent improve the nutritious value of a PB&J? By following three simple steps.
First, look into natural peanut butter made with only peanuts (some will have salt). Some of the brands out there will also include Omega-3 Fatty Acids (the fatty acid that is heart healthy). These are usually located along with the standard peanut butter.
Second, have the child choose a favorite fruit such as apples, cherries, blueberries, bananas, mangos, kiwi, or strawberries. Use this in lieu of jelly or jam. Not only does the child get no processed sugar, but also gets a bit more fiber than they would if jelly or jam was used.
Third, visit the bread aisle and find bread with a fiber content of 3 grams or more. If the child has a whole sandwich, along with the fruit, the meal could include as much as ten grams of fiber per sandwich.
