Power Up with Peanuts

Plant-Based Protein for Your Routine.

School is back in session, but unfortunately for adults, we don’t get a midday recess to recharge our energy. And sometimes, that means reaching for another cup of coffee or a handful of sugary snacks to help us cross the finish line.

But there’s a better way; The plant-based protein in peanuts and peanut butter can help you ease the daily grind into a much smoother experience — providing more energy, more focus, and less stress. And all it takes is as little as one serving per day!

How Powerful are Peanuts?

At 7g per serving, peanuts have the most protein of any nut. That’s in addition to 19 crucial vitamins and minerals our bodies need to feel our best — including several which are classified as “hard to get.”

Eating Well to Feel Good.

In a study of college students (ages 18-33), peanut and peanut butter consumption was associated with:

• Improved memory
• Reduced stress
• Decreased anxiety and depression

Staying Energized and Focused

Due to their combination of plant-based protein and healthy fats, peanuts are considered an energy-dense food,3 which means your body can use it for fuel. But that’s not all:

• Burn more calories at rest. One trial noted an 11% increase in subjects’ REE (resting energy expenditure) after 8 weeks of peanut consumption.4
• Peanuts have a low glycemic index. That means they won’t spike your blood sugar the way sugary snacks or sodas might, which is what leads to the feeling of “crashing” later.
• Keep Your Mind Sharp. Peanuts contain the antioxidant resveratrol, which has shown to increase blood flow to the brain.5
• Greater satisfaction with fewer calories. 18% of calories from peanuts and peanut products are not absorbed by the body — which means they can help you stay satisfied without weighing you down.

Health Habits for the Long Haul

In addition to day-to-day benefits, eating peanuts is associated with:

• 21% lower risk of premature death6
• 24% reduced risk of death from heart disease
• Reduced risk for colorectal, gastric, pancreatic and lung cancers.7

(Check out our blog for more ways peanuts can help you Live a Longer Life!)

Making Your Plan

Now that we know ‘why’ you should start incorporating peanuts into your daily diet, let’s look at ‘when’ you should eat them to provide the biggest benefits. (And with most things in health and nutrition, it all comes down to consistency, and maintaining a plan.)

The Problem: “I feel exhausted in the morning.”

The Plan: What we eat the night before can have a big impact on how we feel the next day. Try having 1 serving (1 oz., or about 1 handful) of peanuts as an evening snack to calm any cravings, and avoid loading up on unhealthy processed or fatty foods.

The Problem: “I’m hangry and run down by the afternoon.”

The Plan: If you’re feeling tired and snack-y before lunch, try adding a serving of peanuts to your breakfast. Having peanut butter on multigrain toast provides a 1-2 punch of protein and fiber for greater satiety (or satisfaction) to help you through lunchtime and beyond.

The Problem: “I snack too much before (and after) dinner.”

The Plan: Try out recipes rich in fruits and vegetables like the Mediterranean or MIND Diets, which help satisfy hunger AND have shown great additional benefits for health — including a lower risk of Alzheimer’s Disease8, and a delayed onset of Parkinson’s Disease9. Or, just enjoy a handful of peanuts as an after-dinner snack!

(Learn more about the benefits of plant-based diets here.)

Conquer Your Routine with Plant-Based Protein.

Now that we’ve covered the why and how of your peanut plan, it’s time for the best part: putting it into action! With a daily serving of peanuts, you’ll soon be enjoying more energy, less stress, and maybe even a little more room in your waistline.

If you need some peanut-powered recipe ideas to get started, we’ve got you covered with a plethora of peanutty goodness that can fit into any busy schedule.