May help keep you fuller for longer
Peanut butter is very filling. In a study in 15 women with obesity, adding 3 tablespoons (48 grams) of this spread to a high-carb breakfast lowered appetites more than a high-carb breakfast alone ( 10 ).
Some research suggests that eating peanut butter and peanuts may suppress appetite by increasing fullness. What's more, eating protein-rich foods like peanut butter can reduce appetite and preserve muscle mass during weight loss.
High-fiber foods not only provide volume but also take longer to digest, making you feel full longer on fewer calories. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains all contain fiber. Popcorn is a good example of a high-volume, low-calorie whole grain.
Peanut Butter
According to a Purdue University study, the spread seems to quell appetite for up to two hours longer than a low-fiber, high-carb snack such as potato chips. Just be sure to choose the all-natural version when you shop.
Green vegetables are rich in water content and fibre, which helps to keep your stomach full for a longer period. These tiny seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fibre. All these sources help in suppressing your hunger.
In many cases, fruits and vegetables can make your body feel full more quickly than eating a higher volume of other foods. You also can trick your brain into making that feeling last longer by mixing in some protein and fat that take longer to digest. Think peanut butter on fruit, or hummus or guacamole on vegetables.
Pairing the peanut butter with a whole-grain or whole-meal bread can balance the nutrients along with providing you with the minerals that the peanut butter does not have.It can be used as a meal replacement because of its high nutritional value.
Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
If you're on a low-fat diet, you may not be getting enough healthy fats. This might cause you to crave peanut butter. Peanut butter is also thought to be a common craving among people on low-carbohydrate eating plans. Low-sugar varieties of peanut butter are an approved food on many low-carb diets.
One of the main fats in peanut butter is oleic acid. When substituted for other fats in your diet, oleic acid is shown to help maintain good cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Managing these levels in your body can lower the risk of heart disease. Peanut butter also contains omega-6.
Thanks to its impressive nutrient profile, some health advocates recommend eating peanut butter at night to support muscle growth, stabilize blood sugar levels, and improve sleep quality.
While not as severe as peanut allergies, many people develop an intolerance to peanuts and peanut butter by eating them in too high a quantity over an extended period of time, according to Minchen, which can lead to allergy-like symptoms of rashes, nausea, fatigue, or acne.
Unintentional weight gain occurs when you put on weight without increasing your consumption of food or liquid and without decreasing your activity. This occurs when you're not trying to gain weight. It's often due to fluid retention, abnormal growths, constipation, or pregnancy.
Pair your protein with fiber, and because they digest slowly, you'll feel full for hours. High-fiber veggies include greens, broccoli, peas, beans, beets, and artichoke. Fruits like berries, avocados, apples, and pears are also great sources of fiber, as well as whole grains including oats, quinoa, and barley.
What can I eat that is healthy but filling? Look for healthy foods that are high in protein and fiber. The protein in foods like eggs and nuts will keep you feeling satisfied. Eating high-fiber foods like beans and spinach slows down your digestion, keeping you full and preventing spikes and dips in blood sugar.
If you don't find yourself feeling full during or immediately after a meal, try incorporating more foods that are high in volume but low in calories ( 10 , 11 ). These foods, such as most fresh vegetables, fruits, air-popped popcorn, shrimp, chicken breast, and turkey, tend to have greater air or water content.