It’s okay to get a little nutty while you’re dieting. If you’re talking about peanut butter, that is! The Leaf is filled with healthy peanut butter recipes that are diet-friendly.
According to Harvard Health, peanuts aren’t actually nuts. They are a legume, similar to lentils or soybeans. Regardless of their origin, peanut butter is a delicious and healthy option for those trying to lose weight. Studies show that people who eat nuts and peanut butter have a decreased risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, says Harvard Health. Nuts and nut butters are filled with healthy fats and can help keep you full throughout the day. Never underestimate the fullness factor when you’re shedding pounds!
Fortunately, Nutrisystem has developed more than a dozen peanut butter recipes. All delicious, all healthy and all diet-approved! Keep reading to see how versatile peanut butter really is.
Here are 14 delicious peanut butter recipes:
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Popsicles >
Calories per Serving: 100
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel
This recipe is so simple, you probably already have the six ingredients for it in your kitchen! You just need some inexpensive popsicle molds (and not just for this recipe–check out these other Nutrisystem-approved popsicles! >). Blend together plain nonfat Greek yogurt, nonfat milk, stevia, vanilla extract, unsweetened cocoa powder and peanut butter in your blender or food processor. Pour into your popsicle molds and freeze. Enjoy your 100-calorie peanut butter popsicles as a dessert or snack!
2. 3-Ingredient Protein Bombs >
Calories per Serving: 131
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
We hear ya! You’re saying, “Three ingredients? I’m so there!” This smooth, creamy snack is even easier than it sounds. A chocolate Nutrisystem shake is mixed with peanut butter and fat free cream cheese to create these delicious protein bombs. The recipe makes 16 of these protein-packed peanut butter balls, with two balls as one serving.
3. 4-Ingredient Rice Krispies Treat >
Calories per Serving: 71
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras
Who doesn’t like a crunchy and sweet dessert that is easy to make? Snack on one of these crispy bars filled our favorite nut butter. Crisp rice cereal is held together with creamy peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract. The recipe makes 24 bars and one bar counts as one serving. In one move you’ve stocked up on your snacks and desserts for practically month! Keep them in the fridge and grab a bar when you’re craving something sweet.
4. Chocolate Peanut Butter French Toast >
Calories per Serving: 238
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
Though it sounds like a fancy brunch recipe, this deliciously sweet breakfast whips up in 15 minutes. You can enjoy a gourmet breakfast even on workday mornings! Start with whole wheat bread soaked in a mixture of egg, nonfat milk, vanilla and a scoop of your chocolate Nutrisystem shake. Cook in a pan for three to four minutes per side. Melt some peanut butter in the microwave and simply drizzle it on top. Sprinkle with some chocolate chips and enjoy your peanut butter platter!
5. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups >
Calories per Serving: 139
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras
Keep this recipe handy for Halloween! After you’ve tried one of these, you won’t be tempted by the high calorie store-bought versions you’re handing out to the kids. Make your own peanut butter cups with semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut oil and crunchy peanut butter. Enjoy your favorite peanut butter candy made diet-friendly!
6. PB and J Power Bowl >
Calories per Serving: 282
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras
The staple of childhood lunches becomes your secret weight loss weapon at breakfast. Combine peanut butter with steel cut oats, almond milk and a homemade jelly made with fresh strawberries, lemon juice and chia seeds. You’ll be loving this deconstructed PB and J sandwich every morning!
7. No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars >
Calories per Serving: 199
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel
Unfortunately, many store-bought granola bars are often calorie and sugar bombs masquerading as a healthy treat. It’s so simple to make your own and control the ingredients that you add. These bars are not only delicious, they are diet-friendly. Mix together rolled oats, peanut butter, honey and semi-sweet chocolate chips (or substitute some dried fruit). Throw them in the fridge and grab a bar when you’re craving a nutty treat!
8. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Mug Cake >
Calories per Serving: 146
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra
The inventor of the mug cake deserves an award. They’re quick, delicious, mess-free and never see the inside of a hot oven. It’s microwave all the way. This quick dessert combines powdered peanut butter (found in the same aisle as regular peanut butter), a little whole wheat pastry flower, baking powder, stevia, banana, almond milk and chocolate chips. Three minutes in the microwave and it’s ready to eat!
9. Apple Peanut Monster Mouths >
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
These are so adorable, you’re going to have to fight your kids for them. When Halloween comes around, you need healthy and fun treats available for you and your family. Slice up a medium apple and scoop peanut butter on one side of each slice. Line up a row of nuts (macadamias, peanuts, almonds or cashews) to look like teeth, then top with another slice of apple spread with peanut butter. These peanut butter monster mouths are scary good!
10. Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars >
Calories per Serving: 176
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb
When you get a jones for candy, we’ve got just the recipe to help. This yummy bar gets its sweet flavor and crunchy texture from a vanilla Nutrisystem shake, dates, peanut butter, chocolate chips, oats and vanilla extract. A food processor does all the mixing for you. Form your bars and thrown them in the freezer for an hour to create an easy Flex Snack that you can enjoy throughout the week.
11. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie >
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels and 1 SmartCarb
Add this one to your lineup of peanut butter recipes! This rich, delicious smoothie could not be easier to create. Blend together a chocolate Nutrisystem shake with peanut butter, frozen banana, water and ice. Start your day with this beverage and you’ll be having a peanut butter party all morning!
12. Peanut Butter Banana Pops >
Calories per Serving: 160
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1/2 SmartCarb and 1 Extra
When it is hot outside, you need a cold treat to cool you down. In fact, you might want to make a bigger batch of these pops since you can store them in the freezer. Enjoy them any time that you’re looking for something cool and sweet. Simply combine peanut butter, bananas, water and honey in a blender. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze to create perfect peanut butter pops!
13. Chocolate Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge >
Calories per Serving: 116
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
This confection is so rich and creamy, you’re not going to believe it is diet-friendly. It’s so simple to make and only takes a few minutes. Simply heat up some peanut butter, almond milk and a packet of Nutrisystem NutriChocolaty Wafers in a saucepan. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or in circles on a baking sheet and stick them in the freezer. Enjoy them frozen or room temperature.
14. Chicken Kebabs with Peanut Dipping Sauce >
Calories per Serving: 219
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels
Just to show you how versatile peanut butter is, we wanted to include one of our favorite savory peanut butter recipes featuring this delicious ingredient. These chicken kebabs have a sweet, salty and spicy flavor that is unique and satisfying. Our favorite nut butter is featured here in a peanut dipping sauce made with peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, lime juice and cayenne pepper. Lean chicken and peanut butter combine to create a protein powerhouse!
