Well, when I started getting into nutrition and health foods, I thought I’d have to sacrifice all my favorite yummy treats. Boy, was I wrong. Many times, I just have to tweak recipes and switch to all natural ingredients to make something better for me. What I’ve found out is that my healthy recipes usually taste just as good (sometimes better) as their unhealthy counterparts. Plus they make me feel better every day. Another consequence? I have a healthier relationship with food.
Eating healthy does not mean you have to give up all the things you love. Sometimes you just need to upgrade your food choices. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were one of my favorite things growing up. I LOVE peanut butter. I used to even put peanut butter and jelly on waffles instead of butter and syrup. Haha, sounds pretty silly, right? Anyways, here’s my tricks for giving a healthy upgrade to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Upgrade: Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Bread – Choose sprouted grain bread instead of the classic white or enriched wheat. Sprouted grains are easier on your digestive system and are more nutritious too. Read more on sprouted grains here. If you can’t find sprouted grain bread, at least pick up a 100% whole grain bread instead of white.
- Peanut butter – Choose organic and all natural peanut butters. Ideally, you want to see two ingredients on the label: peanuts and salt. Avoid any brands with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or added sugars. You can also experiment with almond or cashew butter. Most stores carry them right next to the peanut butter, but they’re also pretty easy to make on your own. See my recipe here.
- Jelly – Choose all-fruit jelly or spreads. I like to find local-made jellies at the farmer’s market. Again, avoid any brands with HFCS, added sugars, or preservatives. Simple ingredients are best. My favorite jelly has 3: black raspberries, white grape juice, and lemon juice.
Leave me a comment if you want me to upgrade another one of your favorite unhealthy treats! I’ll feature it in a future post.
