Question:
Sugar vs. fat in peanut butter

Ok, I am almost 6 months post-op Realize Band and love to eat peanut butter. Actually, I get cravings for it and it is high in protein. My confusion is when buying peanut butter that is the best for my. There just simply is not a peanut butter that is low in fat and sugar at the same time that I can find. I have bought Simply Jiff, Natural Jiff & Skippy, etc. I do have a jar of PB2, which is the powdered Peanut Butter and it is ok, but I don't always have it with me and it is expensive. I keep a jar of regular peanut butter at home and at work and eat 1-2 tablespoons for a snack. My question to all of you is, do you think it is better to buy peanut butter that is lower in fat (which will be higher in sugar) or lower in sugar (which will be higher in fat). I just simply want your opinions. My nutritionist says it is up to me as to what I want. So, I am asking your opinions. Thank you in advance for all of your information. Just to let you know, I do not eat the peanut butter on any type bread other than an occasional Mission Carb Health Whole Wheat Tortilla with the Simply Fruit Spread or Smuckers Sugar Free Jelly. This is about 1 time a month. Otherwise, I just eat it from a spoon.    — Teresa J. (posted on March 25, 2009)


March 25, 2009
Kudos to you on your research on the types of peanut butter that are good for you. I'm almost five years out and occasionally enjoy a half of a peanut butter sandwich. I'm not as conscientious as you as far as the research and eat whatever I have on hand. However, you only being six months out will probably need something lower in sugar....(that being my personal opinion only). I love peanut butter and it hasn't affected my weight loss at all, I still maintain a size 4. Keep up the good work and you'll do great.
   — Belle

March 25, 2009
I am more sugar sensitive so I always go with less sugar, more fat ratios when I am presented with them. I eat a lot of peanut butter, too. On things or off the spoon, it's good and I love it. I am a Jiff lover myself - "choosy mom's choose Jiff". Jiff creamy is my brand of choice. I am over two years out and am maintaining my size 4/6. My peanut butter eating or cravings have not sabotaged my weight loss any. I would say go higher on the side you tolerate better and/or go for less sugar is always the way I lean. But if you are very sensitive to fat, it might not work for you. I know some people in support group that can eat sugar w/o too many issues, but anything with any substantial fat throws them over the edge. Good luck. Hope that helped.
   — jammerz

March 25, 2009
I use natural organic peanut butter (ingredients are only organic peanuts and salt)...It has no added sugar or hydrogenated fats to keep the oils from seperating. Peanut oil separates to the top so I take out some of the oil and store in a small container. You have to hand mix natural peanut butter (kinda a pain but worth the awesome natural peanut taste...and you know you are getting nothing but peanuts! Once I get to the bottom of the jar, it is REALLY thick I can add some of the oil that I saved, back into the mixture without having eaten all that peanut oil...So I actaully make it a lighter version on my own! (If you take out too much it's so thick you cannot spread it) The added sugar in regular peanut butter is not necessary...It's added to appeal to children! Nice huh? I usually use the extra oil a few drops per meal for my dog's food for a good shiny coat and skin...
   — .Anita R.

March 25, 2009
I am more sugar sensitive than fat sensitive! I would pick the lowest sugar possible. Good luck! Rena RNY 4/30/08 Duke NC 110 lbs; 117 lbs gone forever!
   — RenaMansi

March 25, 2009
I use nothing but smart balance chunky peanut butter with flax oil, no hydrogenated oil. Only has 1gm of sugar, sat.fat 3g, trans fat 0g, poly fat 2.5g mono fat 12g, cholesteral 0mg, sodium 110mg, potassium 190mg, total carbs.6g, dietary fiber 1g, protein 7g. Serving size is 2 Tbs. This is the one with 1000mg omega-3`s. And once when you start using it you wont be able to eat any other kind of peanut butter. I buy it at Walmart because it is cheaper there all the time. All I can say, try it, you`ll like it!!
   — moosey52

March 25, 2009
I really like this peanut butter http://www.ilovepeanutbutter.com/items_4.html its all natural and comes in different flavors. I love the dark chocolate dream, mighty maple and cinnamon swirl raisen. Its all natural ingredients and lower calories and fat then other peanut butters. You can buy it at most wal-marts and some other stores have it or you can order it online. Hope I've helped, Jeannie
   — jjeanniespets1

March 25, 2009
I know you really love peanut butter, but isn't having a 200 calorie snack playing with fire?
   — SharonZ

March 26, 2009
I went with low-fat originally because I wasn't sure how I would react to it and the amount of sugar was fairly small either way with some brands. Have found out I'm also more sensitive to sugar, but at 2T max neither version of the peanut butter bothers me. Just look at the rest of your typical diet and see which you can afford more of, sugar or fat.
   — snickersblk

March 26, 2009
Although this is not an answer to your question I wanted to thank you for posting it. I am trying to find snacks that are high in protein. My NUT said not to count calories if I am following her instructions so the extra 200 calories wouldn't be an issue....
   — phyllismmay

March 26, 2009
I use Crazy Richard's Peanut Butter, great taste and none the unnatural fillers. Yes its the natural kind where the oil is on top but that's part of the fun, the 15 minutes it can take to mix just makes the peanut butter taste better. Keep it in the fridge onces it's mixed and it will not separate again. I added some Unjury Protein to the PB as I'm mixed it to thicken it up an keep it from separating (the kids were weary, it didn't look like Skippy) - 1 scoop per container adds about 10 calories and 1 protein to each serving depending on the flavor. Now the kids love the stuff - adding the chocolate is wonderful!!!
   — mbrendel

March 26, 2009
If you have a Whole Foods supermarket in your area, they have the machines for you to grind the peanut butter from peanuts yourself. This way avoiding any extra sugar or salt. Barbara
   — browngathers

March 28, 2009
I am a peanut butter "fiend" and 8 months out from lapband surgery. I get my natural peanut butter from Trader Joe's (3 to choose from, according to your taste, I spread a 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon on a piece of toast and that takes care of my peanut butter taste for the day! Marti in San Jose
   — Marti P.




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