National Nutrition Month and March is National Peanut Month- Registered Dietitian Carolyn O’Neil Shares New Reasons and Ways to Enjoy Snacks! East Hanover, N.J. (March 12, 2006) It may not be a coincidence that March is both National Peanut and National Nutrition Month. In fact, the small but mighty peanut packs a powerful nutrition punch, providing a good source of many essential nutrients and offering important health benefits, including reduced risk factors for heart disease . Registered dietitian and author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous Carolyn O’Neil says March is the perfect time to recognize the perfect snacks. Peanuts are a classic snack favorite, though most people don’t realize they are so nutrient dense says O’Neil. One of my nutrition principles is to include more of the foods you love in your diet because you’re more likely to stick with itso I often recommend peanuts as a satisfying, healthful snack as part of any well-balanced eating plan. That likely welcome news to many.
According to the National Peanut Board, peanuts account for two-thirds of all snack nuts consumed in the United States, and in fact Americans consume more than 600 million pounds of peanuts and 700 million pounds of peanut butter each year. As a registered dietitian, I know it can be difficult to include nutritious foods in your eating habits throughout the day, which is why peanuts are such a great choice adds O’Neil. For example, Planters, who I call the peanut pioneer offers many flavor varieties and convenient, on-the-go options that make it easy to enjoy peanuts for any snack occasion.
Snacks In a Nutshell: A 1-ounce serving of peanuts contains a good source of several essential nutrients, including vitamin E and magnesium as well as niacin, manganese, phosphorus and copper. Peanuts also are a good source of fiber. And, contrary to some misconceptions, peanuts actually contain the good fats’ experts say we should be swapping for bad fats. Further, they contain 0g trans fat per serving. Peanuts also have been linked to important health benefits, including reduced risk factors for heart disease , and peanuts and peanut butter can be incorporated into a healthy diabetic eating plan. Peanuts also can be part of a successful weight control plan, as studies suggest that, for people trying to maintain or lose weight, peanuts (and peanut products like peanut butter) may successfully be substituted for other dietary sources of fat while following a reduced calorie diet as part of an overall active, healthful lifestyle.
More about Planters: For more than 100 years, Planters commitment to quality continues to deliver fresh-tasting, quality peanuts from the soil to the shelf by combining industry-leading expertise and advanced technology. Founded more than a century ago by Italian immigrant, Amedeo Obici, who began his venture with two peanut roasters in a warehouse he rented for $25 per month, the Planters portfolio of today includes a variety of products. From classic Cocktail Peanuts to specially formulated nutrition blends like the NUT?rition line to Chocolate Lovers Mixes and new Organic selections, Planters offers many different options to meet consumers taste, nutrition and lifestyle needs. Many of Planters products also qualify to carry Kraft’s Sensible Solution flag, which indicates that these products meet specific better-for-you nutrition criteria on a per serving basis. Planters is the flagship brand for the Salted Snacks Category of Kraft Foods Inc., the world’s second-largest food and beverage company. How to Spread the Love! O’Neil has the dish on how to celebrate National Peanut Month — create your own healthy, home-made peanut spread!
Here’s how: Planters Peanut Spread: Prep: 10 min. Total: 10 min. 1 cup Planters Cocktail Peanuts 2 Tbsp. Planters Peanut Oil 1 Tbsp. Honey Place peanuts in food processor; cover. Process until nuts are ground, stopping and stirring as needed. Add oil and honey; process 1 to 2 min. or until smooth and of desired consistency. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Makes 3/4 cup or 6 servings, 2 Tbsp. each Size-Wise: Enjoy a serving of this tasty spread for a special occasion.
Substitute: Prepare as directed, substituting Planters Whole Almonds, Planters CashewHalves & Pieces or Planters Mixed Nuts for the peanuts Note: Spread can thicken with increased storage time. To thin to easy spreading consistency, spoon spread into food processor. Add a few drops of oil; cover and process until desired consistency. Nutrition Information Per Serving:: 200 calories, 17g total fat, 2.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 4g sugars, 6g protein. * Recipe Courtesy of Kraft Kitchens Visit http://www.NutNutrition.com www.NutNutrition.com or http://www.Planters.com www.Planters.com for more information on the benefits of peanuts, Planters nut varieties and for more recipe and snack ideas.
More about Kraft Foods: Kraft Foods (NYSE:KFT) is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies. For more than 100 years, we’ve offered consumers delicious and wholesome foods that fit the way they live. Millions of times a day, in more than 150 countries, consumers reach for their favorite Kraft brands. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack, consumers at home and on the go choose: Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings; Oscar Mayer meats, DiGiorno pizzas, Oreo cookies, Ritz crackers and chips, Philadelphia cream cheese, Milka and Cote d’Or chocolates, Planters nuts, Honey Bunches of Oats cereals, Jacobs, Gevalia and Maxwell House coffees; Capri Sun, Crystal Light and Tang refreshment beverages; and a growing range of South Beach Diet and better-for-you Sensible Solution options. More about Carolyn O’Neil: Providing people with her insight on all aspects of healthy living for more than 20 years, Carolyn O’Neil is a recognized general nutrition and weight control expert. Her book, The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous! with co-author Denise Webb, Ph D, RD, (Simon & Schuster, June 2004) was selected as one of 2005’s top seven slimming books by USA Today and won the “Best Health and Nutrition Book in the World” at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Sweden. Former executive producer and senior correspondent for CNN’s award winning On The Menu program, O’Neil founded and developed the network’s food and nutrition beat. O’Neil has most recently appeared on The Today Show, Fox & Friends and in PARADE, while keeping up as an AOL Diet Coach and weekly newspaper health columnist in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. A member of the American Dietetic Association, O’Neil earned a master’s degree in Nutrition and Communication from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in Foods and Nutrition from Florida State University.
