If you’re a peanut butter addict who is looking to lose weight, you might want to consider swapping to a different nut butter like almond butter. Almond butter is a great choice for a delicious dip or savory spread that you can enjoy even when you’re on a diet.
What makes almond butter so special? If you’re wondering why this trendy nut butter has gained fans from health nuts and fitness fanatics alike, keep reading. We are going to explore why almond butter should be your nut butter of choice for weight loss.
Is almond butter healthier than peanut butter?
Almond butter is definitely a better choice than peanut butter if you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle. If you’re wondering why you should make the swap, here are a few reasons why almond butter is healthier than peanut butter.
Nutritionally dense
Although peanut butter may be a bit tastier, almond butter has a stellar nutrient profile including loads of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Peanut butter lacks a lot of these essential ingredients and typically contains added sugars that almond butter does not.
Most people are deficient in fiber, so a spoonful of almond butter is an easy way to get some much-needed fiber into your diet to help you with digestive health and more.
Full of good fats
All nut butters have fat, but what sets almond butter apart is the fact that most of the fat in it is monosaturated fat. Monosaturated fat is known as a “good fat” as opposed to saturated fat, which is the kind that gives fat a bad rap (for good reason).
The monosaturated fat in almond butter is better for your overall heart health and can help your body fight inflammation. By contrast, peanut butter tends to be higher in saturated fats which can lead to issues with blood sugar and elevated cholesterol.
What is the best way to eat almond butter?
Almond butter is incredibly versatile, which is why it is a favorite of many healthy eaters worldwide. It tastes great as a spread, a dip, or even by itself.
Here are some ways you can enjoy almond butter as part of your weight loss plan.
Dip
You can use almond butter as a dip for just about anything! Dunk your favorite fruits like apple slices or bananas into it for a savory healthy snack. You could also dip pretzel sticks of pita bread in it for a more filling bite.
Mix
Almond butter is a great addition to mix into your favorite breakfast dishes like yogurt or oatmeal. You can swirl almond butter into Greek yogurt or a bowl of oatmeal and top with your favorite toppings like granola or fresh fruit.
You could also add almond butter to almost any recipe for muffins or bread. It’s an easy way to add some savory nutty flavors and a good helping of protein to baked goods.
Spread
Don’t underestimate the power of spreading almond butter on a piece of toast or a bagel. The combination of the healthy fat and protein of the almond butter along with the carbohydrates in your bread will make for a satiating snack that will help you power through your day.
Is almond butter low fat?
Almond butter is relatively high in fat, which is why sometimes dieters will avoid it when trying to lose weight. However, the high fat content of almond butter is not a reason to stay away from this delicious nut butter. You can enjoy it, like most other things, in moderation.
The good news for almond butter lovers, there is research to show that fat is not always the #1 ingredient to be avoided. Good fats are a necessary part of a healthy, balanced diet and almond butter is a great source of these good fats like monosaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.
There are about 9 grams of fat in a tablespoon of almond butter, but only 1 gram of that is saturated fat (also known as bad fat). The rest of the fat in almond butter is monosaturated or polyunsaturated fats, which are known to actually help lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
Almonds also contain a key compound that may prevent some of the fat from being fully absorbed by the body, so you are not always going to absorb all of the fat in almond butter. That excess fat is excreted by the body without having any impact on your waistline.
Can I lose weight from eating almond butter?
Almond butter can definitely be a helpful thing to have in your pantry when you are trying to lose weight. It is filling, delicious, and loaded with nutritional benefits. Eating almond butter along with eating well and staying in a caloric deficit is the best way to achieve e weight loss.
A caloric deficit simply means consuming fewer calories over the course of the day than you burn. Take into account your level of activity and watch your portion sizes to ensure you stay in a caloric deficit as much as possible.
When you consistently maintain a calorie deficit, you will lose weight over time. This method ensures weight loss without any dietary restrictions. You should always try to eat healthy, whole foods when they are available but the real key to effective, long-term weight loss is a calorie deficit.
