Almond Butter & Apple Slices

This is a snack I highly recommend! But you are likely asking yourself… why not peanut butter? My answer to you is that although peanut butter (PB) and almond butter (AB) both have some very good nutrients, there are some important differences that I believe you should be aware of!

 

Both PB and AB provide you with good sources of vitamin E, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and fiber. They are also both high in monounsaturated fat (a good fat). The main difference between the two nut butters comes from how they are made. Almond butter (the brand that I buy) is natural- with no added preservatives, sugars, or artificial colours/flavours. There is only one ingredient, dry roasted almonds! Often times, peanut butter includes additives such as salt, sugar, and hydrogenated oils. Too much of these additives over a long period of time increase one’s risk of hypertension and heart disease. You don’t want to end up with either of these.

My personal opinion about AB is that I love it…now. To be completely honest with you, when I first tried it (2-3 years ago) I wasn’t sold on it. I was stuck in my ways, resistant to change, and preferred the good old PB. It bothered me that you have to keep AB in the fridge, so by the time you spread the cold AB onto your fresh-out-of-the-toaster slice of bread… it was cold. Yuck. Why am I telling you all of this? I’m trying to make a point that you should give healthy foods (that you once thought you didn’t like) a second chance!! A combination of these second chances and also educating myself on the difference between the two butters has shaped who I am today… an almond butter convert! 

And I get it, AB&J just won’t ever sound as good as PB&J, but do yourself a favour and at least TRY almond butter! And if you just can’t get over the slight change in taste or the cold toast situation, please please please read the labels on the peanut butter and make wise choices in terms of additives!

Where to shop: I get my almond butter at Costco (MaraNatha brand). FYI- I have seen some grocery stores carry this brand of almond butter, but the container is half the size for the same price as the Costco sized jar!

PS: Here is a good comparison of AB and PB in terms of nutrient content (and almond butter wins!) http://www.prevention.com/whats-healthier-peanut-butter-or-almond-butter

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Eating lettuce with a purpose! This bundle of goodness is mouth-watering delicious—I am salivating even writing about this recipe (I wish I was joking). TRY IT AND LOVE IT!

 

The only ingredient I question in this recipe is the soy sauce. Soy sauce is loaded with sodium! I reduced the amount to 1 tbsp (from 2 tbsp) but decided to do some research to find a soy sauce replacement. I came across a product called “Bragg Liquid Aminos”. I have yet to try it, but from what I read it may be a good alternative. Unfortunately, the sodium content of the two items does not vary much, but it does have the benefits of no gluten, preservatives, artificial colouring, or chemicals. I should also mention, according to the Bragg Liquid Aminos website, the sodium content comes from naturally occurring sodium in soybeans, not added table salt like many brands of soy sauce. Needless to say, I’m still “hmm-ing” and “haa-ing” this topic—if anyone has tried liquid aminos or has any other soy sauce replacement suggestions, please let me know your thoughts!

…Despite the soy sauce dilemma (and the tangent that I went on), THIS RECIPE IS STILL DELISH!

Healthy swap: Apart from perhaps replacing the soy sauce, think about changing up your wrap “material” when preparing meals! Use large lettuce leaves in place of bread-based wraps! A very refreshing change (and would be great on a warm sunny day… is it summer yet?!)

Ingredients:

1 lb extra lean ground chicken (or turkey)
½ medium onion (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp fresh ginger (minced)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp almond butter
½ tbsp agave nectar (or honey)
1tbsp wine vinegar
2 tsp sweet chili sauce
3 green onions (chopped)
½ can sliced water chestnuts (drained and chopped)
¼ cup almonds (crushed)
10-12 large lettuce leaves

Heat a skillet on high. Add chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, and salt and pepper and cook until chicken is done.

 

Combine sesame oil, soy sauce, water, almond butter, agave, wine vinegar, and sweet chili sauce in a bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds and stir. Add sauce to skillet and combine all ingredients.

 

Add green onions and water chestnuts (cook 1-2 minutes).

 

Sprinkle nuts and serve on cold lettuce leaves. Enjoy!

Adam’s rating: 4.98 taste buds out of 5!  “that was a GOOOOD one”

 

Recipe adapted from “Iowa Girl Eats”