As kids, our favorite food was peanut butter and we lived for PB & J sandwiches so much that we pleaded with our mom to pack them for our lunch every day. If she wanted to switch up our lunch repertoire and throw something new into the mix she was guaranteed that we would complain. Now, being Moms and aunts ourselves who are always looking for nourishing, fast and easy meals and having kids who are peanut butter fanatics, we realize we gave our mom a hard time, but other than the fact that it was annoying for her, it actually wasn’t such a bad thing. After all, peanut butter is not only nutritious since it’s high in fiber, protein and good fat, but it’s a great addition to the diet because it is a natural, plant-based source of eight grams of protein and more than 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients. Plus, it makes for a pretty easy meal to throw together—any time of day–lunch –or breakfast, when most people are in a hurry.

In honor of our love of peanut butter and our need for fast, easy, fun and nutritious mornings, here are three easy ways to incorporate peanut butter and two healthy breakfast recipes that help to provide energy so you and your family can power through your day.

Easy Breezy Peanut Butter additions:

1. Stir a spoonful of peanut butter into oatmeal.
2. Spread peanut butter on a slice of whole grain bread, top with cinnamon and banana slices.
3. Make a smoothie by blending peanut butter with fruit and a little milk.

Blueberry Peanut Smoothie

Start to finish: 5 minutes
Serving Size: 11.2 oz
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh blueberries
3 tablespoons peanut butter
½ cup 1% low-fat milk
2 cups fat-free vanilla yogurt
½ cup ice

Preparation:
In a blender, place blueberries, peanut butter and milk. Cover and blend at high speed for 30 seconds. Add frozen yogurt and ice; continue to blend for 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour in three 8oz glasses and serve.

Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 306
Calories from Fat: 100g
Fat: 11g
Trans fats: 0
Cholesterol: 0
Carbohydrate: 42g
Protein: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 200mg

Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Start to finish: 8 minutes
Serving Size: 6.3oz (1 sandwich)
Ingredients:
6-8 tablespoons smooth or crunchy peanut butter
8 slices of whole grain bread
2 large ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise into a total of 16 pieces
2 tablespoons of honey
Cooking spray

Preparation:
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter on each of the bread slices. Place the banana pieces on top of the peanut butter on 4 of the slices, and drizzle with honey. Press the remaining slices of bread on top to make 4 sandwiches. Place a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the bread with the cooking spray just before browning each side. Saute (or grill) sandwiches, in batches, approximately 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Slice the sandwich diagonally, and serve warm.

Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 499
Calories from Fat: 180
Fat: 20g
Trans fats: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Carbohydrate: 72g
Protein: 16g
Fiber: 10g
Sodium: 513mg

For more breakfast tips and recipe ideas, check out www.PBforBreakfast.com, where we found this recipe!
The National Peanut Board sponsored this post, however, the opinions shared are entirely our own.