Lunch Recipes

Peanut Lunch Ideas

Pack peanuts and peanut butter for a better lunch! This ingredient is great for lunch recipes because they are a favorite food among Americans young and old. Peanuts and peanut butter account for two thirds of all nuts eaten in the U.S. Research shows that peanuts have such an enjoyable flavor that people can’t get enough of them, even after 8-weeks of replacing all fat in the diet with peanuts.

Peanuts are Healthy Lunch Idea

According to the USDA MyPlate, peanuts are part of the protein group, which should make up roughly a quarter of your plate, and lunch is no exception! Peanuts and peanut butter provide protein and fiber to keep you feeling fuller longer so you can get the most out of your meal. They are a good or excellent source of 8 vitamins and minerals, making them the most nutrient dense nut!

How to Pack Peanuts for Lunch

A peanut butter sandwich with a piece of fruit and a glass of milk is easy to make and provides almost 20g of protein and about 10g of fiber. Kids who dip their vegetables in peanut butter tend to eat more vegetables. Try sprinkling peanuts on a salad or wrap for added crunch and flavor, or simply pack peanuts or peanut butter as a snack to keep you going. Try peanuts and peanut butter for lunch any way you like! Use these traditional ideas or try these peanut and peanut butter lunch recipes.

References
1. USDA-ERS. 2009 Data. Available: http://www.ers.usda.gov/
2. Alper C., Mattes R., effects of chronic peanut consumption on energy balance and hedonics. Int J Obesity. 2002;26:1129-1137.
3. USDa. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/proteinfoods.html.
4. U.S. Department of agriculture, agricultural Research Service. 2010, USDa national nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 25. nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl.
5. www.peapod.com, 2013
6. Johnston, et al. increasing Vegetable intake in Mexican-american Youth: a Randomized Controlled trial. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011;111:716-720.