Good Grub for Winter Wishes - National Peanut Board "Smart Snacks" & Whole Wheat Pumpkin Peanut Bread

The National Peanut Boad (NPB) is committed to helping individuals eat healthier by educating them about the healthful benefits of peanuts and peanut products. Peanuts and peanut butter meet many of the major recommendations set forth in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including choosing a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups and limiting saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and added sugars.

The National Peanut Board has developed five new "smart snacks", easy to make recipes for families that are affordable, nutritious and provide the energy we need to get through the day. The peanut has more protein that any nut, more antioxidants than broccoli, carrots or even green tea. An amazing Superfood that most of us tend to think only in the realm of Peanut Butter & Jelly.

Snacking today:

• According to the American Dietetic Association’s position paper on Weight Management, guidelines for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, “total [calories] should be distributed throughout the day, with the consumption of four to five meals/snacks per day including breakfast.”
• According to Sherry Coleman Collins, registered dietitian, “eating healthy snacks between meals can be a great way to maintain energy during the day; snacks can also help people eat more nutrients overall, when nutrient-rich snacks are selected.”
• In the mid-2000s, government surveys show, the average American adult ate about 2,375 calories per day, nearly one-third more than he (or she) did in the late 1970s. According to a new study by Barry Popkin, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, over the past 30-odd years, Americans have gone from consuming 3.8 snacks and meals per day to 4.9, on average ― a 29 percent increase. This increase means it is more important than ever to make the snacks “smart.”

The five new "smart snacks" by the National Peanut Board not only provide wonderful nutrients but are also quick and easy for parents and kids on the go.

• Get-up-and-Go Peanut Crunch Bar
• Peanut Butter Banana Power Muffin
• Sweet and Spicy Peanut Granola
• Power-Packed Peanut & Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie
• Peanut Pick-me-up Snack Mix

My recipe isn't as fast and easy the National Peanut Board's, although I am sure I was supposed to make a simple snack. However! You could take the time to make it one day and then it would be a 'simple snack' for the morning afterward! It just sounded good for the season.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Nut Bread

Ingredients:

1c whole wheat flour

1c sugar

2/3c all-purpose flour

1tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon 

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1c cooked or canned pumpkin

1/2c egg substitute

1/3c water

1/4c canola oil

1/2c of chopped peanuts

• In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. 
• In another bowl, combine the pumpkin, egg substitute, water and oil; mix well. 
• Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. 
• Fold in the nuts. 
• Spoon into a 9x5x3-in baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. 
• Bake at 350' for 60-65min or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. 
• Cool for 15min!

We should all try to snack a little smarter. Whether it's something simple like putting honey peanut butter on toasted crackers, a Power-Packed Peanut & Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie or taking the time to make Whole Wheat Pumpkin Peanut Bread... we're giving our bodies the protein and nutrients it needs. It's nice to have yummy sweet snacks that are good for us, peanuts are extremely inexpensive and they're a wonderful treat for kids. Check out the Official Website of Buddy McNutty, a great Kids section on the National Peanut Board website for fun games and recipes for kids!

Also, some recipes call for Peanut Flour, to find Peanut Flour at a location near you visit the Manufacturing Sources page.

Connect:

You can connect with Energy for the Good Life on their Blog, their Facebook Page and/or @PeanutFarmers on Twitter.

Gift It:

Give the Gift of Homemade treats for the Holidays. The Sweet and Spicy Peanut Granola would be a great one to place in a beautiful jar with a red bow, or to have in a candy dish at your next Holiday dinner/party!