Jif recently added Omega 3 fish oil into their peanut butter and proudly splashes it on their packaging so choosy mom’s choose Jif to get in the all important Omegs 3’s. First, it’s a mere dusting of fish oils, 32mg to be exact. This number is what food companies proposed to the FDA to be the number required in order to be labeled as ‘High in Omega-3’ or ‘Good source of Omega-3.’ But the FDA didn’t approve it because it wasn’t enough. So, they can add it their foods but just can’t make fancy claims about it. Okay, so it’s not enough Omega 3’s to claim anything, but it still is in there so that good, right? No. If this isn’t enough to convince you not to choose Jif, take a look at the ingredients. Sugar and the hydrogenated oils are listed first so you know they trump the fish oils that are added. Manufactures are known to use the cheapest oils which are already rancid and full of free-radicals. Then, in order to take the smell out of fish oils which are used, you need to cook them in hydrogen gas at a high temperature as most oils are processed.  Since the peanut butter doesn’t smell fishy, you know this type of processing has taken place which causes more harm than good.

JIF Omega 3 Peanut Butter Ingredients:
MADE FROM PEANUT BUTTER [ROASTED PEANUTS, SUGAR, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: MOLASSES, FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, SALT], ANCHOVY* AND SARDINE OIL*,TILAPIA GELATIN, TOCOPHEROLS AND CITRIC ACID (ANTIOXIDANTS). *A TASTELESS, ODORLESS SOURCE OF OMEGA-3 DHA AND EPA.

Most peanut butters on the market are going to have harmful ingredients. You should always check the ingredient panel before you buy any peanut butter.

Choose This:

Peanut butter should have one ingredient: Peanuts. May be a hint of salt. That’s it. There are a few good ones on the market but my personal favorites are Costco & Whole Foods 365 brand. They are very good & don’t need a lot of stirring. The saturated fats in peanuts are healthy fats because it is from a plant source. According to the latest research, a diet rich in peanut products helps reduce cholesterol, as well as lower your risk for heart disease. I have peanut butter daily, either mixed in my chocolate, or added to protein shakes and I also dip my apples and celery in it.

Don’t fall into the marketing hype! Smart Balance is NOT smart and choosy mom’s should not choose Jif

Laura Scudder’s All Natural Peanut Butter Ingredients:

PEANUTS, CONTAINS 1% OR LESS OF SALT.

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Broccoli Apple Salad

4 C. broccoli florets
1/2 C. red onion, diced
2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Shallots, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 Green apple, cored and diced
1/4 C. peanuts

Dressing:
1/4 C. all natural peanut butter
1 Tbsp. raw honey
1/3 C. hot water

Mix the broccoli and red onions and coat with 1 Tbsp. oil. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. While broccoli is cooking, cook the shallots and garlic in a small skillet with remaining oil until slightly browned. Mix in with broccoli and onion mixture and add the apple and peanuts. In a small bowl mix the dressing until well blended. Toss salad with dressing and serve.

Serving size 2, for Phase 3 and Phase 4

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