Find out why bodybuilders tend to love peanut butter

Bodybuilding requires a strict and healthy diet to support intense weightlifting, strength gains and muscle definition. While peanut butter may be high in sugar, it contains healthy fats and protein that help meet a bodybuilder's nutritional needs. Peanut butter has several important benefits for a bodybuilder when eaten in moderation. Apart from tasting so good, find out the major benefits below,

BENEFITS OF PEANUT BUTTER

Nutrients
Each 2-tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains more than 8 grams of protein, nearly 2 grams of dietary fibre 208 milligrams of potassium, more than half a gram of iron, 24 micromilligrams of folate, 188 calories and 3 grams of sugars. The fat content is 16 grams per serving, but only 3 grams of those are saturated. The rest of the fats are mono- and polyunsaturated, which have proven benefits for heart and muscle health. While the amounts of protein and fibre are not large, every bit counts when managing your macro-nutrients.

Affordability
Bodybuilders often need more than 3,000 calories daily, which becomes costly with lean meats, dairy products, protein bars and supplements. Peanut butter tends to be one of the most cost-effective foods available and can be eaten anytime with a simple table spoon to get the much needed nutrition your muscles strives.

Versatility
Eating peanut butter gets boring quickly if eat it by the spoonful, but you can mix it with your other meals. For example, a serving of peanut butter livens up a protein shake or a bowl of oatmeal, goes well with vegetables or fruit and is tasty when blended with spices in a sauce for chicken or pasta. It also makes a simple treat when spread on a piece of freshly toasted bread. Peanut butter has just enough sugar to satisfy a sweet craving, which is a healthier option than turning to cake, biscuits or chocolates in most cases.

On the go food
One issue bodybuilders often encounter is lacking the time to eat their required calories. Peanut butter provides a quick fix for this. Keeping a jar of peanut butter at your office or in your gym bag allows you to scoop up a few hundred calories and more than a dozen grams of protein in seconds. It also provides quick protein directly following a workout, the time your muscles need this nutrient most.

Other general health benefits to take into account of peanut butter

• Can aid with weight loss, as it suppresses appetite
  
• Great source of energy
  
• Generally low in carbs
  
• Good for your heart
  
• Great tasting
  
• Contains essential vitamins needed for every day health
  

How to eat peanut butter

There are several ways to eat peanut butter including;

• Straight from a spoon
  
• Spread on hot toast/bread
  
• As a sandwich
  
• Mixed into oats
  
• Added to your LA Whey protein
  
• As a dip - banana is a great option post training
  

In conclusion to this article there are many positive factors to take into consideration with the inclusion of peanut butter to your diet. Make sure to include it in your next shop. Small tip to note, avoid the ones which are high in sugar and always go for those that mention 100% natural.