Day 8

Almond Butter

Plant-based butter protein – smart snacking

I am a peanut butter nut! Peanut butter is my preferred snack on any given day. But during the cleanse peanut butter lives on the  “deny” list, because of potential digestion suppressive effects associated with some foods. 

Almond butter, yes – peanut butter, no.

So, on my cleanse days, my substitute of choice is almond butter. Even though almond butter doesn’t have the same body or naturally sweet taste as peanut butter, the texture is similar (except for the pulverized almond skins that remind me throughout my snacking that I’m not eating the real deal). Almond butter though, is, nonetheless, a close runner up to PB. AB’s creamy (even if it totes an oh so slightly granular-creamy quality). Eating it during my New Year Cleanse makes me imagine I’m approaching “normal” in the eating department at least, for the duration of my snacktime.

How I eat almond butter

During the cleanse, I mainly eat almond butter on rice cakes (salt or no salt, brown rice and definitely no sugar), with a natural blueberry fruit spread or a little agave drizzle, or I spread it on top of carrot and celery sticks. Sometimes I place chopped dates on top of the celery and almond butter, reminiscent of “ants on a log”  (the raisin, peanut butter and celery triplicate that kids love). It’s a healthy snack that I find fun to eat. It’s also a nice diversion from my salads, salmon, kale and broccoli – the serious foods that remind me, “Hey, you’re still on that cleanse!”

Nutrients 

The American Heart Association’s article, “Nut butters Are a Healthy Way to Spread Nutrients,” says it all. Eating both nuts and nut butters is beneficial in lowering incidences of diabetes and heart disease. The Oxford University Press conducted a six-month study and found that consumption of almonds aids cognition, with significant positive outcomes suggested for people as they age. Almond butter is a great source of protein and fiber. Nutrients include: zinc, calcium, iron vitamin E, magnesium, copper and phosphorus. 

I highly suggest adding almond butter to your repertoire of healthy foods, even if not cleansing. As much as I love peanut butter, on occasion, I will grab a jar of AB for smoothie drinking and protein boosts to mix up my intake of healthy plant-based proteins.

María Felicia’s 2023 New Year Body… Cleanse – Day 8

Written by Maria Felicia Kelley
Disclaimer: Maria Felicia Kelley is not a medical doctor. The cleanse and fasting benefits she discusses in this post are derived from her own experiences and observations. Individuals should consult their own healthcare providers when eliminating foods from their diets.
@thenorthcountymoms | @1MariaFelicia 
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