Feel Good Nutty-Sweet Happy Eats

I try to eat protein throughout the day. I struggle sometimes, though. Eggs don’t always sound great. I try to limit processed foods (including lunch meats). Sometimes nothing really sounds good, at all. This morning, I tried something new. I layered a banana with peanut butter and toasted coconut. It was really delicious, satisfying, and kept me full for longer than most breakfasts. Truly a feel good nutty-sweet happy eats. I was curious, how healthy was this breakfast? So, I asked Chat GPT for some help…

Banana + peanut butter +
toasted coconut =
feel good nutty-sweet happy eats

Bananas!

Bananas are a nutrition power-house. They offer many benefits to your overall health.

• Potassium – regulates blood pressure, supports muscle and nerve function
• Natural Sugar – a quick energy snack, especially before/after a workout
• Dietary Fiber – helps regulate digestion, could lower cholesterol and help with blood sugar levels
• Vitamins – B6 (brain), C (immune & skin health), Magnesium (muscle & nerve function, energy)
• Low in fat & calories

Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter packs a protein punch to you feeling full for longer!

• Healthy Fats – monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats support heart health by helping lower bad cholesterol
• Plant-based Protein – 2 tablespoons is 7-8 grams of protein
• Blood Sugar – helps balance your blood sugar by slowing digestion
• Vitamins – E (skin and immune health), Magnesium (muscle & nerve function), B3 (metabolism and brain health), Folate (cell function & repair)

There are some cautions with Peanut Butter… salt and sugar content could be pretty high. Keep an eye out for hydrogenated oils. And of course, if you have a peanut allergy, avoid it altogether!

Toasted Coconut

Toasted Coconut not only provides a nice crunchy texture, but has quite a few good for you benefits, too!

• Dietary Fiber – helps with digestion, supports gut health
• Energy Dense – calorie-dense = quick energy source, also great for low-carb/keto diets
• Antioxidants – may reduce inflammation
• Healthy Fats – boost energy & metabolism, supports brain function, & feeling full
• Minerals – Iron (oxygen transport in the blood), Copper (immunity & energy), Manganese (bone health & metabolism)

Note that coconut is energy-dense, those calories can add up quickly. Sweetened coconut can be high in sugar. It would actually cause a spike in blood sugar. That spike then turns into a blood sugar crash. Moderation is key, especially when combining peanut butter and coconut, just be reasonable.