Are you going nuts trying to figure out if peanut butter is included in the Daniel Fast? Peanuts are technically legumes, meaning they’re edible seeds enclosed in pods. However, due to its higher fat content and use in culinary applications, peanuts are often grouped in with other nuts like cashews, almonds, and walnuts.
Most peanut butter brands have added sweeteners and oil
Peanut butter may be included in the Daniel Fast so long as it doesn't contain added sweeteners or artificial flavorings. Many popular and widely available peanut butters contain added sweeteners such as corn syrup, agave, molasses, cane sugar, and honey. Some specialty gourmet peanut butters may also contain flavorings such as espresso, caramel, and butterscotch. These are not a part of the Daniel Fast.
If you’re following Daniel Fast: A Bridge to Healthy Living’s Daniel Fast, you’d also want to avoid peanut butters that contain oil—since oil has a high calorie density and promotes weight gain. Another health danger with oils (such as palm oil, coconut oil, or fully hydrogenated oils) that may be added to peanut butter is their high level of saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat has been implicated in raising cholesterol levels.
Instead, read the label to buy peanut butter that is made from only peanuts. A little bit of salt is okay so long as your overall sodium intake stays within the healthy limits, especially if hypertension is a concern.
Make your own peanut butter
You can make your own peanut butter. Grind 1 to 2 cups of dry roasted unsalted peanuts in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four months. A dab of peanut butter on celery or sliced apple makes for a great Daniel Fast-compliant snack. Check out this article on Daniel Fast snacks.
One final thought: peanuts are high in calories, with 90 per tablespoon. If weight loss is a concern, be sure to control your portion size and frequency.
Daniel Fast recipes with peanut butter
Check out these Daniel Fast-compliant recipes using peanut butter on Daniel's Plate recipe website.
So, enjoy your oatmeal drizzled with peanut butter and chopped dates, like this chocolate peanut butter steel-cut oats. Also, check out the blueberry peanut butter smoothie that contains a ripe banana, unsweetened almond milk, and ground flaxseeds for a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.
