How to Incorporate Almond Butter into a Balanced Diet

Are you looking to incorporate healthier foods into your diet?

The pandemic has been a wake-up call for all of us to take better care of our health. 54% of Americans have started working out, and many more have decided to eat healthier meals. Some have begun eating more vegetables, while others have started using healthy substitutes for everyday staples.

Almond butter is one of them. While you can enjoy almonds by themselves, almond butter opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Unfortunately, this new medium can be intimidating to use in the kitchen.

Not sure how to eat almond butter? We got you covered. This article covers some easy recipes using almond butter, so read on to find out more!

Almond Butter Cookies

If you're new to cooking with almond butter, start with some dessert recipes! Cookies are our favorite way of enjoying this sweet and nutty treat. You will need:

• One-fourth cup of oat flour
• One and a half cups of almond butter at room temperature
• Two eggs
• One teaspoon of baking powder, and
• Sea salt for extra flavor

Once you've gathered the ingredients, you can start preheating your oven at 350°F.

1. Beat your eggs in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Sift baking powder into the mixture, add almond butter, and combine with a spatula. Add a pinch of salt to boost the flavor.
3. Put the dough in the fridge and let it sit for 20 minutes.
4. Roll the dough and divide it into small balls. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a palm or small bowl to flatten the balls.
5. Set your oven to bake for ten to twelve minutes. When done, let it cool for ten minutes.
6. Move the cookies to a wire rack or plate and allow them to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from falling apart.

Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or sift powdered sugar over the finished product. Feel free to enjoy this treat however you want!

Cranberry Almond Butter Cookies

Almond butter has a rich nutty flavor, so it would go well with zesty fruit. If you enjoy nuts and fruit, try this cranberry almond butter cookie recipe from Maria Lichty. This recipe is 100% vegan.
You will need:

• One cup of whole-wheat flour
• One cup of almond butter
• One cup of rolled oats
• One-half teaspoon of salt
• One-fourth teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• One-half cup of dried cranberries
• One teaspoon of baking soda
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract
• One-half cup of brown sugar
• One-half cup of almond milk of your choice

Preheat your oven to 350°F as you proceed with the next steps.

1. Whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda into a medium bowl. We recommend sifting the ingredients for a smoother blend.
2. Pour almond butter and brown sugar into a separate bowl. Use a stand or electric mixer to combine until fluffy.
3. Add almond milk and vanilla extract to the bowl of almond butter. Mix again until fully incorporated.
4. Set your mixer on low and sift in the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
5. Add oats and dried cranberries
6. Roll cookie dough and divide them into small balls.
7. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add two inches of allowance between each cookie.
8. Flatten the balls gently with your palm or small bowl.
9. Bake for ten minutes or until golden brown around the edges.

Allow the cookies to cool before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Your cookies should be light, fluffy, and moist. In both recipes, feel free to add chocolate chips for some extra sweetness!

Almond Banana Smoothie

Many people already enjoy peanut butter in their smoothies, so why not try it with almond butter? This almond banana smoothie is the perfect treat for a hot day. If you're a gym goer, don't miss out on this pre-workout smoothie.

Start by gathering the following ingredients:

• Almond milk or any dairy-free milk of your choice
• Frozen bananas
• Almond butter of your choice
• Ice cubes

Bananas have a natural sweetness and creaminess, which is why they're a common ingredient in healthy smoothies. It's best to use frozen bananas because your smoothie will turn out thin if you use fresh bananas. Almond milk will serve as your smoothie's liquid base.

There's no magic to it; all you need to do is combine your ingredients in a blender and set it on high. You can also customize this drink to your heart's desire. Feel free to add blueberries, chia seeds, or, if you're a true almond lover, some almond syrup!

Almond Butter Vinaigrette

Almond butter is more savory than sweet, making it the perfect dipping sauce for your vegetables. You can also take it a step further and turn it into a vinaigrette. It's essential to use creamy almond butter so as not to overpower other flavors in your dish.

Here are the ingredients:

• One-half cup of creamy almond butter
• One-half cup of cold water
• One-half teaspoon of onion powder or finely chopped onions
• One-half teaspoon of garlic powder or finely chopped garlic
• One-half teaspoon of dried dill
• One-eighth teaspoon of black pepper
• One-fourth teaspoon of salt
• Half a fresh lemon or two tablespoons of lemon juice

Bottled lemon juice is an easy substitute, but if you can, use a fresh lemon. This will bring out a bright, tangy flavor to elevate your sauce. You can also switch out the lemon juice for apple cider vinegar.

Add your ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk. If you don't have a mixer, add the ingredients to an airtight container. Shake for a few minutes until it looks creamy.

This vinaigrette is multi-use, so you can toss it in your salad or drizzle it on your vegetables. You can also use it as a sauce for pasta.

Overnight Oats

If you have an almost-finished jar of almond butter that isn't enough for a sandwich, don't throw it away yet! Use the jar and leftover almond butter as a savory base for some overnight oats. Grab the following ingredients:

• One-half cup of rolled oats
• Two teaspoons of cacao powder
• One-half cup of almond milk or any dairy-free milk of your choice
• Two teaspoons of maple syrup
• One teaspoon of flax meal, and
• One teaspoon of chia seeds.

Combine these ingredients in a container then mix well before storing overnight. These overnight oats will make the perfect morning meal for those who can't bother with meal prep first thing in the morning. It's healthy and packed with protein.

Almond Butter Cups

If you love Reese's cups, you'll be thrilled to know that you can make your own at home. The best part about this recipe is that you only need three ingredients.

• Chocolate bars or chips of your choice
• Creamy almond butter, and
• Three tablespoons of powdered sugar

To create that iconic peanut butter cup look, you will need a cupcake tin and cupcake liners. This will help you achieve those rigid edges that Reese's peanut butter cups have.

1. Sift powdered sugar into a bowl of creamy almond butter and mix until smooth.
2. Heat water in a pot. Lower the temperature when it starts to boil.
3. Place a heat-resistant bowl on top of the pot, then add the chocolate. Allow the chocolate to melt.
4. Scoop chocolate and add one layer to each cupcake tin.
5. Add a small amount of almond butter to the center.
6. Cover the almond butter with another scoop of chocolate.
7. Tap the baking tray on a flat surface to smoothen out the tops.

Allow the chocolate to cool for a few minutes, and it should look like the real deal!

Straight From the Jar

One of the easiest ways to eat almond butter is to scoop it straight out of the jar. Almond butter is an amazing snack on its own. You can also use it as a dip for bananas for a quick and easy treat.

Benefits of Almond Butter

Despite the amount of love almond butter has received, many are still hesitant to make the switch. Peanut butter is good already, so why fix what isn't broken? Here are the benefits of incorporating almond butter into your diet.

Healthier Than Peanut Butter

You heard that right-almond butter is healthier than peanut butter! These two kinds of butter have similar nutritional value. However, almond butter has more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Almond butter also has less saturated fat and more unsaturated fat. When shopping for almond butter, keep in mind that some products have added sugar and artificial ingredients. If you want the healthiest possible option, look for products that only contain salt and roasted almonds.

Brain Food

Almonds are an excellent source of Vitamin E, which is a crucial nutrient for brain health. Vitamin E can help slow down the effects of aging on brain cells that affect memory.

Almonds are also dense in omega-3 fatty acids. This acts as an antioxidant to reduce inflammation and slow mental decline. Almonds contain tons of Vitamin B6, which promotes the production of neurotransmitters.

This keeps your brain healthy and sharp by improving communication between your brain cells. Finally, almonds are a great source of zinc. Zinc aids the immune system and gives it a boost against infections that could harm your brain.

Controls Cholesterol

As mentioned prior, almond butter is rich in unsaturated fat and has less saturated fat than other kinds of butter. This is great news for people who want to improve their heart health or lower cholesterol. Almond butter's monounsaturated fat content can help you get rid of bad cholesterol.

It's a common misconception that all cholesterol is bad. Good, or HDL, cholesterol travels through the bloodstream to get rid of bad cholesterol. A high HDL level means that you have a healthy heart.

Bad, or LDL, cholesterol is what's responsible for causing heart disease. One can increase their LDL cholesterol levels by eating too many saturated fats. This includes cream, butter, coconut oil, fatty meats, and deep-fried foods.

Promotes Gut Health

Have you been feeling sick, tired, or cranky for no reason? It might be a cry for help from your gut. Your gut has a network of intestinal neurons, also known as the enteric nervous system.

This means that your gut communicates with your brain regularly. If it's in bad shape, it's sure to reflect on your physical and mental health.

Almonds are a good source of prebiotics, which promotes the health of your gut's microbiome. A healthier gut can lead to better moods, stronger immunity, and fewer tummy aches and sleep disturbances.

Makes Your Skin Glow

Experts believe that Cleopatra used almonds in her skincare. However, that doesn't mean you should start slathering almond butter onto your face. Eating almond butter can make your skin glow from the inside out.

Vitamin E doesn't only help with brain aging, but also the physical effects of aging. Aside from zinc, almond butter is rich in copper and vitamin B. These nutrients can help maintain the integrity of healthy, glowing skin.

Strengthens Bones

If you're looking for a plant-based source of calcium, almond butter is the perfect addition to your diet. Almond is the biggest provider of calcium in the nut family. A single tablespoon of almond butter has 50 milligrams of calcium.

This makes it a great alternative to dairy products like milk. Almond butter is also an excellent source of magnesium, which reduces calcium release. Magnesium ensures that all those good nutrients stay in your body so your teeth and bones remain in optimal health.

Helps You Lose Weight

You don't need to change your diet drastically to achieve your fitness goals. Substituting a few key items with healthier alternatives is better for your health and soul. Almond butter is rich in fiber, which suppresses the appetite.

Eating almond butter as a mid-morning snack can reduce cravings and impulsive eating. This can help those who are trying to control their portions and manage their weight.

How to Eat Almond Butter

Now you know how to eat almond butter. Due to its savory flavor profile, almond butter is pretty easy to incorporate into everyday meals. It also works for pastries, smoothies, and overnight oats.

If you want to try out some of these almond butter recipes, it helps to invest in a good jar. Our almond butters are rich in protein and free from artificial sweeteners. Visit our shop or check out our other blog posts for more healthy recipes today!