Holy COW guys. Holy cow.
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I recently tried almond butter not too long ago and FELL in love. I can get a giant tub of it at Costco, but even then it is still really expensive (some of the jars are nearly $10?! Like what?!)
So, usually I stick with peanut butter (usually cheaper!).
However, one of my New Years GOALS is to heal my gut. I have always had a really sensitive tummy, and recently things have only gotten worse. I don't want to spoil your dinner with too many details, but let's just say I have very bloated and I feel gross and tired!
I have thought about changing what I eat for a while now, but honestly, have been scared. Because I tend to not eat much meat, I rely on getting protein from beans most of the time, or grains. But... what if those things exactly are the causes of my troubles?
I am not for sure, but I am pretty positive that the reason I feel so AWFUL is due to my consumption of legumes (I think most grains, apart from those with gluten, are okay). Recently I discussed my thoughts with Abby from Yes To Yummy, who also follows a Paleo and Gluten Free lifestyle. She supported my decision to try cutting out legumes, and to also eliminate gluten from my diet.
Sadly, I have came to realize... PEANUTS are a legume. Not to mention, after research, they have all sorts of nasty toxins that could be another reason my tummy is so messed up. So looks like no more peanut butter for this girl!
So... what is a peanut butter LOVING girl to do without her
Well, I will tell you what I just did. And what you, too, should do, unless you want to deprive your taste buds of pure, nut buttery HEAVEN.
I made homemade nut butter! In less then 25 minutes flat!!
It also costs less than most store bought brands.
Again, Abby inspired me. I also peaked at a nut butter recipe from Heather at Heather Eats Almond Butter. Thank you guys!!
Roasted Cinnamon Almond Walnut Butter
6-8 oz mix of almonds and walnuts (I used more walnuts than almonds)
TBSP cinnamon (or to taste)
Pinch of sea salt
1) Line a baking sheet with foil and spread out your almonds and walnuts. Toss a bit of cinnamon on them, then bake them at 400 for 15 minutes. I tossed them around twice to make sure they didn't burn.
2) If you can hold back from eating the tray (because this stuff smells GOOD), take the nuts from the oven and transfer them all into a food processor.
3) Put on the lid and blend!! I have heard of this process taking up to 15 minutes, but for me, it seriously all blended smooth in 3-5 minutes.
It is going to look flaky at first. You will have to take the lid off a few times and push the grainy stuff back down to blend again.
Add in your cinnamon and salt when you feel it is almost blended!
And there you have it folks! Seriously, as easy as that. You can transfer it over to another container or just eat it all at once after you blend it.
Just kidding.
I will keep you updated on how my new approach to food choices goes. Until then, stay tuned and eat almond butter! <3
Do you have experience with healing you gut?
Have you had success cutting out legumes/gluten from your diet?
What is your favorite kind of nut butter?
Natalie
6 comments:
You should definitely try cashew butter. It's heavenly...naturally very sweet and satisfying. Hazelnut butter is also great, especially with a little cocoa powder. :)
Natalie, sweetie, you have got to get rid of the legumes, beans and gluten-grains. I can NOT tame my stomach if I eat any of those. That being said, gluten-free oats work WONDERFULLY for me, and only raw almond butter, cashew butter and raw coconut butter. I also do well with raw nuts, but not roasted ( too heavy). Fruits also send me into a state of bloat. I think if you get rid of the sugars in your diet found in legumes, beans, gluten grains, and in heavy sugar fruits you'll see improvements. I follow the FODMAPS diet and these are ALL high in FODMAPS. Check it out, and also, if you can add a probiotic to your diet, along with digestive enzymes, I highly recommend and could give you great brands. These things will make a HUGE difference for you, almost overnight, I promise. Also, peanut flour ( Protein Plus brand), is a great way to get that peanut flavor in your smoothies, yogurt or oatmeal, and it's defatted, made from non-GMO peanuts, and it won't cause stomach issues. It's also VERY high in protein and has no sugar or salt like PB2. Hope this helps!
Glad to see you've found an alternative. I never knew nut butters were so easy to make. Thanks for this!
I have yet to even find raw cashews at a store!! I need to look harder. Then I can make cashew butter too :)
Heather- I totally agree. Legumes have always been the death of my mom and she warned me about them... I just have been hard headed until now! I also have noticed that gluten heavy grains, like wheat, really weigh me down. I've stayed away from those for a few months now. I actually started taking a probiotic about a week ago, haha ! Paired with getting rid of legumes, I am already feeling better. Thank you for all your information... our bodies seem to be similar in reaction to food so I'm glad to have people to relate to :)
I was surprised how easy they were to make as well! :)
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