Healthy Peanut Butter Recipes

Photo Courtesy of Denise Krebs

There’s nothing nutty about loving peanut butter. Our 3-Day favorites are obviously Grahamwiches, but you can go all out with a wide range of sweet and salty treats. Plus, March is National Peanut Butter Month, so it’s the perfect time to embrace this favorite protein-rich ingredient for your training walk snacks, a mid-afternoon boost, or even as a fundraising snack for your team bake sale.

Peanut Butter Oat Squares

If you’re not super skilled in the kitchen, these 3-ingredient bars are the way to go. All you need is rolled oats, peanut butter and honey, and you’ll be set! They’re also a great meal-prep option you can make on Sunday, and then snack on all week long.

Photo via Beaming Baker

Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

Have food allergies, or are you looking to work some healthier options onto your “dessert” menu? These cookies are made with vegan, gluten-free, dairy free and whole grain ingredients. Plus, they’re tasty! It’s a win-win you can have with your morning coffee, or while watching your guilty pleasure on TV after work.

Photo via Crazy for Crust

Skinny Peanut Butter Dip

Eat this version with crackers, apples, carrots, celery, or just by the spoonful. It’s packed with protein so it will fill you up, and is made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

These are all sweet ways to celebrate National Peanut Butter Month! Or keep it simple, with these no-cook ideas like:

Make the summer camp classic of “Ants on a Log,” by cutting a banana or celery in half lengthwise, spreading peanut butter on each flat side, and topping with a sprinkle of raisins.
Pair your peanut butter with other fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery for an easy mid-afternoon snack.
Give yourself a throwback to Parent Trap and dip Oreos in peanut butter for the ultimate dessert.
Slice a banana in half, put it in the freezer overnight, then spread a little peanut butter between your frozen banana slices. Add some Nutella for an extra indulgence.
Last but never least, sandwich your peanut butter between two graham crackers, then add a little bit of jelly, and you’ll have your very own Grahamwich!

PLEASE NOTE: THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND TRAINING INFORMATION PROVIDED TO YOU IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUSAN G. KOMEN 3-DAY IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE OR BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE AND ANY SUCH INFORMATION IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT FROM YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER. BEFORE STARTING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM OR FOLLOWING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS, ADVICE OR OTHER INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING TRAINING FOR THE KOMEN 3-DAY OR ANY ATHLETIC EVENT, YOU SHOULD FIRST CONSULT A PHYSICIAN AND HAVE A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION.

Ways to Get Walkin’ at Work

During the work week, it can be hard to get your steps in. Time in the office often means sitting at a desk for hours at a time, and after a long day, it can be hard to get to the gym in the evening. That means that you need to make the most of every step you can during the day! As you ramp up your training for the 3-Day, there are some quick and easy ways to get walkin’ at work.

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Walk to work: Not everyone can walk to work, but if it’s an option, even walking one way can help you get quite a bit of steps in. Walking to work in the morning will help get your adrenaline and metabolism going at the start of your day. Find a friend who is also walking in the 3-Day, or someone you work with who is also trying to get extra steps. Having a friend walk with you will help you stay accountable, even in the early mornings.

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Park further: This one is very easy, so you have no excuse! Pick the spot at the back of the lot, and take advantage of the extra steps and extra time outside. Listen to a peppy tune, or mentally run through your to-do list before you get to the office so you’ll be ready to tackle your day.

Walk before you call: Instead of calling, IM-ing or emailing a coworker with a question or need, just walk over to their desk! If you work with a team that interacts frequently, these steps can add up. In-person conversations keep your mind alert, and let you get some much needed face time with those you work with. Not to mention the extra steps!

Leave the building: If you have the ability, move your meetings to an offsite location. Get yourself out of the office and walk to a nearby café for a brainstorming session or a quick caffeine boost. It doesn’t take much to make a difference. According to the World Health Organization, getting even 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight on your arms, hands, and face two to three times a week is enough to enjoy the vitamin D-boosting benefits of sun and fresh air. Get to stepping!

Take extra steps on your break: If you work in a large office building, take a five minute break every hour or so and walk the nearest set of stairs. Normally you would probably spend about that much time checking in on social media or giving yourself some other mental break anyway. Since those quick breaks actually lead to more productivity, make that time work for your body as well as your brain.

Get out of the house: Lots of companies are offering more and more flexibility to work from home at least one day a week. While this is a wonderful luxury (and an excuse to work in your PJs), it can also lead you to taking even less steps than normal. Without a commute, or walking throughout an office, you’ll need to make getting your steps in a priority during work-from-home days. So, try working from a coffee shop or even your local library for at least half the day. You’ll be able to interact with people, and walking to and from will help get at least a few steps in. Remember, every step is a step in the right direction.

If you’re able to put one of these tips into action, you’re on your way to training for the 3-Day! How do you keep moving throughout your work day?

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REMINDER: The health, safety and training information contained in this blog post, or otherwise provided to you in connection with your participation in the 3-Day, is not intended to replace or be construed as medical advice and any such information is not a substitute for seeking medical advice or treatment from your medical provider. Before starting any exercise program or following any recommendations, advice or other instructions regarding training for the 3-Day or any athletic event, you should first consult a physician and have a physical examination.

Cold Weather Walkin’ Playlist

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Sixty miles is a long way to walk, no matter how much training you do, so it’s always better to start as early as possible! Working out in the winter, however, can be a struggle, thanks to shorter daylight hours and frigid temperatures. If you’re working on a New Year’s fitness resolution, or want to get a head start on your 2017 3-Day® preparation, you’ll need a motivating playlist to get you up and out into the cold. We’ve pulled some of our favorite songs from 3-Days past, and added a few new favorites, to create a group of work out songs that will get your feet moving!

Did we miss any of your favorites? Leave a reply in the comments and we might add it to one of our upcoming playlists!