Abilene Crave

It can be tough to maintain healthy eating habits and a hectic schedule. But one little ingredient can add great flavor and keep you energized for the busy day ahead.

With seven grams per serving, peanuts have more protein than any other nut. Protein provides long-lasting energy - just what you need to keep going throughout the day. Peanuts and peanut butter contribute more than 30 nutrients and phytonutrients and can be part of a balanced diet that promotes good health. In addition, foods low on the glycemic index (GI), such as peanuts, are good choices for people trying to watch their blood sugar. Eating foods with a low GI score (peanuts score a 14) may lead to a slow increase in blood sugar levels, causing less insulin to be released all at once, and thus avoiding the sugar "crash."

The National Peanut Board has some tips to show you how to add energy-boosting USA-grown peanuts to your daily diet.

At home

• Involve your children in meal planning and preparation so they can learn about healthy eating habits and good nutrition. Experiment with kid-friendly recipes, such as Flag-Waving Peanut Butter Cookies and PB&J French "Toastwich," which can be found at nationalpeanutboard.org.
• Keep a can of peanuts handy to munch on while working around the house, reading with your children or watching television.
• Make a batch of Munch 'N' Go Mix - a quick trail mix with dried fruit, peanuts and chocolate - to keep on hand. Put single servings into resealable plastic bags and you have a great, on-the-go snack ready all the time.

At work

• Ask your place of employment to provide peanuts as a snack option - they'll keep your energy up to get more accomplished.
• Keep a jar of peanut butter and a spoon in your desk drawer for midday cravings. For something new and different, try one of the many flavored peanut butters on the market.

Eating out

• Be on the lookout for the many delicious peanut/peanut butter menu items now available at some of your favorite restaurants in appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts.
• More than 1,000 new products with peanuts or peanut butter have been created during the past five years. Have you found a favorite yet? 

On the road

• Store a pack of peanuts and a jar of peanut butter in the glove box for a crunchy and satisfying treat.
• Stop by a roadside stand or produce market and buy some homemade roasted or boiled peanuts - you can even make them at home.
• Two-ounce peanut butter travel packs from companies such as Sunland and Jif are easy-to-pack, portion-controlled snacks for travel. Try pairing them with freshly sliced fruit and vegetables.