PBJ!

May 4th, 2024| Topic: RaMbLeS | 6

One of my good friends (and a former student) commented to me recently:

Most, if not all of your RaMbLeS, deal with legit scientific journals and studies. Can you find something legit to write about PB&J sandwiches? I’d like to see you make a Biblical connection there.”

Well, seeing that both he and I were avid fans of aforementioned food item, I agreed.

In fact, while living in Scotland almost two decades ago, the very first day I landed there, I went hunting for peanut butter. Raided the local grocery store and found “Route 66 Peanut Butter.” I said to myself, “Self,” I said with smug satisfaction, “It ain’t gonna get any more American than that—Route 66!”

I was wrong. It was absolutely horrible. What was I to do? Starve to death?

Thankfully, the Costco in the precincts of ye olde city of Aberdeen had Skippy. It ain’t JIF, but again, what was I to do? Beggars can’t be choosers, can they? I took what I got.

During my next trip to the USA, on my return I packed about half a dozen large jars of JIF in my suitcase. Landed in Gatwick. Went through customs … almost. They wanted me to open my luggage. I did. Few clothes, books, and SIX JARS OF JIF. The good man inspecting my goods, slowly raised his head, made eye contact, squinted strangely at me, and then shut the suitcase and waved me on without a word. I knew what he was thinking:

Another nut case, importing peanut butter into the UK from the USA.”

I was embarrassed. But I had my JIF. And thus I survived two years of PhD work (with periodic imports to replenish my JIF supplies). So me and JIF, we go back a long way.

Recently, Beth Ann Mayer wrote a piece in Parade Magazine: “Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Body If You Eat Peanut Butter and Jelly Every Day.” I perused it with a great deal of interest, since, of course, you know, your faithful blogger is exactly in that situation. Every day. PB&J = JIF + Bonne Maman blueberry preserves. (This combination will change your life … for the better!).

Ms. Mayer queried dietitian Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD, of Street Smart Nutrition, on the benefits of PBJ, and she replied:

Generally speaking, there’s nothing inherently bad or unhealthy about PB&Js. The combination of bread, peanut butter, and jelly hits all the necessary macronutrients—carbs, protein, fat—and can provide smaller amounts of fiber, vitamins and minerals, which are also important.”

Sensing no real danger to this most critical foodstuff, Mayer touted the benefits:

You might be less stressed out. You’ll probably stay full longer. Your digestion could improve. Sticking to serving sizes can help ensure a well-balanced diet. Peanut butter may reduce cravings and actually help you consume fewer calories throughout the day. And an extensive study of nearly 100,000 people in 2019 indicated that people who consumed peanuts had lower odds of being overweight or obese.”

Woo-hoo!

But she did add:

You also might get bored.”

Nope you won’t. I still love my daily dose of PB&J.

But I have to confess. The best taste? This …

Taste and see that Yahweh is good;
blessing [upon] the one who takes refuge in Him.
Fear Yahweh, you His holy ones;
for there is no lack to those who fear Him.
The young lions want and hunger;
but they who seek Yahweh shall not lack any good thing.
Psalm 34:8–10

Nope, don’t be a young lion. Go get a snack.

That’s all. Carry on ….

SOURCE:JV; Parade