If you're a fan of peanut butter cookies, you might be familiar with the difficulty of portion control. A standard serving size of a 57 g peanut butter cookie is one full cookie, but what about when you only want half? In this article, we'll explore the nutritional information of a half peanut butter cookie to help you make informed decisions about your snacking habits.
Before we dive into the details, let's take a look at the calorie count of a half peanut butter cookie. It contains 250 calories, which can add up quickly if you're not careful. However, it's not all bad news. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can be beneficial for your body in moderation.
In this article, we'll explore some healthy alternatives to a half peanut butter cookie and the effect it can have on your diet. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how to indulge in your favorite treats without sacrificing your health goals.
Calories in a Half Peanut Butter Cookie
A 57 g peanut butter cookie contains 500 calories in total, so a half cookie contains 250 calories. While 250 calories may seem like a lot for just half a cookie, it's important to remember that peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats and protein. So, if you're craving something sweet, a half peanut butter cookie can be a satisfying treat in moderation. It's important to pay attention to your portion sizes and be mindful of your overall calorie intake throughout the day.
Fat Content of a Half Peanut Butter Cookie
A half peanut butter cookie contains around 13 g of fat, with 3 g of saturated fat. While this may seem like a lot, keep in mind that peanut butter is a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats can help reduce your risk of heart disease and lower your cholesterol levels. However, it's still important to consume these fats in moderation and be mindful of your overall fat intake throughout the day.
Protein in a Half Peanut Butter Cookie
A half peanut butter cookie contains around 5 g of protein. While this may not seem like a lot, it can be a good source of protein for a small snack. Protein is an important nutrient that helps your body repair and build new cells, so it's important to include it in your diet. However, if you're looking for a more substantial source of protein, you may want to consider other options.
Sodium in a Half Peanut Butter Cookie
A half peanut butter cookie contains around 150 mg of sodium. While this is a relatively low amount, it's still important to be mindful of your overall sodium intake throughout the day. Excess sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
Carbohydrates in a Half Peanut Butter Cookie
A half peanut butter cookie contains around 27 g of carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are an important part of your diet, it's important to be mindful of your overall carbohydrate intake throughout the day. Excess carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and other health issues if not consumed in moderation.
Sugar Content in a Half Peanut Butter Cookie
A half peanut butter cookie contains around 14 g of sugar. While this may seem like a lot, keep in mind that some of the sugar comes from natural sources like the peanuts and whole grain flour. However, it's still important to consume added sugars in moderation and be mindful of your overall sugar intake throughout the day.
Cholesterol in a Half Peanut Butter Cookie
A half peanut butter cookie contains around 5 mg of cholesterol. While this may not seem like a lot, it's important to be mindful of your overall cholesterol intake throughout the day. High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease and other health issues.
Vitamins and Minerals in a Half Peanut Butter Cookie
A half peanut butter cookie contains some essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin E. While these nutrients are important for your body, a half peanut butter cookie is not a significant source of them. It's important to consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods to meet your daily needs.
Healthy Alternatives to a Half Peanut Butter Cookie
- Apple slices with peanut butter - Greek yogurt with honey and peanut butter - Peanut butter and banana smoothie
Effect of Half Peanut Butter Cookie on Diets
- Weight loss: While a half peanut butter cookie can be a satisfying treat in moderation, it's important to be mindful of your overall calorie intake throughout the day if you're trying to lose weight. Consider enjoying a half peanut butter cookie as part of a balanced meal or snack. - Low-carb diets: A half peanut butter cookie contains around 27 g of carbohydrates, which may not be conducive to a low-carb diet. Consider opting for a different snack if you're trying to limit your carb intake. - High-protein diets: A half peanut butter cookie can be a good source of protein for a small snack, but it's important to consume more substantial sources of protein throughout the day to meet your needs.
Moderation is key when it comes to indulging in your favorite treats. A half peanut butter cookie can be a satisfying snack, but be mindful of your portion sizes and overall calorie intake throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cookies
1. How many calories are in a peanut butter cookie?
One half of a peanut butter cookie weighing 57 grams contains 250 calories.
2. What are the ingredients of a peanut butter cookie?
A typical peanut butter cookie contains ingredients such as flour, baking soda, salt, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and peanut butter.
3. Are peanut butter cookies healthy?
Peanut butter cookies are generally considered a high-calorie and high-fat food, and consuming them in excess can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. However, they can still be enjoyed as an occasional treat as long as they are eaten in moderation.
4. How can I make my peanut butter cookies healthier?
Some ways to make peanut butter cookies healthier include using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, using natural peanut butter without added sugar, reducing the amount of sugar called for in the recipe, and adding nutritious ingredients like oats, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough.
5. How should I store peanut butter cookies?
Peanut butter cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.