My son eats about 3 - 4 peanut butter sandwiches a day, is there long term side effects of peanut butter?

Question

We have tried getting him to eat other things, and he just will not do it. He will vary from the sandwiches on occassion for chicken, but still wants peanut butter sandwiches. I am just concerned that there may be some long term effect from so much peanut butter. He is very active, so I am not concerned about the weight issue, but is there anything else I should worry about?

Answer 1

how about how much sat. fat there is in peanut butter

Answer 2

There is no long term effect. It's actually very high in protein. But you should really get him to try other things. He's missing out on certain nutrition required for a child his age. You're the parent, not him. Tell him that he's not eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches more than once a day, and if he doesn't want to eat then tough. Believe me, he won't starve himself. You have to put your foot down mommy. I know it's hard, I have 3 kids of my own. I guess that's why I'm strong in this sense now. But at first it was hard. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I would make sure the peanut butter you are using is a natural one - with no added fat or sugar. Many commercial brands include sugar to sweeten and some have the dreaded trans fats. Natural peanut butters are pretty much just peanuts - sometimes with salt added (or you can get unsalted too). They'll have the oil floating on the top that you'll have to mix in. It is actually a pretty good way to get healthy fats (it is not saturated like someone else stated) - better than eating french fries 3 times a day!

Answer 4

No long term effects, actually peanut butter is very good for you. I would add one caution, it isn't great to get the big brand name peanut butter for him, the natural peanut butter is much better. If there is not oil settled on top of the peanut butter when you open it, it means that they added saturated fat, a fat that isn't good for anyone. Natural peanut butter is just peanuts, peanut oil, and sometimes salt.

Beyond that, it is highly likely one day he will decide he doesn't like peanut butter, and never wants it again, and thinks you are crazy when you tell him he used to like it. Kids do that, it is far better to not get into power struggles over food with a child, you will probably lose.

Answer 5

Commercial peanut butter you buy in stores is loaed with sugars and fats, that's why he likes it. Also usually lots of salt.

I say let him continue to eat peanut butter because it does contain a high amount of proteins and some good fats. But if you can get him to eat low-fat or low-sugar peanut butter that will be good.

The best thing to do is to make your own peanut butter with roasted peanuts. This way, you can control how much salt and sugar and peanut oil there is and you will cut out all the added saturated fats that are added to commerical peanut butter.
Or check at health food stores for better options to regular peanut butter.

On the whole, there is nothing wrong with commercial brands of peanut butter when eaten in moderation. But too much of one thing may not be a good thing.

Answer 6

I think that is fine as long as he doesn't have a weight issue. But because he does eat so much peanut butter, get him the natural peanut butter. It is much better for you...No added sugar or corn syrup. The only difference is it has to be refrigerated after opening. You can find it at most grocery stores. Almost all brands now have a natural option.

Answer 7

although there is a high fat content in peanuts, the protein is good for him and counters any carbs so A weight issue shouldn't be a prob. Be glad he like to eat, but I would just try to sneak in some fruit preserves or jelly or maybe some celery or carrots with the peanut butter. (my daughter likes peanut butter with her bananas!) with it so he can get so some veggies or fruits. But I think he is fine and will grow into other foods soon enough.

Oh yes, How old is he? Peanut butter poses a choking hazzard for kids under three. My daughter nearly choked to death once. Thank goodness we got the stuff out of her throat.

Answer 8

Let me guess, he's young. My son is 3 and eats PB&J for almost every meal and snack. He refuses most foods. I had spoken with his Pediatrician and was told that he may possibly just be a picky eater. He most likely will outgrow this phase fairly quick. In the meantime, she recommended allowing him his PB&J only after finishing a fruit or a vegetable. If weight is not an issue, then I'd say let time pull it's course. Peanut Butter is very high in protein.

Answer 9

I wonder how long this has been going on, or how old he is. If he's at an age where a "growth spurt" could be going on, then maybe he's looking for an energy source.

Might be worth monitoring his weight and height more closely - that is a lot of peanut butter, and if he's not burning off all that energy, he could get a fat tummy pretty quickly.

Answer 10

Ok, Eating too much of any one food is not good. On the plus side, pea nut butter is a very healthy fat that our body needs. Maybe not 3 - 4 sandwiches a day, but never the less, our body needs fat also.

Try looking for a suitable diet plan, there are lot's on the net.

Clive Jenkins

http://www.ebooks4now.com/toddler_food_guide_all.asp
http://www.zonediet-delivery.com
http://www.detox-diet-plan.com

Answer 11

Choose natural peanut butter and whole grain bread. Watch out for any peanut butter that contains high fructose corn syrup and trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils. Those are bad for you! Also, you need to be careful of vitamin deficiencies. If your child is eating only one thing, he may be missing important nutrients from other foods.