When it comes to healthy eating and weight loss, cheese isn’t usually the first option that comes to mind; peanut butter often seems like the healthier choice. But, as fitness coach Ralston D’Souza recently explained in a video, comparing their calorie and protein content may reveal a different picture.
In his video, D’Souza posed the question, “1 tablespoon of peanut butter or 1 slice of cheese, which is better?”* According to him, cheese is actually the preferable choice. He outlined the nutritional breakdown: one slice of cheese contains approximately “62 calories, 0.8 gm of carbs, 5 gm of fat, and 3.4 gm of protein,” while a tablespoon of peanut butter has about “95 calories, 3.5 gm of carbs, 8 gm of fat, and 3.5 gm of protein.” Although both offer similar protein levels, cheese has significantly fewer calories.
Watch the video here:
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D’Souza further highlighted that “Cheese offers more protein per calorie with fewer carbs and fats, and cheese is also a complete protein, unlike peanut butter.”
Portion control also plays a key role in healthy choices, he added. Measuring a slice of cheese is straightforward, whereas a tablespoon of peanut butter can be tricky to gauge accurately, often leading to overeating. He clarified, “Now, I am not saying that peanut butter is bad. If you prefer peanut butter, stick with it. Just remember, if you are getting bored of your peanut butter sandwich or just want a change, a slice of cheese is always a great swap. If not, even better.”
Nutrition expert Vasanti Malik from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health adds that while peanuts are high in calories and fat, the fat they contain is “good fat.” Malik also recommends eating peanuts with their skins for the added benefit of “anti-inflammatory polyphenols.”
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding health-related questions.
