Peanut Power Snack Mix

Did you see this photo that I posted on Instagram the other day? For the first time in a very long time, we decided to forgo planting tomatoes in our garden this year, but it seems as if the garden had plans of its own! From deep beneath the dirt, a fallen tomato from a previous year’s crop sprung up beneath the cover of a forest of broccoli plants, and a new seedling emerged. I discovered it after we had harvested and cleared the broccoli plants, and I decided to let it keep growing…and grow, grow, GROW it did!

This wild plant has completely taken on a life of its own! It has gotten huge, and it continues to provide loads of fresh tomatoes each week. We didn’t think that we needed tomatoes this year, but the earth decided to give us a gift anyway. It sort of reminds me of the Planter’s “A Gift from Nature” commercial where Mr. Peanut talks about “accepting the gifts that nature gives us.” Of course, he’s talking about peanuts, and I’m rambling on about tomatoes, but still. It’s a great lesson, nonetheless (and peanuts are pretty awesome too!). Haven’t see the commercial yet? Here…take a peek!

“Let’s get wholesome up in here!” LOL! I grew up loving the classic monocled Mr. Peanut icon, so these new commercials that depict him as an inspiring motivational speaker totally crack me up! They’re totally informative too though, am I right? I learned that peanuts have six essential nutrients and 7g of protein per serving! I’m feeling the need to “harness the power of the peanut” now!

I am on a high protein and low carbohydrate diet in order to help maintain my blood sugar levels (I had gestational diabetes during my last pregnancy and have lingering issues), so I’m always on the lookout for quick snacks that will fill me up and give me a boost of energy. These days my go-to snack is this Peanut Power Snack Mix – lots of Planter’s peanuts and a small handful of dried cranberries and blueberries. Occasionally I’ll toss in a few chocolate chips too. If you think that a mix of peanuts and dried berries sounds odd, consider it a less messy twist on the classic PBJ – “two perfect halves, in it for the long haul!”

This mix is the perfect combination of tasting great and being wholesome and healthy! I’d definitely consider it a gift from nature!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.