Since the name of this blog is Peanut Butter Fingers, I would be remiss if I did not wish you a very Happy National Peanut Butter Day!
Just in case you’re hoping to celebrate this peanut butter day in style, here are a few of my all-time favorite peanut butter-packed recipes:
- Peanut Butter Protein Bars (<—Most popular PBF recipe of 2011)
- Apple, Peanut Butter and Granola Sandwich
Question of the Morning
- What is your favorite way to eat peanut butter?
And another follow up question to yesterday’s post…
- I am in the process of writing a follow up post to yesterday’s post about feeing awkward during group exercise classes at the gym. I’d love to share any tips you may have that have proved beneficial for you for making yourself feel more comfortable at the gym or in a group exercise class environment. Please share!
My number one tip is to arrive to a new class five minutes early. This gives me a chance to speak with the instructor privately so I can tell them I’m new to the class and discuss any reservations I may have about the class before it begins.
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
Hurray for PB Day!!!
I love peanut butter cookies – with mini chocolate chips in them. I make the classic flourless ones and they are fantastic, especially when chilled in the fridge for a bit. I also love peanut butter on oatmeal… on a spoon… it’s just SO GOOD!!
ONE of my favorite ways is to make banana sundaes – frozen yogurt, sliced banana, melted PB drizzled all over it and sometimes i add mini chocolate chips and whipped cream. yum! 🙂
happy national PB day! 🙂
i just try to continuously reinforce confidence by telling myself everyone had to go through their first day – everyone’s been there, and most people are sympathetic/willing to help!
Be confident! I mean, it’s ok to tell people that you’re new, but be confident in your abilities. You CAN do this and it will only be an hour of your life. Ask those around you if they have any tips before the class starts, but just focus and know that this is possible. If it’s HORRIBLE, you don’t have to go back, but you can know that you made an attempt. Confidence in yourself is always key.
Right out of the jar, of course!
My favorite pre run breakfast is an english muffin with *peanut butter* and banana slices on it- does the trick every time 🙂
From the jar. Without a doubt!
i like your style! 😀
I can’t believe I missed it again!! I love peanut butter, but never seem to remember when the actual National Peanut Butter day is..and of course I included almond butter in my breakfast rather than peanut butter. As far as feeling comfortable in a group fitness setting, I totally understand that it can be intimidating at first!! I am a group fitness instructor and really try to keep my eyes out for any new faces so that I can introduce myself and let them know that I want them to ask me any questions they may have. So my tip is to ask the instructor. Don’t be afraid of looking silly or like you don’t know anything because the instructor truly appreciates someone who asks questions and really does want to help ease the participant into the group fitness setting (at least that is what I try to do!)
Pretzels dipped in peanut butter are a wonderful snack!
Hey Julie, I am writing from the other side of group fitness, from the instructor. I teach an all women’s boot camp in Charleston. I love it, but when it comes to group fitness sometimes it’s not the instructor but the attendee who can make it awkward. I am always about creating a close, team atmosphere filled with positive reinforcement. But sometimes you have a bad apple who brings the entire class down with self doubt, and overall negative energy. because my classes are small, I only allow 10 women, it’s not as if we can just keep Mrs. Neg in the back. I have even had to sit down with clients to discuss how they affect everyone’s experience. it can be hard, but something that is important. People come to exercise to get away from stress and if they leave with more frustration and tension, I have failed them. The most akward was when a client dropped the F-bomb in front of 5 year olds and in the same class proceeded to tell a client that her law school was “not acceptable and for people who couldn’t get into the other law school in our state.”
Ugh… silence.
Hope this helps!
Just had PB on banana pancakes – yum!
Hi,
I’m not sure if you are a Wooter or not, but I love Woot.com. Just wanted everyone to know today they have a great deal of workout shirts from Fila – 9.99 plus 5 shipping, and you can purchase more than one. It’s under their Sports link.
Oh, and I know this was off topic…. Happy Peanut Butter day! I’m watching my sugar right now, so no PB for me – Booo!!! 🙁
Chocolate chip waffle, toasted, with peanut butter! Now I know what breakfast will be!
The Kidless Kronicles
Julie-
I actually had a pretty awkward fitness class experience last night. I was scheduled to take a 7:30 pm class at Power Sculpt Fitness in Chicago. However, I got an email from the studio saying the class had been cancelled and that I could come to 6:30 class instead. I showed up TEN minutes before 6:30, just to be safe only to find out that they told me the wrong time and the class had started already. I was so frazzled and I could feel people watching me as I tried to sneak in the back unnoticed. I hate being late!
That said, I know people are often intimidated at the gym in the “guy” area by the heavy free weights, bench press machines, squat machines etc. I’ve had girls tell me that they feel like they will be judged by all the men in that area if they venture over there. I think it would be great to see more emphasis on exercises that involve heavier free weights and maybe a how-to guide for some of the more intimidating machinery over there. Girls can do barbell squats too! 🙂
We had a Peanut Butter food-day celebration at work this morning. I opted to bring pb and mini nilla wafer sandwiches to add to the mix. But it was definitely a morning full of pies, cakes, cookies, dips and more.
On Tuesday I started a brand new class at a brand new gym in my area. I arrived 10 minutes early incase there was anything to fill out before starting and met with the instructor. Unlike your awkward witnessing of Caroline, my instructor was very nice and welcoming, and before class started introduced me to the others I’d be working out with. Throughout the workout if there was something I (or any other attendee) wasn’t sure of, she came to our side and instructed us on the proper way to do the exercise to get the most out of it. Yesterday was my second day and there were other new people to the class. Again, the instructor introduced me to everyone and followed in suit with the day before in assisting throughout. By the end of the workout it was great to see others encouraging new classmates. It’s very obvious that my instructor is passionate about her classes but also wants everyone to feel comfortable, welcome and like a family.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone in the class! And yes, arrive early especially if you’re new. My first bodypump class I had no idea what to get or even where to get it (it was also my first group exercise class) and I asked another person and they were so nice to show me where to get everything! It made me feel so much better.
PB on a spoon is a good way to eat it for me 🙂 But I love all things PB, so I’ll have to try a few of these out!
Hahaha so many pb recipes! Too bad I don’t like it… so sad. My favorite exercise class is zumba and the only way to NOT feel awkward is to just let go. Everyone there is feeling the same amount of awkwardness so if you just forget about it and move on, you’ll be much happier.
My tips would be to: arrive early, don’t be afraid to ask questions (you can usually tell just by looking at some of the others who would be helpful and nice)- and also realize, you probably aren’t the only new person in the class so you won’t be the only one looking silly 🙂 In Zumba I always see girls who aren’t ‘great’ dancers- like me who isn’t coordinated like that- but with confidence and a smile, they are still getting a great workout and having fun!
I usually go check out the class the week or a couple of days before. This makes me feel better so I know exactly what will be going on, as well as how people are dressed and if I need to bring a Mat or not.
There aren’t many ways that I don’t enjoy peanut butter. 😉 My favorites would probably be on oatmeal, with a banana, or straight out of the jar with a spoon!
As for the gym question… My tip would be to try to go with a friend or family member (whether it’s just the gym or a group fitness class) the first time or two to help ease your nerves a bit.
That’s what I did. It was so helpful to see my friend there and she helped me set up for body pump the first time. I was not nervous to go after that because I knew a bit what to expect.
I definitely agree with arrive early, but I’ve been to new classes where the instructor wasn’t there yet, so I also recommend asking someone who looks like they know what they’re doing to help you get set up if necessary. Also, don’t expect to really feel like you got an amazing workout your first time in a new class, I know this is true in Jazzercise because if you aren’t used to following the movements, then it takes some time to figure it out and get in the groove.
I love peanut butter any way! even straight out of the jar!
I also agree with arriving early to a new class. I did that for my first BodyPump class because I was so nervous. Some new people come in 5 minutes after the class has started and then they have no idea what’s going on.
I also think you should introduce yourself to the instructor and really pay attention during the class. If it’s a class that you’ve never taken before, you shoudl pay attention to what the instructor has to say. Hopefully a good instructor will explain things as she goes, especially to new people. Don’t be afraid ask to questions! It’s better to ask questions than to risk injuring yourself. Everyone was new at one point, so don’t feel bad if you’re not doing something correctly!
Oh my, I may have to try one of these pb recipes, soon!!
I know it’s probably not what the teachers would want, but I don’t get in the front of the class when I am new. I benefit from watching the others to see how the exercises go and when you have to turn around/lay down/etc it’s beneficial to have people all around you so you can watch somebody from all those weird positions without having to completely stop what you are doing. Most instructors I’ve had always ask my name and if I have any injuries they should be aware of, which I appreciate.
i agree with you! i always hang out in the back until i feel comfortable in the class.
I LOVE peanut butter! My favorite way to eat it is good ol’ peanut butter and banana on a piece of toast. Lately though I really love it on top of oats!
Peanut Butter with banana in a cup! Arriving early is a good tip. I might also visit and stick my nose in the door while a class is on to see what it’s all about before actually attending so I know what to expect. Bringing along a buddy also helps!
My favorite ways to eat peanut butter are in Reese’s, cupcake frosting and just regular peanut butter cookies with a Hershey’s Kiss on top. Did you know that peanut butter gets rid of hiccups? One spoonful and your hiccups are gone every time. It’s magic!
peanut butter is quite magical. 🙂
My number one way to make myself feel less awkward in a new exercise class is to bring a friend with me!
I try to remind myself that everyone else in the class started exactly where I am – no one just woke up one day knowing how to do the moves. Also, whenever an instructor singles me out, I have to remind myself that she is doing it to be helpful and constructive, not because she thinks I’m incompetent or annoying. If I already knew how to do everything perfectly, I wouldn’t need to be in the class!
Do not remind me of the flourless pb cookies…I destroyed a whole batch…in practically a sitting. I just try and blend in a new class and I never raise my hand to say I’m new 😉
Julie-
I just want to say this is my first time posting on your blog, but I have been an avid reader for a long time. You really have an incredible way of captivating your reader to stay engaged and not feel bad about themselves for not going to the gym for 3 hours straight or eating 17 sticks of celery for lunch. You’re a very REAL blogger and kudos to that.
As for the embarrassing aspect of trying a new class, I think what I try to keep in mind is that everyone is only focused on themselves. I took a power yoga class last night with a Russian instructor and could barely understand her! She must have come over to correct my pigeon pose (my favorite as well) 100 times! Instead of being embarrassed, I took the criticism and really tried to fix my pose. People need to realize the only person they need to impress in workout classes is their own body!
thank goodness I celebrated this morning by eating my oats out of an empty jar of pb! But now I want to make one of your cookie recipes!
Bring a friend! The first time I tried spinning and hot yoga, I went with a friend!
I stirred the rest of a packet of PB2 into my oats this morning 🙂 I had never tried PB2 until I found a small serving packet at my store and decided to buy it, just to see. I really like it in smoothies!
Hooray for Peanut Butter day! My fave ways to enjoy are:
On toast with banana slices
With carrots – sounds weird but perfect dippers!
New to me is the peanut butter sandwich cookie covered in chocolate-divine 😛
I love group exercise and have definitely had my share of awkward moments. My top tips would be to show up early, respect an make friends with the regulars, and like Nike just do it 🙂 In large classes space can be an issue so showing up early and signing in guarantees you get a good spot. If you see someone who seems to know what they are doing it can’t hurt to ask how they pick their weights, how much space you need, etc. I try to watch myself in the mirror for form but also the instructor and others. And lastly you’ll never know if you are missing out on something you could absolutely fall in love with if you don’t give it a try. Oh and one more! Always give it a second go. It may be awkward the first time but you could surprise yourself if you try try again 🙂
Happy PB day to all!!!
I am celebrating on my blog today too, and started off my day with a little peanut butter too! Oats + cocoa powder + peanut butter = yum!
My advice for group exercise classes is to not take yourself seriously! Everyone else in the class had to start at one point too, and honestly I think most exercisers are focusing on themselves and don’t even notice if you mess up.. 🙂 Hop right in, go all out, and keep a smile on your face is my advice!
Yay peanut butter! I made sure to enjoy some on toast for my breakfast this morning. It never gets old!
My advice would be to just have FUN. It’s your first time so obviously you aren’t going to know all the moves etc. Try to remember that at one point it was everyone’s first time!
I think my favorite way to eat peanut butter is straight up out of the jar or in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
I love eating peanut butter straight of the jar. Give me a spoon and I’m happy! A close second is a fluffernutter sandwich. 🙂
Not a good day for those of us allergic to peanuts! But I do love me some almond butter 😀 On bananas, in oatmeal, on a spoon… Any way is a good way in my humble opinion. Ohhh and those oatmeal cookies are just calling to me. I may just have to try them with AB.
I’m allergic to peanuts too (deathly). Barney butter is awesome and if you haven’t tried SunButter you must!!!
My absolute favorite way is sticking it in my oatmeal every morning!
Ah love national pb day! Thanks for sharing the recipes 🙂
YAY for peanut butter. 😉 I particularly love it mixed in oatmeal or smeared on a piece of toast with banana. PB + banana = match made in heaven.
Peanut butter on cinnamon raisin toast!
My easiest way to get through an awkward exercise class is to laugh at myself. If I start laughing at myself it gives the other people in the class room to laugh at me too. I thought I was going to wet myself the first time I took Zumba…
I think my favorite way to eat peanut butter is in cookie or frosting format, but I love it straight from the jar too and in smoothies! I’ve only ever gone to group exercise classes alone, and I’ve tried a couple different ones. I’m the type to quietly go towards the back of the room, spy on what equipment other people are grabbing, and just follow along as best I can.
I love eating peanut butter just out of the jar in it’s best form! Or I also like it on a banana. Peanut butter and bananas go well together 🙂
My favorite way to eat peanut butter is by the spoonful!
One way to make yourself more comfortable in a group class is to ask a friend who has never taken the class to join you! That way you will both be new and you won’t feel singled out!
It feels weird for me to admit this considering how much I love peanut butter now, but there was a time when I hated it. (The horror!) Now, I’ll eat it pretty much in or on anything… including by the spoonful straight out of the jar. I really want to try your energy bites!
I think it’s great if you can bring a friend to a new gym class because then at least you can both navigate the potential awkwardness together.
reeses cups or straight from the jar!