That's Fit

I like peanut butter. I like it on crackers, on celery, on apples, anything that takes just a dab of the stuff that I know isn't entirely healthy for me.

I've had many a recommendation that I ditch my usual Jif peanut butter and replace it with something natural in order to make my snacking more health-conscious. Until recently, I hadn't taken any action on these recommendations. But something caused me to pass by my trusty Jif the other day at the grocery store. Something took me right for the natural stuff. And I bought it.

It took some getting used to, my new peanut butter. The consistency, the texture, the taste, the liquid on top, the stirring, the required refrigeration. It's so different my kids knew right away that something was different when I tried to sneak it on their toast one morning. I didn't hook them. But I will. Because my new peanut butter is good. Really good.

If you want to make a snack switch like me -- peanut butter is a good snack because it contributes to fullness and makes you less likely to munch on other foods -- Family Circle magazine recommends these three picks.

• Smucker's Organic Peanut Butter: Available in creamy or crunchy, with no added salt and a bit of honey.

• Santa Cruz Organic: Made with rich Spanish peanuts and available in creamy or crunchy and light or dark roast.

• MaraNatha's Organic No-Stir: There's no messy top oil layer in this one. Easy to spread and very nutty and tasty.