When she first heard about PB2, Girlawhirl didn't really get it. It's a powdered version of peanut butter, and she couldn't figure out why anyone – other than NASA – would want to squeeze all the oil out of a fabulous chunk of the good stuff. And then it hit her – squeezing out the oil is the whole point!

Using a unique pressing method, Bell Plantation presses out the oil in peanuts – the Extra Virgin Peanut Oil – which they sell in addition to PB2. Without oil, the resulting powdered peanut butter has 75% less fat, about ¼ the calories and more protein than regular peanut butter. The powder easily mixes with water to create the appropriate peanut butter consistency.

But truth be told, the fun started after Melissa Spiesman, Girlawhirl's nutritional counselor, got in on the action. Recognizing the health and nutritional benefits of PB2 – the fat and calorie savings from eating powered peanut butter can be quite significant – got her into full experimentation mode.

• First and foremost, the powder can be turned into creamy peanut butter by mixing it with water, but mixing it with jelly creates instant PB&J.

• It's an instant protein boost for any kind of smoothie – with less sugar than most protein powders – and even works in hot chocolate.

• A perfect peanut sauce can be made without the usual fight to get the peanut butter combined into the other ingredients.

• A little bit stirred into to softened vanilla ice cream or yogurt turned it into peanut butter ice cream. Chocoholics will want to try this with their favorite chocolate frozen treat.

• And perhaps the most delicious way to enjoy PB2: stirred into low fat chocolate milk for a liquid version of a peanut butter cup.

After doing a little bit of digging – and tasting – Melissa, who originally wondered why there is a bit of sugar added to PB2 was no longer concerned about the added sugar, since there's just a little bit and there are no other preservatives in PB2. Sugar and salt free versions are in the works so more options for people on restricted diets will be available soon, along with the original PB2 and, of course, Extra Virgin Peanut Oil at bellplantation.com. Girlawhirl also found tons of recipes on the website and real-life stories of people who have used PB2 to help them lose weight and maintain weight loss.

Melissa Spiesman, CHHC received her professional training at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. The American Association of Drugless Practitioners has certified her as a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. In her private practice, she regularly counsels individuals and groups on a variety of health and nutrition issues, including: cravings, weight loss and management, healthy food preparation, coping with stress, and having more energy.

The information dispensed on girlawhirl.com is not intended to be diagnostic or prescriptive. Always check with a physician or health care professional before embarking on lifestyle changes.