Saturday, March 21, 2015

Oatmeal Blueberry Protein Muffins




Oatmeal Blueberry Protein Muffins

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day and  tends to be the lowest in proteins.  It is important that you have a good source of protein at each meal.  Eggs is normally the go to protein for breakfast, but that can get boring if eaten everyday.  Adding protein powder to everyday breakfast items can be  great source of protein.  These muffins are a delicious source of not only protein but provides a balance meal in just 1-2 muffins.   Each muffin supplies fruit, whole grain, protein, and calcium.

The muffins are very light and fluffy.  I used vanilla protein powder which provided the sweetness needed to make a tasty muffin. The fresh blueberries were delicious in the muffins providing moisture and provides a great source of antioxidants. The oats and applesauce provide a great source of fiber for digestion  health.  I also used all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour since whole wheat flour makes be breakout.
 
 


The recipe makes a dozen large muffins.  I shared the muffins with my husband.  We ate two a day making the muffins last for 3 days.  The leftovers become an easy grab and go breakfast.



Oatmeal Blueberry Applesauce Muffin

Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

1 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
¾ cup old fashion oats, plus 3 tbsp oats separated
¼ tsp salt
4 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup apple sauce
1 ¼ cup blueberries
1/3 cup walnuts
1tbsp flour
1 tbsp melted butter

In bowl mix 1 1/3 cup of whole wheat flour, ¾ cup old fashion oats, 1 tsp baking powder,  4 scoops of vanilla protein powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¾ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt.  In a separate bowl mix 1cup applesauce, 1 tsp olive oil, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 egg and 3/4 cup almond milk.  Mix wet and dry ingredients.  Add 1 ¼ cup blueberries and ½ cup chopped walnuts. Scoop into lined muffin pan. For topping mix 3 tbsp oats, ¼ cup walnuts, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp melted butter and ¼ tsp cinnamon and a sprinkle on top of muffins.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 min.
 



Friday, March 20, 2015

Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Shop at Farmer's Market!!!

  
Farmer's Markets are gaining in popularity across the US.  With more people on the path to a healthier lifestyle, farmer's markets are apart of the solution to a healthier America. 
 
There are many perks to shopping regularly at farmer's markets. 
1.) You will be helping local farmers stay in business. 
 
2.) Sometimes the produce you come across is so unique you cannot get it at any super market. 
 
3.) You also tend to come across booths of other home made goodies such has homemade soaps,  baskets, and cooked foods. 
 
4.)Many times it is also cheaper to buy from farmer's markets especially when purchasing foods that are in season. 
 
5.)   Many farmer's markets have other programs available for the family including garden workshops,  festivals,  and kids activities.
 
6.)  Farmer's markets tend to help the community through programs such as the WIC program and the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program where individuals are given coupons to use to get fresh produce.
 
7.)  It is a cool experience overall shopping in an old fashion way with your family.
 
 
 
Here is a SUPER LARGE CARROT found at a farmer's market in Miami, FL.
 
 
I don't even know what this is but it looked cool!!! 
 
 
 
Another mysterious tropical fruit I never seen before at the Farmer's Market in Miami. 
 
Some people make candy out of this fruit.
 
 
 
My sister showing how big the avocado is. She is ready to eat it!!!
 
 
Why do you go to Farmer's Markets? Share below so we can help spread the movement and help encourage more people to buy local!!