Super-Healthy Muffins
I have a love / hate relationship with breakfast. I am aware that it’s the most important meal of the day. I know it’ll make me feel strong and keep my snacking under control. I know complex carbs and protein in the morning help regulate my metabolic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems. But I love sleep too.
In the US, cereal was the easy breakfast. But by cereal, I mean, carefully selected brands with whole wheat, flax seed, organic fruits, and no unnecessary sugars or additives. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find Nature’s Path Blueberry Cinnamon Flax (link to cereal) in Beijing. And when I finally did, I couldn’t bring myself to spend 8 US dollars on a box. They cost less than half that in the US.
And so the breakfast quest continued. I tried oatmeal, but it was just too boring. I tried toast and scrambled eggs, but wound up in a rushed frenzy, especially having to deal with actual cooking in the morning. I tried grabbing a health bar, which wasn’t satisfying. And skipping it just wasn’t an option, as I’d be cranky and starved by 10am.
So I experimented and came up with a solid solution – the Super-Healthy Muffin. It’s delicious, packs in the nutrients, and goes perfectly with my clevered coffee (link to article). These mornings, I brew my coffee while getting ready (5 minutes), grab a Super Healthy Muffin and I’m out the door in under 10 minutes!
Recipe: Super-Healthy Muffin
1 1/2 cup of wheat flour, or all-purpose flour, or a mix
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup ground flax
1/2 protein powder if you want
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 banana, mashed
1/2 – 1 cup apple sauce (which I make in a food processor)
1 egg
3/4 cup soy milk
I sometimes add dark chocolate chips.
You can add nuts, dried fruits, shredded carrots, zucchinis, or whatever makes you happy. I sometimes add chocolate chips for a kicks. Just make sure that it’s not too dry- you should be able to easily stir the batter.
Mix everything together until everything’s incorporated.
Pre-heat the over to 175 degrees C, and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick or a butter knife comes out clean.
