Mmmmmmmmuffins!

These muffins are delicious, and have no sugar or butter in them. Try a batch and it will make you realize how unhealthy the muffins are at restaurants and coffee shops. If you need some flavor, top the muffin with some sugar free jam or natural almond butter!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups egg whites• 1½ cups oats or 1 cup instant oatmeal or 1½ cups quick oatmeal• ½ cup whole wheat flour • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce• 1 cup 1% cottage cheese• ½ cup whey protein powder • 1½ tsp baking powder• 25 almonds• 1 tbsp vanilla extract• ⅛ tsp or pinch of salt• 1 cup strawberries (see below for variations)

INSTRUCTIONS:Pre-heat oven to 350˚F. Pour ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Mix in fruit by hand, if desired, or include in the blender. Pour into regular-sized stick-free muffin cups. Cook until toothpick comes out clean (about 20 minutes).

NUTRIENTS PER MUFFIN:Calories: 120, Total Fat: 2 g, Sat. Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 5 mg, Sodium: 125 mg, Total Carbs: 17 g, Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 3 g; Protein: 9 g; Iron: 1.20 mg

FOR CHOCOLATE BANANA MUFFINS:Substitute ½ cup sliced banana for the strawberries. Add 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder. Use chocolate flavored whey protein powder. Add ½ to 1 tsp banana extract for extra banana flavor.

FOR BLUEBERRY MUFFINS:Substitute 1 cup blueberries for the strawberries and 222 g unsweetened blueberry applesauce for the regular unsweetened applesauce.

FOR APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS:Substitute ⅔ cup diced apple for the strawberries. Add cinnamon.

I have a batch in the oven. Enjoy!