Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Finally posting the muffin recipe from spin class the other day... Happy healthy baking!!

Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 3 ripe bananas
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups extras**

** I used 1.5 cups blueberries, ¼ cup shredded coconut and ¼ cup dried cranberries. Other ideas are nuts or chocolate chips.

Preparation Instructions

1. Mix flour, oats and baking powder in one bowl.
2. Mix maple syrup, almond milk, PB and bananas in another bowl.
3. Combine ingredients and add in extras.
4. Divide batter into muffin tin and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Fuel Facts

Numbers: 250 calories, 3 g protein, 5 g fat, 46 g carbs, 4 g fiber

            **Per muffin (with the extras I used) when recipe is divided into 12 muffins

Ingredient Breakdown:

v Whole Wheat – Unlike processed white flour, whole wheat flour still contains the bran and the germ of the grain which provides fiber and nutrients that white flour is lacking. Wheat is a one of the crops most genetically modified in the United States, so whenever possible, look for products that state non-GMO.

v Oats – Oats are known for their heart healthy benefits. They contain beta-glucan, a specific fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels. Studies have shown, in those with high cholesterol levels (over 220 mg/dl), ½ cup of oats or 1 bowl of oatmeal can lower cholesterol by 8-23 percent.

v Maple Syrup – Made from the sap of the maple tree, this sweetener is a great natural alternative to refined sugar. Maple syrup is also high in zinc and manganese, nutrient that boost the immune system.

v Almond Milk – A creamy, low-calorie substitute for cow’s milk, this nutty variety is easy to digest making it a good add to pre-workout meals or smoothies.

v Banana – The sweet fruit is well known for its high potassium content, promoting optimal blood pressure and muscle function. The fructooligosaccharides in bananas also qualify them as a prebiotic food. Prebiotics are so named because they allow probiotics (good bacteria) to flourish in the gut. Increased amounts of probiotics in the digestive system leads to increased nutrient absorption from foods. In addition, bananas are very high in fiber, helping to regulate bowel movements.