Peanut Butter Protein Muffins

There's nothing like a yummy muffin-I mean, they are basically an excuse to eat cake in the morning with a cup of coffee. And generally speaking, that's exactly what they are: cake.  Most muffins out there have tons more sugar and calories than a donut...what?! But, don't despair, this muffin* is fantastic. It's fluffy, cake like, super easy AND low carb, higher protein and gluten free-and you can't tell. Hooray! I've been using these for snacks and meals when I'm on the go. 

What you need:

(makes 15 muffins)

• 1 cup rolled or quick oats
• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce (or you could use pumpkin)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (just salt and nuts)
• 1/2 cup unflavored protein powder (I used the vegan Arbonne protein boost...could could totally use other powders, but if they are sweetened, cut down the sweetener you add to the recipe)
• 1-1/2 tsp liquid stevia (or if you want to use another sweetener like honey, use 1/2 cup...it will have more carbs and calories)
• 1 txp baking soda
• 1 txp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt

What you do:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degress
2. Put everything in a blender and blend-did I just blow your mind? SO EASY!
3. Pour about 1/4 cup batter into a regular size muffin tin (greased or lined with parchment paper muffin liners-makes it soooo easy and not messy)
4. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the tops start to brown a bit like in the picture
5. EAT!

My kids love these muffins...especially with a swipe of peanut butter or jelly or both.

Each muffin contains 100 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 carbs (only 1 sugar), 2 grams fiber and 6 grams protein. 

Enjoy!

* original recipe which I adapted (and I think made a bit tastier) for my own nutrition needs

Tuna on Cucumber "Toast"

                                                 

I eat enough grilled chicken and eggs to sustain an entire chicken farm (or so it feels like it) and sometimes I get a bit bored. So this is my new favorite 250 calorie easy and filling snack (or meal). With lots of protein AND a fiber boost from a bunch of celery and cucumbers, it's pretty much perfect. 

What you need: 

• 1 can (drained) of solid white albacore tuna (or whatever kind you like)
• 1 tbsp mayo or avocado or olive oil
• 1/2 cup (about two stalks) celery diced
• dash of salt and pepper
• 1/2 cucumber sliced

What you do:

1. Mix all ingredients together (except the cucumbers)
2. Top cucumbers with tuna mix
3. Eat!