Chocolate Banana Walnut Muffins
Serves: 4
Today’s recipe is being dedicated to one of my very best friends, Michelle. Michelle and I met in the spring of 2008 while I was living in California. At the time, I was still working full-time in my fashion career and part-time at the gym. Michelle had gotten transferred to the location that I worked out at early in the mornings. She had a spunky and upbeat personality that would, without a doubt, wake you up at 5am ? We began talking a little here and there, mostly about the company we worked for and working out. One day, after talking for several weeks, I invited her to hang out with me at the beach. From that day forward we have been friends! When I started training she jumped at the opportunity to buy sessions from me! (she refused to let me train her for free!) The more she trained, the more I could see her love of fitness begin to grow. She made huge strides in her fitness goals before I moved back to the east coast. Since I have left she has progressed beyond my imagination! Her transformation is really something! She has brought a light to my life that no one else has….a light of craziness! 
Recently, Michelle applied to be a personal trainer at a more prestigious fitness center in California. She had numerous interviews with success at each one. On Wednesday, while making this recipe, I got the call from her that she had been offered the position! I couldn’t have been more proud of her! One thing that I haven’t mentioned is Michelle’s die-hard love for chocolate! So, in honor of both her new career as a personal trainer and her obsession with chocolate, I am dedicating this recipe to one of the most fabulous women I know! Michelle, thank you for all the insanity (and love) you have brought to my life! I love you friend! Now, go whip some people into shape…..after you eat a ‘fit’ muffin!!!! ?
Fit Ingredients
- 1/2c (40g) oats
- 1/4c (23g) unflavored whey protein
- 1/3c + 2.5tbs (45g) Nutiva chocolate hemp protein
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 14g + 14g chopped walnuts
- 2 tbs stevia
- 2 very small, very ripe bananas (185g), mashed
- 1tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2tsp chocolate extract
- 3tbs (46g) liquid egg whites
- 1/2c (124g) low sodium cottage cheese
Directions
Pre heat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray 4 muffin cups with non stick spray. Mix your dry ingredients: oats, whey protein, hemp protein, baking powder, 14g walnuts and stevia in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix you wet ingredients: mashed banana, vanilla extract, chocolate extract, egg whites and cottage cheese. Mix your wet ingredients into your dry ingredients. Divide the batter evenly between the 4 muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 14g of walnuts. Bake for 28-30 minutes.
When these are done baking you will have a muffin full of chocolatey banana goodness that has just the right amount of crunch from the walnuts and sweetness from the banana and stevia!! Amazing!Eat these treats as a snack, for breakfast along side some cottage cheese or egg whites or even as a dessert topped with greek yogurt!
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Nutrition: (per 1 out of 4 muffins)
Calories: 214.1, Protein: 16.2g, Carbs: 25.0g, Fat: 7.2g (1g Saturated), Sodium: 100mg, Fiber: 6g (Net Carbs: 19.0)
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