I make a batch of banana muffins about twice a month. They are the perfect snack, freeze beautifully and the muffins are a nice addition to a lunch box as well.
Recently I was introduced to the Guiding Stars program which is now available at No Frills, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstores. Next time you are shopping, look for these signs which indicates a “better choice”.
Here are two examples of Star Ingredients:
Egg
★★ White Eggs – Large
★★★ Omega-3 Eggs
Flour
★ White Flour
★★ Whole Wheat Flour
★★★ Whole Spelt Flour
Therefore you could take my amazing banana recipe and make it even healthier just by using an Omega-3 Egg or by adding a high-fibre cereal, flaxseeds, hemp hearts and/or your favourite nut to turn this snack into a healthy breakfast option!
See what I mean? It doesn’t take a lot to make an ordinary recipe a much healthier recipe!! Plus the Guiding Stars program is an easy way for you to accomplish this.
Once again, look out for these blue stars!
Not to mention, that certain Loblaws stores have In-Store Dieticians to assist you as well!!
Here’s my banana muffin recipe but feel free adapt it with Star Ingredients!
Ingredients
2 cups of mashed bananas (about 5) Note: the darker the better
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg (see options below with Star Ingredients)
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (see options below with Star Ingredients)
Star Ingredients
Egg
★★ White Eggs – Large
★★★ Omega-3 Eggs
Flour
★ White Flour
★★ Whole Wheat Flour
★★★ Whole Spelt Flour
Note from In-Store Dietitian, Lauren Baker:
Add Ground Flaxseed
Add Hemp Hearts
Add Cinnamon + Vanilla
Add “crunch” with Bran Flakes or Quick Oats
I really do believe that homemade muffins are a convenient snack for on-the-go routines, and can be lower in saturated fat, sugar, and calories than store bought or fast-food alternatives! For improved portion control, try making mini-muffin and enjoying only one or two with your morning coffee. Its a win-win!!
Happy Baking!
Disclosure: I was compensated for this blog post, however all opinions are my own
