Muffins for Memory and Muscle

I love experimenting with new recipes that use protein powder. And I have spent many Sunday evenings perfecting these suckers here.

These muffins deliver everything that I think any fitness-loving gal wants: muscle-building power, just enough sweetness, and a brain boost to boot. They’re perfect as pre-workout snacks. Give them a try and let me know what you think! Better yet, share your favorite clean muffin, cookie, or cake recipe with me – I’m on a baking roll right now.

Berry Protein Muffins
Ready in 30 minutes • Makes 12 muffins

2 cups frozen mixed berries
Wet ingredients:
2 eggs
¼ cup olive or canola oil
2/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup skim milk (set aside)
Dry ingredients:
1/2 cup chocolate soy protein powder
1 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup rolled oats
¾ tsp sea salt
¾ tsp baking soda
3 tsp cinnamon
12 almonds (set aside)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 12-pan muffin tin with oil.
2. Defrost berries in microwave. Set aside.
3. In a small mixing bowl, mix together wet ingredients thoroughly (except for milk).
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (except for almonds).
5. Combine the wet ingredients into the dry mix bowl. Mix together with a wooden spoon. Stir in the thawed berries. Add milk to moisten the batter.
6. Spoon batter into muffin tins. Top each muffin with one almond. Bake for 25 minutes. Serve.

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 240, Total Fats: 7 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 30 mg, Sodium: 340 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 32 g, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Sugars: 12 g, Protein: 12 g, Iron: 3 mg

Fit Facts: Soy protein absorbs at a slow rate for sustained hunger control and muscle-building benefits. And recent research from Tufts University shows that the antioxidant compounds found in blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries help keep you sharp by turning on your brain’s housekeeping cells, which work to clean up toxic proteins that can mess with memory and mental function.