It’s National Chocolate Chip Day, so what better way than to whip up something with those sweet little morsels!
Other than the intoxicating flavor of chocolate chips, the great news is that Chocolate Chips are SKINNY! That’s right—they’re great for weight loss because by indulging in them, you can prevent feelings of deprivation and conquer your cravings! Eat 15 semi-sweet morsels for only 70 calories!
Plus, you may be thinking that chocolate can’t possibly be good for you, but it has some surprisingly amazing benefits! Dark chocolate contains antioxidants which help to mop of free radicals which cause damage to the body. Antioxidants help to prevent damage that’s done to your body from everyday living, such as stress and pollution.
And get this – chocolate releases a chemical called endorphins, which makes you happy! No wonder we are always in a better mood after a small chocolate indulgence!
Remember to eat chocolate in moderation of course or you’ll defeat the whole purpose of all the great health benefits. 15-20 morsels is a great portion size as it will keep your treat to just about 100 calories.
To help curb your sweet tooth in a light, refreshing way, here’s a delish banana chocolate chip muffin recipe!
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Makes: 2 dozen mini muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup quinoa flakes
- ½ cup coconut palm sugar (https://nutritiontwins.com/blog/706-apply-bran-muffins) or use ½ scant cup sugar if you don’t have coconut palm sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vanilla soy milk
- 1 cup mashed banana
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
- Line 24 small muffin cups with small cupcake liners.
- Mix whole wheat flour, quinoa flakes, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and chocolate chips together in a bowl.
- In the center, make a well.
- Whisk eggs in a separate bowl. Combine applesauce, soy milk, and banana and stir into eggs. Pour into dry ingredients; stir just to moisten. Batter will be lumpy.
- Pour batter into small muffin cups—fill ¾ of the muffin cup..
- Bake for approximately 16 to 18 minutes.
- Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving and Enjoy!
What’s a great new way you’ve incorporated chocolate chips into a recipe?
Makes 24 servings: Nutrition Facts: Serving Size: 1 muffin: 110 calories, 2 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 21 g carbohydrate, 3 g protein, 9 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 59 mg sodium
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- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup quinoa flakes
- ½ cup coconut palm sugar or use ½ scant cup sugar if you don’t have coconut palm sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vanilla soy milk
- 1 cup mashed banana
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
- Line 24 small muffin cups with small cupcake liners.
- Mix whole wheat flour, quinoa flakes, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and chocolate chips together in a bowl.
- In the center, make a well.
- Whisk eggs in a separate bowl. Combine applesauce, soy milk, and banana and stir into eggs. Pour into dry ingredients; stir just to moisten. Batter will be lumpy.
- Pour batter into small muffin cups—fill ¾ of the muffin cup..
- Bake for approximately 16 to 18 minutes.
- Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving and Enjoy!