Best Bran Muffins

This week is all about the recipe so I’m going to cut straight to the chase! For those of you that have been looking near and far for a muffin that is actually healthy (and tastes delicious), this is for you! For those of you that think that you don’t like healthy things, I would still encourage you to try it J This recipe is great for kids as well. My dad used to make these muffins for us growing up and I always thought it was such a treat when I walked upstairs and saw the orange hen basket sitting on the kitchen table because I knew that there were bran muffins waiting for us in that basket. (Disclaimer: Our normal breakfast options consisted of either Raisin Bran®, Shredded Wheat ‘n Bran® or occasionally, oatmeal. This may have something to do with why I am a dietitian J)

I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s full of healthy carbs and filling fiber and pairs great with an egg and a side of fruit for a very balanced breakfast!

Dad's Bran Muffins:

In a medium-large mixing bowl, mix the following ingredients:

2 cups Kellogg’s® All-Bran® Original Cereal

1 ¼ cups skim milk

In a second mixing bowl (small or medium in size), mix the following ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp. sugar

½ tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

3 scoops Pinnaclife® Prebiotic Fiber (This ingredient is optional; however it does add 30 grams of fiber to the recipe and it does not change the taste or texture.)

In a third bowl, slightly beat 2 eggs and 3 tablespoons of applesauce. Then mix this with the All-Bran® and milk.

Then mix in the dry ingredients thoroughly. (The sight of this picture may be visually unpleasant, but the baked product is much more appealing to the eye J)

Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray and spoon mixture into 9-12 muffin cups.

Bake in 400^o oven for 20-25 minutes and enjoy!

*NOTE: They don't keep for very long but if you put them in the fridge they'll last longer! Leaving the muffins on the counter will cause them to grow mold after a few days.

-Dietitian Amanda

Your West Lakes Hy-Vee Kidsfit 5-week summer camp has officially kicked off!

This 5-week camp is held each Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on June 8, 15, 22, 29 and July 6.This camp includes kid-friendly workouts and information on staying healthy, taught by your West Lakes Hy-Vee dietitians.  All participants are encouraged to complete the weekly exercise and nutrition homework in order to receive a prize the following week! All kids are welcome!

This week we focused on squats, burpees and hydration.  We even made our own sports drink that included naturally occurring electrolytes from coconut water (see recipe below). 

You can check out Kidsfit online at www.hy-veekidsfit.com.  Here you’ll find lots of exercise videos that your whole family can enjoy doing together in the comfort of your own home.  Just push play!

Be sure to join in on the fun and register your kids for the remaining weeks by emailing or calling dietitians Natalie or Amanda at 515-223-7389 or nhoefing@hy-vee.com, adevereaux@hy-vee.com.

Homemade Sports Drink

All you need:
1 17.5-oz can Hy-Vee coconut water
1 cup ice
2 packets True Lemon Raspberry Lemonade drink mix
1 container fresh raspberries
2 lemons, sliced

All you do:
Combine all ingredients in large pitcher and stir.  Pour in large glass.  Enjoy!

-Dietitian Natalie

Simple Substitutions with Greek Yogurt

Did you know you can significantly change the nutrient profile of a food just by substituting one ingredient? Greek yogurt is low-fat and packed full of protein, calcium and probiotics, which makes it the perfect substitution for some of the higher fat and less nutrient dense ingredients out there that are commonly used in recipes (i.e. butter, mayo, sour cream, cream cheese, etc.). Greek yogurt comes in plenty of delicious flavors, however, the plain Greek yogurt is going to work best for these substitutions because it will not change the flavor profile of the recipe. Check out the substitution list from Chobani® below. If you end up trying any of the ideas below, let us know what you think!

-Dietitian Amanda