Oat-Protein-Chocolate Muffins

Adding good old fashion oats to your diet has numerous health benefits! They provide soluble fiber, which will help you feel full longer. Soluble fiber also helps remove low-density lipoprotein (the bad cholesterol), which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Further research also suggests oats help reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes. Oats are easily digested and provide quick energy, making them a perfect choice before a work out. 


These muffins are also packed full of protein! And if your workout of choice is weight training, you'll need this nutrient! Protein consumed before or after a workout will enhance protein synthesis and muscle growth. These do however have a few delicious dark chocolate morsels, but hey, a little chocolate is good for the soul, right? ;)


-1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
-1 scoop Optimum Nutrition Oats and Whey milk chocolate protein powder
-2 1/2 teaspoons of liquid chocolate Stevia
-1 tsp. baking powder
-½ tsp. baking soda
-3 tablespoons of  cacao powder - Mayan Superfood
-1 1/2 cups of old fashion oats
-1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
-1/2 cup of walnuts
-3 eggs (2 whites and 1 whole)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare muffin tins with cooking spray and/or paper muffin cups.
2. Blend together cottage cheese, protein powder, stevia and eggs.
3. Sift in a bowl baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Add to wet ingredients and incorporate well.
4. With a spoon, stir in oats and chocolate chips and walnuts.
5. Spoon into muffin tin to make 12 muffins. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool (they will stick if you don't). ENJOY!!!

*This recipe makes about 10 muffins, each containing around 8 grams of protein. 

**These are also Gluten-Free!



***Also, I don't care for really sweet things, but if you do, add a little more Stevia.