Chocoholic? Try These Guilt Free Chocolate- Chip Muffins

     Most people have a soft spot in their heart for chocolate.  However, not many of us want the calories or fat that comes with our beloved sweet tooth.  Evidently “Hollywood” loves this recipe for chocolate – chip muffins.  Try out this great recipe compliments of “Vitamin G.com” 

Stars have sweet tooths too. Take “Law and Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay, for instance. Celeb chef and Health.com contributor Bethany Frankelwhipped up these lovely muffins for the star recently. She calls them “Joyful Heart Fudge Chip Muffins””–named after Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault:

Ingredients:

Cooking spray
1 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup oat flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup semisweet dairy- and gluten-free chocolate chips (such as Sunspire)
Powdered sugar (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350A?. Place 8 paper liners in muffin tin; coat with cooking spray.

2. Combine applesauce and next 4 ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the next 6 ingredients. Add oat mixture to applesauce mixture; stir until blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

3. Spoon batter into muffin cups. Bake for 20-22 minutes, rotating the pan a half-turn after 10 minutes. Muffins are done when tops are firm to the touch.

4. Cool slightly. Top with powdered sugar, if desired. (Serving size: 1 muffin)

Nutrition facts: Calories 154 (24% from fat); Fat 5g (sat 2g, mono 1g, poly 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Protein 2g; Carbohydrate 30g; Sugars 21g; Fiber 3g; Iron 2mg; Sodium 331mg; Calcium 86mg.

Speaking of chocolate, I just heard that Hershey’s Extra Dark chocolate was given the Best Life Diet seal of approval (you know, the “diet” plan created by Bob Greene, Oprah’s fitness guru). Chocolate as a part of a diet? Gotta love that.

What kind of chocolate treats will you be enjoying this Valentine’s Day? Be sure to read about the do’s and don’ts of chocolate from Glamour!

Photo: iStock

by Sarah Jio

 

 

   The secret to maintaining a good figure is knowing great recipes that satisfy your craving without all the guilt.  Although this recipes is low in fat and in calories; it has a decent amount of carbohydrates.  Try eating this muffin earlier in the day so you have time to burn off the carbohydrates. 

Adria Ali

(CES, PES, CPT, BS)