Know what goes into your muffin cup.
Bran muffins are notorious for their split personality. We feel good eating them because they contain bran, a healthy grain loaded with fiber. But bakery and store-bought muffins can top 400 to 500 calories and contain 15 grams of fat. You don't have to give up that bakery treat, though. If you shop smart, you can eat your bran muffin and get a healthy start to your day.
Instructions
1. Pay attention to portion size. A reasonable-sized muffin should be about the same size as a baseball. Another way to size things up is to imagine a 12-hole muffin tin. A muffin should fit into one of these holes without flowing over the edges. Many bakery and store-bought muffins are two to three times this size. You can still enjoy that super-sized muffin, just eat half and save the rest for later.
2. Read ingredient labels. Look for healthy fat substitutes like applesauce and pureed fruit. Seek out muffins that contain ingredients such as oats and dried or fresh fruit. Choose muffins made with whole wheat flour or another high-fiber grain.
3. Pay attention to the order in which the ingredients are listed. Manufacturers are required by law to list ingredients from most to least used. (Local bakeries do not have to follow this rule.) Look for bran muffins that list high-fat ingredients such as oil and butter near the end of the list and healthy ingredients such as whole wheat flour, oats and fruits near the top.
4. Avoid muffins that list white flour and sugar as main ingredients. Also, watch out for muffins that are loaded with high-fat nuts and chocolate chips.
Tags: muffins that, ingredients such, bakery store-bought, bakery store-bought muffins, loaded with