Powerful Protein Muffins

I am constantly trying to make healthier muffins because I love carbs.  These are great because of all the protein and fiber in them and it makes for a super easy snack, breakfast, or carb craving!  Jon also loves these because they're super easy to grab and go in the morning before Physical Training.

Ingredients:

• 8 egg whites (I buy the liquid egg whites and use those)
• 1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
• 2 scoops protein powder
• 1/3 cup crushed pineapple
• 1/2 cup quinoa or soy flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup oat bran
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe bananas quartered
• 2 cups frozen blueberries (or other fruit if desired)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray muffin pan. (I like to use "PAM Baking with Flour")
2. In a medium bowl combine flours, oats, oat bran, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat bananas in large mixing bowl with electric mixer until mashed, then add crushed pineapple.
4. Combine egg whites, cottage cheese, protein powder, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon in a blender and then add to the banana bowl.  Gently mix.
5. Stir in combined dry ingredients with wooden spoon until almost blended.
6. Stir in blueberries just until combined and spoon batter into pan. 
7. Optional topping: I like to sprinkle walnuts and brown sugar on top of the batter instead of using the brown sugar in the batter mixture because it uses less sugar.
8. Bake in the middle of oven until toothpick comes out clean; approx. 25 minutes.