I’ve written articles about getting our kids in the kitchen, as there is honestly no better way to get them interested in real, wholesome, healthy food. Without a doubt, baking wins hands down!

But, contrary to what you might think, baked goods can be extremely nutritious (and of course delicious) for kids, and are ideal for snacks and school lunch boxes.

These muffins use only the best of ingredients, providing lots of healthy fibre from the ground flaxseed, whole oats, and wholegrain flour. No added sugar is required as the maple syrup provides just enough sweetness, along with the fresh orange juice. As always, use spices to add  aroma, flavouring and natural sweetness – here we use vanilla extract and cinnamon spice.

Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients (Dry)

• 1 cup whole oats (gluten-free, if required)

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (gluten-free – choose 1 cup of brown rice or millet flour)

• ¾ tsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

• ½ tsp. nutmeg

• 2 tbsp. ground flaxseeds

Ingredients (Wet)

• 1/3 cup coconut oil

• 1 egg

• ½ cup maple syrup

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• ½ cup fresh orange juice

Instructions

1. Stir dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

2. Mix wet ingredients together in a second large bowl.

3. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

4. Stir in 1/3 cup unsweetened dried cranberries and 1 tbsp. grated orange zest.

5. Put in a misted (with coconut oil) muffin tin, in preheated oven (375F) for 20-25 minutes.

Visit the Health & Vitality page to find out more about Liza's business.

^{This article was originally published on Health and Vitality blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author. 
Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image credit: Shutterstock}

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