Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 cup low-fat milk
One large egg
One large egg white
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375ºF, and line muffin tin with cupcake wrappers.
Whisk dry ingredients and spices together in a large bowl.
Add pumpkin, oil, milk, egg, and egg white to a medium-size bowl, and mix thoroughly. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, and mix well.
Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.

Fill muffin tins evenly, and bake for 15 to 18 minutes.

Makes 14 muffins.

Benefits of Pumpkin!

• Keeps eyesight sharp
• Packed with fiber to help you digest better and absorb the nutrients from the foods you eat
• Help you loose weight by adding fiber to your diet
• Helps fight chronic diseases and reduces LDL or bad cholesterol
• Has antioxidant beta-carotene which helps with cancer prevention
• Contains carotenoids that may also help skin be wrinkle free!
• Packed with potassium which helps restore the body's electrolytes after a heavy workout to help keep muscles functioning at their best
• Can boost your immune system with Vitamin C!