Apple Cinnamon Whole Wheat Muffins

It’s the little things in life that can make the biggest difference. Small changes really can yield big results and there are simple ways to make your favorite recipes better for you!

You can start by serving brown rice instead of white rice. Increase the fiber and nutrition of the rice even more by adding vegetables like carrot and zucchini. You can add them to baked goods, pasta dishes, soups and even scrambled eggs, too.

Next try reducing the sugar in your favorite cookie recipe. If it calls for 1 cup sugar, use only ½ or ¾ cup. Chances are you won’t even notice the difference.

You can reduce the fat, too. If a recipes calls for several eggs, substitute 2 egg whites for 1 whole egg. Don’t substitute whites for all the eggs, though. You’ll still want to use at least one whole egg in the recipe.

Now here’s something you can increase: the whole grains. When a recipe calls for 1 cup flour, use ¼ cup whole-wheat flour and ¾ cup all-purpose flour. As your family’s tastes adjust, gradually up the ratio of whole wheat to all-purpose.

This recipe, which also sneaks in apple, carrot and nuts,  is a great way to start.

Click here for more “better for you” recipes:  Whole Wheat Walnut Crumb Cake , Whole Grain Almond Pancakes with Sweet Orange Syrup, Better for You Apple Pie