Happy National Love - Your - Pet- Day and Happy National Muffin Day!

Good news for all you blog readers out there! It's one of my favorite days of the year! February 20th!

Happy National Love - Your - Pet- Day and Happy National Muffin Day!

There is nothing better than the companion of a pet! I can tell you from personal experience, there is no better stress release than a day with my pup. The unconditional love pets provide, and the ability to just live their best life, has been shown in research to actually have a positive impact on our health. The Center for Disease Control and Harvard Medical School have both recognized the health benefits to owning pets.

These include:

• Decreased blood pressure
• Decreased risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Alleviation of depression
• Low blood sugar detection 
• Decreased cholesterol
• Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
• Increased opportunities for socialization
• Increased love and companionship

If you need a boost from the winter blues, consider adding a pet to the family. Please do your research first and be sure you are choosing the right pet for you and your family. And if you have the opportunity, consider visiting your local animal shelter and adopting an animal in need of a good, loving home!

Now that you have added Fido to the family and you are heading out on daily walks, you need to be sure you are fueled appropriately. My favorite pre-workout, morning meal are the famous "Super Hero Muffins" from the cookbook, Run Fast. Eat Slow.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups almond meal
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free if sensitive)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup currants or raisins, optional
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 zucchini)
• 1 cup grated carrot (about 2 carrots)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Grade B maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• paper muffin cups

 INSTRUCTIONS

Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper muffin cups. 

In a large bowl, combine the almond meal, oats, walnuts, currants or raisins, if using, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.  

In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, zucchini, carrot, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Spoon the batter into the muffin cups filling each to the brim. Bake until the muffins are nicely browned on top and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 25 to 35 minutes.   

The best part about this recipe is that it is highly versatile. I fill mine up with nutritious goodness including dates, dried cherries, walnuts, and dried cranberries, AND dark chocolate, of course. I have also substituted shredded beets for the shredded zucchini. Once you make this recipe a few times, you will be able to start personalizing the recipe to make it all your own.

I hope you all give your pets some extra love today and enjoy celebrating one of the best breakfast treats out there!

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-and-risks-of-pet-ownership

https://www.animalhealthfoundation.net/blog/2012/10/8-health-benefits-of-having-a-pet/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxYavqujR5wIVBeiGCh2JQQx1EAAYASAAEgL6TfD_BwEhttps://runfasteatslow.com/blogs/news/superhero-muffins