Banana Nutbutter Protein Muffins - Grain Free, Sugar Free!

Almost two weeks ago now, I had my first weigh-in for a local Biggest Loser competition for moms/women in my area.  I'm not trying to lose 50lbs and I highly doubt that I will actually be in the running by the end of the 6 week challenge (thankfully, it's based on % of bodyweight lost, not the number of pounds!), but I am interested in shedding the last of the baby weight, getting fit, and working on a 'new improved version' of myself (see Nicole Macintyre's fantastic blog post on this).  In general, I've known for the last 6 months that I need to make an overall effort to be healthier - I had a free 3-month gym membership in the winter, but once that was over, so was my attempt at fitness. I just haven't had the motivation - until I saw a Tweet advertising this (free) competition!
It really is a great way to get motivated - we're all part of a facebook group, and post about successes, failures, recipes, and goals.
I don't drink coffee, pop, or juice.  I rarely have cookies, cakes, squares, and other baked yummy goods in the house(unless I make them, which, when I'm having a craving, is not out of the question, even at 10pm).  We order take-out about once ever 6 months, and eat out at a restaurant about every 2 months.  I don't make meals from boxes, I don't eat huge portions, and I almost never make dessert.  We don't snack on chips or cheezies when we sit down to watch The West Wing.  In spite of everything I already don't do, something's gotta give in order for me to get back on track - and that something is refined carbs & sugars.  As the body's glucose levels rise, the level of insulin produced rises to match - and the insulin tells your body to store the fat, not burn it, in case of starvation.
As such, I've been trying to add more protein into my diet as I cut out refined carbs & sugars - while I do LOVE LOVE LOVE my breakfast cereals and crackers, etc, I will freely admit that eating foods high in protein give me longer-lasting energy.  Not only that, but once you cut out the refined carbs in recipes, most that you'll find are also gluten free- which means that my little man can eat them, too!
 This Banana Nutbutter Muffin is currently my favourite.  I found it over on Tessa, The Domestic Diva - she's got all sorts of other great recipes on there that I'm looking forward to trying - head over there and take a look! 

The Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup any nut butter - I've only made this with natural peanut butter, but I look forward to trying Almond, next time I have it in the cupboards!
• 2 VERY ripe banana (very spotted)
• 4 prunes, run through the food processor
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 Tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup, or to taste *optional (I left this out last time, it's sweet enough with the prunes and ripe bananas)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place all ingredients into a food processor.
3. Blend until well mixed, batter will be thick
4. Pour batter into a greased muffin tins (I love my silicone ones for this, no greasing necessary).
5. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 13-16 minutes

(Thanks again to Tess for this recipe!)

 These muffins rise beautifully - a little surprising, since they don't contain any flour!  They're moist, a little dense, and taste not unlike real-deal banana muffins.  If you're feeling decadent, you could throw a handful of dark mini chocolate chips in there, too.  That would be divine.  

Yes, these muffins do have natural sugars in them, from the bananas and the prunes, but I consider them to be very low sugar compared to traditional muffins and baked goods.