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Featured recipe

What you eat, and how much, is so important for your health and your waistline.

Cooking healthier food at home is a small, simple change that can have big benefits in the long run. We're showcasing easy recipes to help you on your way.

Give this one a go to get started today – and make sure to check back next month for another. Let's do this!

Blueberry and banana muffins

These healthy, fruit-packed snack-sized muffins cut right down on the fat and sugar you get in shop-bought versions.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Makes 8 muffins

Nutritional information

Per muffin:

  • 950kJ /227kcal
  • 5.5g protein
  • 9g fat, of which 2.5g saturates
  • 31g carbohydrate, of which 14.5g sugars
  • 1.5g fibre
  • 0.4g salt
Baked blueberry and banana muffin in a wrapper.

Ingredients

  • 125g lower-fat spread, melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 tablespoons semi-skimmed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 50g unsweetened apple purée
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 100g self-raising flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
  • 50g soft brown or light muscovado sugar
  • 75g dried blueberries
  • 75g porridge oats

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C (fan 160C, gas mark 4). Line a muffin tin with 8 paper muffin cases or squares of baking paper.

  2. Mix together the cooled low-fat spread, milk, vanilla extract, mashed banana, apple purée and eggs in a bowl.

    Information:

    To make your own apple purée, simmer a chopped cooking apple in a little water for 5 to 6 minutes until tender. Then simply drain, mash and leave to cool.

  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the flour, mixed spice, sugar, blueberries and porridge oats.

  4. Slowly tip the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ones, gently mixing as you go, until combined.

    Information:

    The secret of successful muffins is to avoid over-mixing the wet and dry ingredients.

  5. Divide the mixture evenly between the muffin cases, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until firm and golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on a wire rack.

    Information:

    Next time, try dried cranberries instead of blueberries.

More mealtime inspiration

We have loads of tasty recipes for you and your family.

Whether you're after a healthier way to kickstart the day, simple ideas to banish boring sandwiches at lunch, or quick and easy mid-week dinners, there's something for everyone.

See more healthy recipes
Mixed-veg rice made with tomatoes, peas, carrots and peppers.

Dietary advice

Better Health cannot provide individual dietary advice.

If you or someone you care for has special dietary requirements, medical needs or an eating disorder, please seek advice from a registered healthcare professional.

If you would like more information on eating disorders, Beat has lots of useful advice for adults and children.