Muffins have a bad reputation of being very high in calories, fat and sugar. While many store bought muffins carry a hefty amount of calories — typically around 400 or more each, you can easily fit them into a healthy eating plan.With a little planning and a good recipe, muffins can also bring together highly nutritious ingredients like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Here are five healthy muffin recipes to fuel your mornings throughout the fall.
Healthy Carrot Muffins
You’ll get three food groups in these muffins made with whole wheat flour, wheat germ, carrots and pineapple all for fewer than 180 calories each.
Apple Muffins
Fall in love with Ellie Krieger’s Apple Muffins which use applesauce to replace part of the fat. Plus you’ll get a taste of fresh apple chunks in every bite.
Blueberry Whole Wheat Muffins
Whole grain pastry flour and rolled oats boost the fiber in these delicious muffins. Use frozen blueberries when fresh are out of season.
Orange-Scented Almond and Olive Oil Muffins
There’s triple almond power in these muffins from almond extract, almond flour and toasted almonds. Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium and a good source of riboflavin, copper and phosphorus.
Pumpkin Muffins
The pure pumpkin puree in these muffins adds a healthy dose of beta-carotene. As a bonus, the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves will fill your kitchen with the aroma of steeping apple cider. 
Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. She is the author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day.
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5 Healthy Muffins (Yes, It’s Possible!)