If there’s one thing we’ve learned in our time as Mamas, it’s that having snacks on hand is key.

In case you missed the memo…being a small person’s snack b*tch is your new role in life!

#momlife

And so we highly recommend having some snacks around the house the pack a serious punch, because kiddos are always hungry.

And even when they’re not hungry, they’re always playing the snack card in hopes THIS is the moment you’ll finally pull out the secret popsicles and potato chips they’re sure you’ve been saving up for just such a moment.

For most snacking situations, the standard cheese, fruit, nuts, veggies and dips are definitely our go-to offerings… but there’s nothing like a fresh, homemade muffin. Plus making muffins for them means there are also muffins for – you guessed it! – YOU.

Why do we think homemade muffins make a pretty darn good snack? Well, they’re….

1. Easy to travel with.
2. Easy to hide veggies in and use up what’s in your fridge.
3. Easy to make ahead and freeze until you need them.
4. Perfect for any time of day.
5. Freaking delicious.

We have never met a mama who didn’t already like muffins, so we’ll stop trying to convince you.

We’ve got the goods

Now, let’s get real for a second here. We know bakery muffins often come loaded with sugar and oil we don’t need on the average day. Making them at home allows for healthy substitutions that will cut down on sugar and pump up the protein, fibre and vitamins.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to get more nutrients in these soft pockets of deliciousness:

• Try an alternative flour such as buckwheat, which adds more protein and is a great gluten-free substitute.
• Sub in melted coconut oil for vegetable oil to add medium-chain saturated fats which are heart-healthy and great for brain function.
• Add nuts such as almonds or walnuts for some added protein and extra vitamins (calcium, iron and magnesium).
• Toss in a couple of tablespoons of ground flax for some Omega-3 fats and fibre.
• Try half oats and half flour to up the whole grain fibre and protein content.
• Slather your fresh muffins with almond butter or coconut oil for a heartier snack.

These 6 muffin recipes are perfect to meal prep on the weekend and keep in the fridge or freezer so you’ve got them on hand for lunches or after school snacks.