Savor the Flavors of Fall with These Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
Hello everyone! Coach Jeri, here! Fall has arrived, bringing with it an abundance of rich, delectable flavors. The farmer’s market stalls are brimming with pumpkins, apples, and squash. So, how can we fully relish the season without sacrificing these delightful tastes? The secret lies in unleashing our creativity and discovering how to indulge in our favorites while keeping things on the lighter side. We should feel empowered to savor the foods and flavors we crave and love, no matter the season.
Savoring Fall Flavors
It’s important to remember that pumpkins, apples, and squash themselves are not the culprits of heavily sweetened treats. These fall favorites are packed with vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. The real challenge lies in how we prepare and enhance these ingredients with additional elements. We can embrace these scrumptious seasonal foods without any guilt weighing us down.
Many of us are well-acquainted with the fall-flavored lattes that coffee shops promote, typically laden with calories and sugar. If this is a treat you savor, why not master the art of making your own with a few clever swaps? Here are a few of my favorite ways to stay on track while still indulging in those marvelous fall flavors.
Pumpkin Recipes For Fall
Pumpkin Waffles
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of Krusteaz Belgian waffle mix (or your preferred brand)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 packet of truvia (stevia)
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1/8 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
- Butter spray for the waffle maker
Instructions:
- Preheat your mini waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Krusteaz Belgian waffle mix, egg, vanilla extract, truvia, water, and pumpkin spice. Stir until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Lightly spray the waffle maker with butter spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the waffle batter into the waffle maker and close the lid.
- Cook the waffles according to the appliance’s instructions until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Carefully remove the waffles from the maker.
- If you’d like an extra protein boost, top your pumpkin waffles with a dollop of cottage cheese.
- Serve the waffles warm and enjoy your delicious, autumn-inspired breakfast.
Pumpkin Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup of vanilla almond milk
- 2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin
- 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
- 1 packet of truvia (stevia)
Instructions:
- Brew a fresh cup of your favorite coffee.
- In a small saucepan, heat the vanilla almond milk until it’s warm but not boiling.
- Stir in the canned pumpkin and pumpkin spice, allowing the mixture to combine smoothly.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into your brewed coffee.
- Sweeten your pumpkin latte with the truvia, adjusting to taste.
- Give it a good stir, and there you have it – a delightful pumpkin latte to warm your autumn days.
Pumpkin Vanilla Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 box of sugar-free vanilla cake mix
- 1 can (15 ounces) of pure pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your cupcake liners in a muffin tin (this recipe makes approximately 24 cupcakes).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar-free vanilla cake mix and the can of pure pumpkin puree.
- Add the water and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- If desired, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon into the batter for added flavor.
- Pour the cupcake batter evenly into your prepared cupcake liners.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool before serving, and enjoy these guilt-free, pumpkin-infused treats.
I’ve come to understand that three key elements pave the way to success: knowledge, attitude, and behavior. It all starts with understanding what you’re eating and the ingredients that make up your meals. Adopting an open attitude toward discovering new ways to relish your food is crucial. By applying this knowledge and fostering a positive attitude, you can transform your behavior. The bottom line is, you can delight in the splendid flavors of fall without any sense of deprivation. It’s a daily journey of reinventing the foods you love in a healthier, more enjoyable way.
