We have all heard it before-the key to a healthy lifestyle is maintaining both a daily fitness routine and an “everything in moderation” approach to dieting. However, as the weather cools down, not only does our motivation to trek to FitRec disappear into thin air, but also the plethora of delicious fall treats transforms this moderation approach into a must eat everything in sight mindset. Here are some healthier fall treats so us collegiates can indulge guilt free without putting our healthy lifestyles to rest!
1. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
A fall treats list isn’t complete without this seasonal favorite. The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is everything nice about fall, and if you haven’t already given this signature drink a chance, this is the year to do it since the beloved PSL is turning ten! Usually this drink is packing on the sugar and fats, but opting for the healthier tall, skim milk, and no whipped cream version, saves you from both the calories and the guilt.
Calories: 200, Total Fat: 0g, Total Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 11g
2. York Peppermint Pattie
Every so often I am struck with a major sweet tooth that refuses to leave me alone until I finally give in. In these cases, I go for a York Peppermint Pattie. Even though they don’t have any health benefits, York Peppermint Patties satisfy my sweet tooth every time with their chocolate-minty flavor combo. Plus, compared to any other typical candy bars, they are the much “healthier” grab. City Co. always has them on hand, and they even have the mini versions if you are really trying to be good this fall season.
Calories: 140, Total Fat: 2.5g, Total Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 1g
3. Chocolate Popcorn
Popcorn isn’t strictly a fall treat, but there is nothing better than snuggling in bed on a cool, autumn night with a hot out of the microwave bowl of popcorn in hand. Since popcorn is already one of the lowest-calorie snack options out there, we have some leeway to be a little creative, so we obviously have to add chocolate into the picture. For this recipe, all you need to do is pop your usual bag of popcorn (preferably salt and butter free), and add ½ tablespoon of mini chocolate chips and 1 packet of Diet Swiss Miss hot cocoa and voila! Grab two friends to share this treat with since one bag should make about 3 servings.
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 3g, Total Carbohydrates: 34.5g, Protein: 6g
4. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffin in a Mug
As collegiates, we don’t always have access to a full kitchen, but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to enjoy our fall treats too! This recipe is courtesy of Fit Bottomed Eats.
Muffin Ingredients: 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened), 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 egg, 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate
Optional Icing Ingredients: 1-tablespoon vanilla or chocolate protein powder (your favorite brand, just make sure it’s sweet or add stevia to taste), 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond or coconut milk
Recipe: Combine almond flour, baking powder and cinnamon until well mixed. Add pumpkin, vanilla and egg. Mix until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Microwave for three minutes. If the muffin has a firm consistency (not too jiggly, especially in the center), you’re done. If not, cook for another minute. Top with protein icing if you want or just get to eating!
5. Apples, Apples, Apples
I am pretty positive that fall would not be in existence without apples. For some yummy treat ideas including this fall staple either try drizzling a sliced apple with a tiny bit of caramel or alternatively microwaving a sliced apple with granola and cinnamon for your own spin on an apple crumble.
For more fall treat ideas and for further healthy lifestyle inspirations, I recommend checking out the Slender Student, Blogilates, and SarahFit fitness and wellness blogs. They are lifesavers when it comes to work out and healthy eating motivation, a necessity for all us collegiates during the upcoming chilly months.