Get Your Pumpkin Fix This Fall Without The Guilt

Fall has arrived in spectacular fashion with riding boots, blanket scarves, suede (yeah, it’s back!) and, of course, the pumpkin spice craze.

Pumpkin this, pumpkin that, it’s everywhere! How do we indulge in the rich flavors of Fall without packing on the pounds? These healthy pumpkin ideas are for those of us trying to make it through the holiday season relatively healthy.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the aromas and flavors of Fall without the worry.

Enjoy A Pumpkin Spice Latte, Skinny-Style

Enjoy a pumpkin spice latte skinny-style by getting it as close to sugar-free as possible. For added calorie savings, substitute almond or coconut milk. Even if you’re not lactose-intolerant, guzzling down the PSLs this season will likely have an adverse reaction for your gut. Our digestive systems, in general, aren’t hardwired to handle a ton of lactose. So give yourself a break and cut down on the calories with a milk alternative in your favorite fall coffee treat.

Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Coffee At Home

Just about every coffee company comes out with a pumpkin flavored blend this time of year. This one can save you big time calories AND money. Ground and whole bean coffee is much cheaper than a latte-a-day habit. Sipping a flavorful cup of black coffee (or add a little almond milk and brown sugar if you please!) will save you major calories. It is especially healthy when you’re not dealing with high-fat milk, sugar syrup mix, and that always lovely but not-so-great-for-your-waistline whipped cream. This is one of our favorite ways to indulge in the PSL craze without the guilt.

Skinny Pumpkin Pie

WHAT?! Such a thing exists? Come Thanksgiving time, there really is no denying that love for pumpkin, especially grandma’s famous pumpkin pie. But if you’re trying to lose weight and one slice will turn into three, throwing your whole health game off track, there is still hope! Many websites share skinny pumpkin pie recipes. Our favorite is the Skinny Pumpkin Pie from Skinnytaste. One slice boasts less than 200 calories, which is pretty dang good if you ask me. How does she do it? Less butter, skim milk, and egg whites instead of the whole egg. Making simple swaps like that in any fall recipe can help bring it into a healthier and delicious zone. And who doesn’t want that?

Light Those Pumpkin Scented Candles

One of my favorite things about baking in the Fall is that it fills the house with such scrumptious scents. If you want the aroma without the buckets of muffins, cookies, pies, and breads, pick up some deliciously scented fall candles. Chose from Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Apple, Cinnamon, and Crisp Fall scents. Your house could smell like Fall year round if you wanted it to! Lighting a few of these guys will make your space smell and feel a little warmer.

Remember to never leave your candles unattended, especially if you have furry friends hanging around.

Pumpkin is chalk full of awesome vitamins. You just have to keep an eye out for the added sugars because that’s where the calories hide. If you can be a little more diligent there’s no reason your season can’t be just as PSL-filled as anyone else’s. You know, if pumpkin’s your thing.

Time to wrap up in a blanket scarf and head off to one of the last farmer’s markets of the season. Happy Fall, Everybody!