Fall is one of my favorite seasons for so many reasons;  leaves changing colors, bonfires, crisp air, warm pumpkin spice, caramel apples, candy corn.  But how do we balance all of this and stay strong on our health journey?

Fortunately, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you stay on track while enjoying your favorite foods of the season!

TIP 1 – Healthy swaps are your friend

It’s the little things that can make a big difference! Simple swaps can be a great way to still enjoy your favorite snacks while adding nutritional benefits. Is it necessary to swap? Nope, but nothing wrong with having options to satisfy your taste buds!

Have a love relationship with caramel apples? Try to make your own homemade apple dip with  this fun and tasty fall apple dip recipe!

Greek Yogurt Maple Apple Dip

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ tbsp pure maple syrup

Craving a slice of pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting but not quite wanting the richness or missing ingredients? Try making a pumpkin bran muffin to enjoy the classic pumpkin cake flavors loaded with lots of nutrients.  Using a vanilla Greek yogurt to replace cream cheese frosting can add protein and probiotics making this a super functional treat.

Did someone say pumpkin spice latte? An easy way to lighten it up while still enjoying your favorite treat is to order a small instead of a large. You can also utilize low or nonfat milk, skip the whip, and or ask for a few less pumps of the pumpkin spice syrup.  
As an alternative, you can also check out our iced cinnamon latte or spiked apple chia drinks – they are totally worth it!

TIP 2- Bring your own healthy snacks to gatherings

Fall is such a busy time.  Meetings, friendsgivings, football games, you name it…. there will be food!  Why not bring a healthy and tasty snack that everyone can enjoy?  

It can be as simple as sliced apples and a homemade Greek yogurt dip, whole grain muffins, a Fall-festive vegetable platter, roasted squash, dried pumpkin seeds or light baked apples.

Not only will you be at ease that nutritious snacks will be available at events, you can also maybe inspire a friend or family member to try a new food or two as well!

TIP 3- Add in nutrients 

During the holidays, it’s easy to hyper focus on removing things. However, you always have the option to add nutrients to make snacks an easy plug and play for your health journey!  Some nutritious additions include:

• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds
• Protein powder
• Hemp seeds
• Nut butters

TIP 4 – Allow yourself to enjoy your favorites

Allow yourself to have your favorite sweets, especially if it’s something you crave this time of the year! If you love the Reese’s pumpkins like me LOL, allow yourself to have one serving every so often. By giving yourself freedom to have these foods, you are able to satisfy your craving without setting yourself into an over-snacking spiral.  

If you are a boss in the kitchen, you can also try a DIY recipe to make a healthy version of your favorite treat!

Ditch the stress 

Fall snacking does not have to stress you out! Have some fall recipes that you are planning? Share them on insta and tag us for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! Ready for some 1:1 time to find out how to incorporate the foods you love into your fitness journey? Contact us to learn more about our coaching programs!