October reminds us of football, spices, and walks through apple orchards. The flavors of apple, pumpkin, and everything fall are filling the store shelves. You can choose a cool Fall flavored ice cream or shake or you can cozy up to a mug of tea or cider. Take advantage of the the tastes of the season! Here are a few healthy Fall Tastes to help you get started!
Apples!
Use apples in recipes or eat them freshly picked from the apple orchard. Apples are a fiber-rich sweet snack that is easily packable; just wash the apple and you’re ready to go!
Fall Harvest Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt with fruit may already be on your healthy snack list. Yogurt with your freshly sliced apple makes for a sweet treat or skip the pancakes and butter and use a touch of maple syrup a some chopped pecans on your yogurt and you have a Fall inspired treat. Super easy.
Hot Apple Cider with Mulling Spices
This is the simplest cozy drink ever because your ingredient list includes 1 cup of apple cider and mulling spices! Not only will it warm you with the taste of Fall but it’s a healthy too!
Directions
8 ounces Wescott Orchards Pressed Apple Cider
1- Tea Bag of Wildwood Hot Apple Cider Mulling Spice Blend
(Cinnamon, Allspice, Orange Peel, Cloves, Star Anise)
Heat 8 ounces fresh apple cider (do not boil) and drop one teabag into the hot cider. the longer it steeps, the stronger it will be!
Apple Crisp Protein Shake
If you know me personally, you know I’m a regular at local businesses that offer protein shakes so it only makes sense that I mention October’s flavor of the month at Fitlab in Eau Claire. When I asked the owners what October’s flavor of the month would be they whipped up a tasty version of Apple Crisp. The shake tastes like cinnamon and apple and yes, it’s pretty tasty. This is coming from a fan of the year-round Very Berry Day Shake. This Fall favorite can also be served warm. If you’re in Eau Claire stop by FitLab on Hastings Way in Eau Claire between 7-2 pm for a healthy breakfast or lunch. You first one is always free and your shake will include a shot of Aloe and a toasty warm tea. Tell them Kim sent you!
Apple Crisp Protein Shakes contain:
252 calories, 25g protein, 31g carbs, 9g fiber, 10g sugar, 5g fat
Add extra protein for another 5g of protein for only 20 calories and 10g for 40 calories.
*Apple Crisp is made from Herbalife products. You can find several nutrition clubs in the area offering a multitude of flavors!
Energy Bars and No-Bake Bites
Energy bars are popular whether you purchase them at your local grocer or you make them yourself. They’re a convenient way to pack nutrition into your diet when you’re on the go. Choose from a variety of energy bar brands and flavors to meet your specific needs. You can use as a source of fuel prior to or during a workout or use as a source of protein to feed your muscles after a workout.
I don’t consider myself a cook by any stretch of the imagination but I came up with this recipe television segment last year. It’s a combination of several recipes I found but since I’m a pretty picky eater I sometimes like to make my own recipes. Trust me, this recipe is super yummy!
Pumpkin Energy Bites Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 1- packed cup or 10-12 Large) pitted and chopped Medjool Dates
- 1/4 Cup honey
- 1/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds
- 2 Teaspoons Pumpkin Spice
- 1 Cup old-fashion oats (dry, not cooked, you may use gluten-free variety)
♥ You can replace the Pumpkin Spice with one teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger, 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon cloves♥
♥ You can also adjust the number of dates and puree to change the consistency of your energy bites♥
Directions. Combine the chopped dates, honey, pumpkin puree, chia or flax seeds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, OR pumpkin spice, and salt. In the video, we opted for a rustic version but you may combine ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth and combined for a smoother texture.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, and stir in the oats, until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Once the mixture is cooled and easier to work with, roll into your desired size of energy balls.
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (optional):
By using the term optional I really mean, you’re going to love this frosting!
Ingredients:
2 Ounce- Cream Cheese
1/4 teaspoon- Vanilla
3-4 drops- Sweet Drops Vanilla Creme Sweetener
2 1/2 teaspoons -Coconut Secret Raw Coconut Crystals (brown sugar replacement)
Pecan bits to garnish
Directions:
Mix cream cheese vanilla, vanilla creme sweetener, and raw coconut crystals to taste. Top with pecan! Yum!
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Here’s to finding your fit lifestyle,™ – Kim
Products used in this segment
Wescott Orchards Apple Cider
Spirit Valley Sugar Bush, Pure Maple Syrup
Apples from Ferguson’s Apple Orchard
Apple Crisp Protein Shake Fitlab, Eau Claire
