Calling all moms on Team Pumpkin Spice!
Tis’ the season for all things warm and filled with pumpkin spicy deliciousness, yet so many of those tasty treats are loaded with sugar and high in calories.
Not to worry, Pumpkin. I’ve got your back with these healthy alternatives that will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings and your kiddos’ too. You will love these 3 pumpkin NICE snacks!
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
3/4-1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
½-1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder such as Legion
2 tbsp 100% pumpkin puree
¼ tsp cinnamon
Dash of pumpkin spice
Optional: splash of water if too thick.
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!
Top with chopped walnuts for a little crunch.
The Great Pumpkin Protein Shake
This next recipe can actually be a meal replacement instead of a snack as it will keep your belly full for hours. Or divide it into small cups for your kids to enjoy.
They won’t even realize that they’re eating vegetables!
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 oz water
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder such as Legion
2-3 tablespoons 100% pumpkin puree
⅓ large frozen banana (about 3 inches worth)
¼ tsp pumpkin spice seasoning
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon chia or flaxseed to add fiber and omega-3 essential fatty acids.
1 handful baby spinach
Ice (optional)
Combine all ingredients into a blender, serve in a glass with a stainless steel straw and sip on the goodness.
Best Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Lastly, we have my kids’ absolute favorite muffin recipe. They’ve been begging me to bake these for weeks! While the recipe is quite basic and “healthy-ish”, it can be spruced up with optional ingredients or turned into dessert with some cream cheese frosting.
Trust me. These are a crowd pleaser.
Dry:
1 ½ c flour (all purpose GF)
¾ c raw cane sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp pumpkin spice seasoning
Wet:
1 15 ounce can 100% pumpkin puree
2 eggs
⅓ cup melted coconut oil
⅓ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional ingredients: orange zest, dried cranberries or raisins
In a large bowl, mix wet ingredients. Add dry. The batter will be thick.
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 14-16 minutes. Makes up to 18 muffins.
Pumpkin Nice Snacks
There you have it, 3 Pumpkin Nice options for you to enjoy this season.
Enjoy, sweet mama friend!
