9 yummy pumpkin treats that are healthier than a PSL
Fall is officially upon us, and even though the weather is still screaming summer in most places, Starbucks is already selling its iconic Pumpkin Spice Lattes, so we’re calling it: It’s fall, at least in our mouths. While PSLs are absolutely delicious, you can’t have one for every meal (or can you?), so you might want to brush up on some recipes for other pumpkin treats that are better for your body than your daily latte.
Because if you’re really trying to get in the autumn mood, you’re going to need ALL THE PUMPKIN TREATS.
Pumpkin, for the record, actually has a ton of health benefits.
It’s full of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. So you really can’t go wrong with using the real thing in any of these recipes.
Then again, you don’t need to know how to cook an actual pumpkin for these. Just like the PSL, some of these recipes just use a combination of spices that make you think of a pumpkin, but they’re not actually Jack-o-lanterns in your cup. You knew that, right? Ground cloves, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground ginger are just a few you’re going to want to have on hand to evoke that PSL taste. And whipped cream, since what good is a savory-yet-sweet pumpkin treat without a little whipped cream?
Here are some pumpkin treats to try instead of the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
1Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC3epQm_WpU?feature=oembed
Instead of a hot pumpkin drink, whip up this pumpkin pie smoothie for breakfast instead. You coworkers will be so jealous.
2Pumpkin Spice Quinoa Cookies
There is literally nothing bad for you in these, and they’re packed with protein. Can your PSL get you through a workout?
3Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
UM, sure, ice cream isn’t exactly a health food, but when you make it at home, it’s at least healthier. (We’re totally making that up, but just go with it, alright?)
4Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Nanaimo Bars
With coconut and dark chocolate, you can feel good about indulging your pumpkin craving.
5Pumpkin Overnight Oats, Raising Chaos
We’re going to need this every morning, please.
6Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
These muffins are packed with vitamins and also dessert friendly. And they’re vegetarian, so you can feel extra good about them.
7Pumpkin Soup
No, it’s not necessarily a sweet, but it’s a great way to get some pumpkin time in for lunch or dinner. Make a huge pot of this, and you’ll have delish meals all week.
8Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
Adding pumpkin to this classic comfort food makes it a guilty pleasure that, well, you don’t have to feel guilty about (not that you should feel guilty about anything you eat…but you get our point).
9Pumpkin Spice Oats
All the flavor of your PSL, but with actual nutritional value. What’s not to love?
