Healthier Alternatives to Favorite Fall Foods

Crisp air, falling leaves, football and the anticipation of the holiday season—these are the hallmarks of fall. The changing season often makes us crave classic comfort foods, like warm bowls of soup and flavors like apple, pumpkin and cinnamon.

Unfortunately, fall comfort foods tend to be bad news for your waistline. But don’t worry! When it comes to enjoying the flavors of fall, there are ways to treat yourself without the extra calories. Check out some recipes that will allow you to have your (healthier) cake and eat it, too:

Recipe 1: Pumpkin Spice Latte

Every September, people flock to a certain coffee shop to buy this tasty fall beverage. What they may not know is the drink has 380 calories and 50 grams of sugar, which is twice the amount of daily sugar as is recommended. Luckily, you can make your own at home, saving not only on calories, but on money.

(Recipe by javapresse.com)


Recipe 2: Chicken Pot Pie

A warm chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food on a chilly fall night. Filled with chicken and veggies, it can have a lot of nutrients. The flaky crust, however, is made almost entirely of flour and butter. To cut down the calories, try following the recipe and just leave out the crust.

(Recipe by bonappetit.com)


Recipe 3: Creamy Soups

Many of the season’s soups have a creamy texture, usually from adding milk, cream or butter. This can add a lot of extra calories and fat. Instead, try blending some softened cauliflower and adding it to the soup. The cauliflower adds the creamy texture while keeping calories low.

(Recipe by sheknows.com)


Recipe 4: Apple Cider Donuts

Donuts are a delicious, sugar-filled excuse to have dessert for breakfast. But you can get the same flavors with less sugar and more nutrients with a bowl of apple cinnamon overnight oats. You can make it the night before so breakfast will still be just as easy as grabbing a donut.

(Recipe by blog.freepeople.com

With these recipes, enjoying fall treats doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your waistline.

Visit Bayhealth.org/community-health-and-wellness for more health-related tips.