Sweets, Sugar & Candy

It's that time of the year again, where candy bowls start to appear at every corner we turn, every type of pumpkin baked good fill people's kitchens, and sweets become just that much more tempting.

It almost feels like this period of dangerous temptations starts now and really goes all through winter. I personally am a sweets-a-holic and now through January is the hardest time of the year for me to say no. What i've learned through many, many pumpkin cookies, breads, pies, and a few pounds I wish hadn't came along with them, is that if you take the time, there still is a way to enjoy fall and the entire holiday season without all the guilt and calories, with some lighter recipes and tips for when you do want to indulge on a pumpkin spice latte.

First, let's conquer the biggest obstacle of it all - the deadly Starbucks seasonal drinks (that don't have to be so deadly! - The thing about these drinks is portion control and making it as light as possible, number one rule is always get a tall, I promise it is all you'll need and a taste is more then enough with these seasonal drinks. The last thing - always ask for skim milk or for it "skinny",  and hold the whipped cream (just this can save you 50 calories alone!)

I personally love to bake everything and anything that's a cookie, bread, cupcake, brownie, you name it i'll bake (and eat) it. Over time I have come across a few favorites of fall recipes with a lighter twist so I don't have to miss out on the seasonal fun, but don't have to feel guilty either. Check these recipes out, and hopefully they can help you too have a guilt free yet delicious fall:

Gluten Free Apple Crisp : http://cookieandkate.com/2014/healthy-gluten-free-apple-crisp/

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies : http://civilizedcavemancooking.com/recipes/desserts/chocolate-chip-pumpkin-cake-cookies/

Oatmeal Pumpkin Spice Bread : http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Oatmeal-Pumpkin-Spice-Bread-Recipe-22071355

Healthier Pumpkin Pie : http://www.sugarfreemom.com/recipes/healthier-pumpkin-pie-low-calorie-low-sugar/

*For any recipe listed - Any flour can be replaced with almond flour/meal (ground up almonds, adds a big nutritional benefit while making it gluten free), & any sugar can be replaced with Splenda, Stevia, or agave to cut calories even more!*

You might be thinking - "these healthy desserts probably taste gross, I would rather just eat the real thing", and if that's the case that's fine! Everyone has different preferences, just always try to keep portion control in mind. Try some recipes out - you might surprise yourself with the results!