It’s a familiar feeling: it gets to Halloween; the shops are filled with various spooky goodies and it feels like a healthy lifestyle simply has to go on hold. But does it? Does engaging in the scariest holiday of the year have to mean being stuffed with empty, cheap calories rather than satisfying and guilt-free treats?
Spoiler: it doesn’t. Pumpkin-themed nosh can provide a perfect alternative that will keep you feeling perfectly Halloween-y, as well as providing a wealth of nutritional benefits. Pumpkins are, at heart, a virtuous veggie: low in cholesterol, sodium and saturated fat, they are the perfect basis for fun, healthy recipes. Pumpkins also provide a fantastic source of Vitamin A, B6, C and E as well as iron, fibre and magnesium. These are, as you’re probably well-aware, essential to a healthy diet.
1. Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Although the need for a waffle iron may not be ideal, I couldn’t resist including these amazing Pumpkin Spice Waffles. Perfect for warming you up on Halloween morning, these waffles use oat flour (which can be quickly whipped up by throwing oats in a blender, apparently) to add extra fibre and wholegrain goodness. The oat flour also makes these yummy creations gluten-free.
Find the recipe here: https://cookieandkate.com/2014/gluten-free-pumpkin-spice-waffles/
2. Pumpkin Almond Butter
Unfortunately, few of us have the time or energy to make waffles every day. But when you can slather toast or top porridge with this gorgeous pumpkin almond butter, why on earth would you need too? As well as being pretty much the simplest recipe known to humankind, it also has the benefit of being filled with antioxidants, thanks to the base of almonds.
Find the recipe here: https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/packing-procrastination-pumpkin-almond-butter/
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte
This list would hardly be complete if we didn’t offer a healthy alterative to everyone’s favourite (if basic) autumnal beverage. Sweetened with maple syrup rather than refined sugar, and just as delicious as the original, Starbucks themselves will be begging for the recipe. Perhaps you could start selling it yourself.
Find the recipe here: https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/healthy-homemade-pumpkin-spice-latte/
4. Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll
The three words any girl would want to hear. Using coconut sugar, this classic, naughty (but undeniably irresistible) treat is transformed into a snack fit for any clean eating goddess. Whole-wheat flour provides extra fibre and cuts down on the processed ingredients, and the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon are once again harnessed to make these rolls completely guilt-free.
Find the recipe here: https://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2015/10/22/clean-pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/
5. Pumpkin Rice Pudding
Whilst the 8-hour wait might not be doable for ravenous students, the video tutorial does make this recipe as easy as pie. This desert really lets the fruity and earthy pumpkin flavour take centre stage. If you’re feeling indulgent, take the recipe’s advice and top the pudding off with a dollop of whipped cream. You deserve it.
Find the recipe here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/pumpkin-rice-pudding-recipe-2012225