The brisk temperatures that accompany the fall season bring in a need for hot beverages, warm baked goods and comfort food to feed the soul. However, these fall favorites contain an amazing amount of sugar, and with cold temperatures on the way, a few extra pounds and the newfound appearance of acne will most likely occur. Sugar is an ingredient that your body can easily become addicted to, which is why the following tips can help you keep your body energized and curb sugar cravings before fall begins.
1. Herbal Teas
There is (thankfully) a way to achieve the classic pumpkin spice flavor without the high sugar content found in many frothy beverages. Herbal teas are a great way to warm up on a chilly afternoon and benefit your physical health. These tea mixtures often contain antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols that aid in digestion, clear up skin impurities, and combat free radical damage to your body. Some teas contain stevia leaves, a naturally occurring plant-based sweetener, as part of their blend to combat cravings for processed sugar. Other teas containing cinnamon can help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, making them a great choice to spice up your beverages this fall.
2. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Protein and fiber are often two diet essentials that lack in popular fall foods, and pumpkin seeds are the perfect substitute. These tasty snacks have the crunch of a potato chip along with 11.7 grams of protein and 11.8 grams of fiber per cup that any healthy body deserves. Thankfully, this power snack is easy to prepare in an assortment of flavors like salt and vinegar or barbeque.
Check out the link below to find out how to roast the snack competition this fall and make your own pumpkin seeds:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/13768/roasted-pumpkin-seeds/
3. Cranberries
Although a favorite when placed alongside turkey as a sauce during thanksgiving dinner, cranberries could be your fruitful companion this fall. Eating cranberries consistently helps aid in the proper function of the urinary tract, reduces swelling, and is packed with additional antioxidants that can benefit your body function. The dried version of cranberries can be a perfect snack food but beware of the concentrated sugars that go along with them. The addition of cranberry juice to your diet instead offers a variety of low or no-sugar juices that give you the opportunity for a health boost without a sugar rush.
4. Curbing the Pie Cravings
Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, Amish cream pie… fall is focused on the beauty that is a well-baked pie. Though tasty, pies are another big source of sugar that make an appearance in the autumn diet. Because it is nearly impossible to dodge all the pies thrown at your plate (and why would you want to?), there is an easy and guilt-free alternative available: pudding pies. Instant pudding are available in multiple flavors that are sugar free, and can still fill the empty hole of a golden pie crust as well as any pumpkin filling.
Check out the link below to some easy pie pudding recipes that may become the family favorite this fall.
Vanilla Pudding Pie:
https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/vanilla-pudding-pie-199450
Cookies N’ Cream Chocolate Pudding Pie:
https://www.thisgalcooks.com/cookies-cream-chocolate-pudding-pie/
Chocolate Pudding Pie:
https://www.thespruceeats.com › Recipes By Course › Desserts › Pies › Chocolate Pies
5. Savory Over Sweet
Popular fall squash, like pumpkin and similar gourds, contain natural sugars that are easily processed instead of stored by your body, making it a good choice as a diet staple. Instead of opting for a pumpkin pie, try it as a base to a rich, creamy soup or as an oven-roasted side to your favorite protein.
Below are some amazing fall recipes that will squash your sugar cravings for good: