Have Your Cake & Eat It Too

Figure Friendly, Non-Fall Fluff Desserts

You work hard to keep your body in shape, but you don’t have to go without a sweet treat on occasion. When you choose to make one, make sure it’s delectable and doesn’t destroy your diet or bring on that fall fluff. Desserts of this caliber do exist!

Jumbo Frosted Pumpkin Cupcakes

by Allison Frahn

Whoa Pumpkin!! Not one person that you serve these to will believe you when you tell them these jumbo cupcakes have only 135 calories, 8 grams of protein, 22 carbs, and 2 grams of fat per cupcake. They certainly passed the kid test with flying colors at my house (meaning my kids devoured them), and we don’t eat much pumpkin. They are so moist and delicious that people will think you went to the local bakery to pick them up. They are “slap yo mamma” good!

To make these, click the link at the end of the article.

Pumpkin Fact:

Megan Ware RDN LD says, “Consuming one cup of cooked, canned pumpkin would provide well over 100% of your daily needs for vitamin A, 20% of the daily value for vitamin C, 10% or more for vitamin E, riboflavin, potassium, copper and manganese at least 5% for thiamin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, niacin, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.”

Pumpkin, Cinnamon & Pecan Protein Pancakes

Okay, okay…so this can double as dessert and breakfast and as a snack on the go. Pan “cakes” are almost like cake when you eat them this way.

Prepare to Cook:

• 1 scoop of Rule 1 Vanilla Crème protein powder
• ½ cup of egg whites
• ½ cup of whole oats
• ¼ cup of canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1-2 tsp of Stevia
• ¼ cup of pecans (or walnuts for lower fat content)

Cook:

1.    Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2.    Heat a pan or skillet and spray with a nonstick spray (or use a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil).

3.    Pour on the batter. Once bubbles appear, flip the pancake.

4.    When both sides are lightly golden, they are ready.

I use Hill Country Fare Sugar Free Syrup as my topping of choice. Super delicious!!

Banana Dark Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies - My Nutty Way

Almost everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, but we wear them on our waistlines. Opt for this easy and delicious alternative that your whole family will enjoy. Just don’t eat the whole batch by yourself in one sitting!

Prepare to Cook:

• Smash 2 bananas in a bowl.
• Pour in 1 cup of whole oats (not quick oats).
• Add 3 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips.
• Add 3 tablespoons of walnuts.
• Add one scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder. I use Rule 1 Vanilla Crème.

Cook:

1.Heat your oven to 350 degrees.

2.Spray a cookie sheet with olive oil spray so they don’t stick.

3.I use a tablespoon to measure out each cookie.

4.Bake for 15 minutes. Enjoy! Makes 8-12 cookies.

Dark Chocolate Fact:

Katherine Harmon Courage states, “Cocoa is good for your heart because of fermentation by gut bacteria, creating anti-inflammatory compounds that improve blood vessel function.” A little dark chocolate per day can go a long way (into your gut that is).

READ Dark Chocolate every Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Why Dark Chocolate is Good for You

Conclusion

Fall fluff does not have to settle on you as the cold weather settles in. Leading a healthy lifestyle starts online and then inspires you to get in the kitchen. You can easily find hearty, savory, amazing recipes that won’t leave you feeling deprived of all the deliciousness that surrounds you. Stay focused on what’s in the meals you prepare, and you’ll feel great about how you eat (and how you look).

Remember: No Fall Fluff.