Fall Favorites

As the weather changes, subconsciously our bodies want to go into hibernation mode for winter. Yes, our bodies want to store fat to keep us warm during these cold months. This is why those warm goodies sound so good around this time of year.

I want you to be able to indulge this fall season, but I'm going to take your Fall Favorite foods and challenge you to replace them with healthier options. Come spring time, your waist line with thank me!

1. Caramel Apples

• Who doesn't love caramel apples during this time of year? They are savory, warm, and delicious. Depending on where you get them, they can contain anywhere from 350-800 calories in one apple!

• A healthy, but just-as-good alternative would be to have an apple with caramel yogurt dip.

• Check out this great recipe: https://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/blog/october-2014/4-healthy-alternatives-to-caramel-apples.aspx​

2. Hot Chocolate

• Once a season I let myself indulge in a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks. Although it tastes like heaven, it contains about 400 calories without adding any nutritional value.

• Why don't we take our beloved drink and turn it into a superfood?

• Check out this great recipe for Superfood Hot Chocolate: https://www.thehealthymaven.com/2015/11/superfood-hot-chocolate.html

3. Turkey Legs

• I'm sure you've seen these gigantic turkey legs at amusement parks and festivals. Although you might think, it's just protein, each leg contains a whopping 1,100 calories, not to mention the high fat content.

• When you are out an about, this might be one dish you should skip! You are much better off cooking this at home where you can control how much oil and butter goes into the recipe.

• You can also choose white meat instead of dark meat and ditch the skin for a lighter option.

• Check out a recipe for Turkey Legs here (keep in mind the serving size is one drumstick): https://healthyrecipesblogs.com/2016/11/15/roasted-turkey-legs/

4. Stuffing

• Who doesn't love to gorge on stuffing when it's available? I know this is most people's Thanksgiving favorite! While stuffing is delicious, I challenge you to bring a healthy version to dinner this year.

• Check out this recipe: https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=442203

5. Hot Dogs

• I love the idea of cooking hot dogs over the fire during the fall season. It reminds me of fall bonfires and hay-rack rides back in Kansas.

• Hot Dogs, as we know, aren't the healthiest thing for us, so let's substitute these bad boys for a much lighter option.

• Here's a healthy option for you: https://www.applegate.com/products/the-great-organic-turkey-hot-dog

6. S'mores

• I couldn't bring up a bonfire and hot dogs without adding s'mores to the mix! Roasting marshmallows and adding chocolate and a graham cracker is my idea of a good time.

• But, I hate feeling guilty after a meal, so here's my healthy substitute: https://www.cleaneatingmag.com/recipes/cream-cheese-smores

Okay, if I didn't mention one of your fall favorites and you would like a healthy alternative let me know and I will find one for you! Cheers to one of my favorite months of the year!