Fall Faves ~ The non-fattening kind

Okay, so it's no secret that fall is my favorite season....mostly because I already told you that fall is my favorite season.  There's only one problem with that...fall tends to make me a bit of a whale.  Seriously though.  It's like my body gravitates toward these sweet treats that emerge in the fall and i think subconsciously tries to create a layer of extra padding to get me through the winter.  Not this year though.  This year I bought a wedding dress....and upon buying said dress, I was told "Now, you can lose all the weight you want, but you can't gain any weight."  Okay great.  No problem.  Losing weight is soooo easy for me (insert sarcasm here). 

So, with that careful reminder ringing in my ears everytime I shove another slice of pumpkin bread into my mouth, I had to start thinking about fall treats that aren't so bad for me.  For starters, I love me a 'lil Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks.  But guess what...those are terrible for you.  Sad but true.  So, in place of my latte, I found this little box of deliciousness:



That's right...it's Pumpkin Spice Tea.  And it's delightful.  I've been devouring these during the workday like nobody's business.  I like mine with one equal packet, and one shot of creamer.  And that makes it about 30 calories.  I shit you not.  Try it now...thank me later.

Next up is a little treat that I wait for all year.  That's right dear readers...it's the Honeycrisp Apple...and it's back. 



Seriously friends...if you have not had one of these...I am truly saddened for you.  Please stop reading this post and run up to Kroger where they are $1.99/lb right now and buy yourself one.  Do not pass go, do not collect $200.  Just go.  Again, you can thank me later.  Not only are they 100% fruity goodness...they are also huge!  Pretty sure the one I ate today was bigger than my whole stomach.  Put a little peanut butter on it and you'll be full for 6 hours.  Plus, they are only in season in the fall, which makes them extra special.

If you are looking for a savory autumn treat, look no further than the acorn squash.  It's pretty much the easiest thing to cook and and accompanies whatever protein you are having for dinner beautifully.  I typically cook mine for about 45 minutes face down in some water and then add a little brown sugar and butter at the end.  A couple teaspoons of brown sugar is only 30 calories, and I buy low-cal butter with calcium.  It is sweet and savory and awesome.  Oh, and did I mention that they are easy?  Yeah I did...but I'll say it again.  You literally cut them in half and cook them.  I usually take a shower and watch something on my DVR while they're going.  Plus they make the whole house smell Ah-MAZE-Ing!



Want a delicious fall breakfast?  How about some plain oatmeal with some brown sugar and apple slices and dare I say some pecans thrown on top?  I do dare.  I do.  Since I don't have a lot of time in the morning, I get the plain oatmeal packets and warm them in the microwave.  I get the generic brand since it's cheaper....it tastes the same as quaker oats.  Promise.  Throw a little brown sugar, apples, and pecans on top and let the sugar melt while you pour yourself some milk.  Nevermind that I would eat brown sugar by the spoonful...that's beside the point.  This is a seriously good breakfast because not only is oatmeal great for your heart, but it's a good carb to have in the morning that will keep you full until lunch. 



Okay, so don't think I haven't forgotten about all of the yummy goodness sweet treats that are EVERYWHERE during this time of year.  I have not.  Well, guess what...a little splurge here and there is totally kosher (cut to me eating no less than 50 ginger snaps covered in pumpkin dip at my sister's baby shower this weekend).  But on the whole, I do my best to avoid them on the day to day.  That doesn't mean that I can't fill my house with the scent of yummy goodness.  I use the same logic here as I do when someone brings a box of Krispy Kremes into work...I can open the box and smell them, and that will be enough.  Let's face it...nobody ever got too big for their jeans over-smelling. 

 

Okay, so last but not least...and this is a good one.  One of the best things about fall is being able to be outdoors.  Not only is it gorgeous outside, but it is that perfect time of year when it's not too hot and not too cold.  If you're not a runner, it's a great time to try it out.  If you hate to run, go for a walk.  Yesterday I took my monster (the dog) for a 4-mile walk.  It was the best part of my day.  Today me and the boy ran 4 miles.  It was exhausting, but it was 35 minutes that felt great and it was a wonderful way to de-stress after a long workday.  Plus it's great time together that we get to talk.  And seriously...is there anything better than the bright orange, yellows, reds, and browns that are everywhere right now?  Umm, I think not.  And while I find running past obnoxious kids on skateboards quite annoying, I do love to see all the fall decor on all the houses in my neighborhood.  Just lovely. 



Anyways, that's just a few of the healthy things I am currently enjoying this fall.  After all, fall is by far the most fashionable of all the seasons, and I'll be damned if my legs get too big to fit into my skinny jeans and my zip up boots just because of one too many slices of pumpkin pie :-)