Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

The Trick to Your Holiday Diet is a Treat

Fall is here, and with it those once-a-year pumpkin spice flavors. They only come around once a year, making it hard to say no to these delicious treats. Even if you are trying to eat healthy and lose weight, that limited-time double whip-cream pumpkin latte, seasonal candy, or slice of pie drizzled in sugary syrup can still be a temptation.

Are you are left denying yourself, or feeling guilty for indulging your sweet tooth? Well, you don’t have to say no to treats anymore. My health coaching plan can help you kiss the unrealistic holiday diet goodbye and choose healthier treats!

The trick to your holiday diet is actually a treat—treating yourself to a smoothie, to be precise. You can get the same delicious fall flavors you love, all wrapped up in a healthy pumpkin smoothie recipe.

Don’t You Deserve a Treat?

Before you unwrap the candy this Halloween, remember that candy is worse than just “empty” calories. Candy contains artificial dyes and sweeteners that the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine reports are linked to weight gain and low energy.

The same study reported that you can even become addicted to artificial sweeteners. That’s right, research shows that artificial sweeteners are more addictive than cocaine.

If you’re addicted to sweeteners, your sweet tooth can trick your body into craving more candy and treats. So how do we stop this trick-to-treats cycle? Isn’t there a treat that you and your body deserve?

Where Sweet Meets Healthy

You can satisfy your sugar craving with a healthier choice. This natural smoothie has the perfect blend of fall flavors and sweetness.
Smoothies unlock the potential of whole fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamins, nutrients, and natural sweetness.

Unwrap the Best Treat—A Pumpkin Smoothie

Ready to indulge your sweet tooth the healthy way? Instead of candy, unwrap my delicious “candied Pumpkin” Smoothie recipe

Candied Pumpkin

Ingredients
¼ cup pumpkin seeds
1 frozen banana
2 cups spinach
1½ cups coconut water
Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Directions
Presoak pumpkin seeds for 4–6 hours for easy digestion, rinse, and add to blender with all other ingredients on high for 40 seconds or until smooth. Top with cinnamon, if preferred.

nutritional benefits 

• Pumpkin seeds are extremely alkaline-forming, which is great for restoring and maintaining health.
• Pumpkin seeds contain Plant-based Omega-3 fatty acids that allow the neurons in your brain to communicate effectively.
• Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan, which can help fight depression.
• Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which has numerous health benefits including immune support and protecting against osteoporosis.
• Pumpkin seeds also have loads of Tryptophan, a naturally occurring compound that can help you get better and more restful sleep.
• Plus, America’s new health craze, coconut water, is Mother Nature’s sport drink!
  Coconut water contains electrolytes, is hydrating, low in calorie, fat- and
  cholesterol-free, and packed full of potassium.

The trick to curbing your sugar craving is replacing unhealthy artificial sweeteners and processed sugars (the kind you find in candies and processed foods) with healthy alternatives. Pumpkin seeds are a powerful ingredient that capture the delicious tastes of fall you love and the amazing health benefits of whole foods.

Will You Be Tricked or Treated this Halloween?

Don’t let artificial sweeteners trick your body. Instead, indulge in a delicious pumpkin smoothie—the treat that tastes good, satisfies your sweet tooth, and paves the way for long-term health.

Copyright © 2016 Michelle Savage

GET IN TOUCH   ABOUT ME:  Full Bio

Learn more about my approach and mission   as a Gut Health Certified Professional.

Recipe from
The Green Aisle’s Healthy Smoothies & Slushies