The Candy Hangover

Regardless of the holiday I always seem to have a candy hangover – my first candy hangover of the season begins with Halloween followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Valentine’s Day! With candy and sweets at every turn, it is impossible to avoid eating unhealthy treats. Not to mention fall is the beginning of comfort food season! However, I am here to share a few favorite items that will help you feel less ‘spooked’ about your fall indulgences.  

I don’t know about you, but I cannot turn down an irresistible low-calorie dessert. I like a perfectly ripe fall apple, but I really love a slice of apple pie. I enjoy this quick and easy 5 minute skinny apple tart recipe. Thaw a ready-made puff pastry sheet, core and thinly slice tart apples and grab some brown sugar. I add a little extra crunch, by topping with granola or seasonal nuts. If you want to be a little adventurous with your apple treats, try spooning strawberry jam into halved apples, and top each with crisp oats and a little bit brown sugar. Pop in the oven and bake until apples are soft or your desired texture.


For all of our secret pumpkin spiced lovers I wanted to share a few quick and easy pumpkin inspired sweets. Treat yourself to a healthier version of a pumpkin bread recipe. I use a quick and easy recipe which includes pumpkin, applesauce, whole wheat flour and oats. Sometimes, I switch out the whole wheat flour with almond flour. Almond flour is both wheat-free and gluten-free, making it a great alternative for those who can't tolerate wheat or gluten. The best thing about this receipt is that there is no refined sugar or butter!

Whether you like sweet or savory, you must try this coffee roasted pumpkin seed chocolate cluster recipe. This recipe is as simple as spreading raw pumpkin seeds, adding a few fall flavors (maple syrup, pistachios, flax, cinnamon etc.) and baking! Start carving your pumpkins because you do not want to miss out on this recipe. This healthier version of candy clusters excludes all the added sugars but takes care of my sweet tooth. 

Another quick and healthy alternative to candy is Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites. Not only are these energy bites full of pumpkin flavor but they are great for on-the-go and they are bite- sized! As a meeting planner I often miss a meal. Being high fiber, gluten free and dairy free these bites are a perfect snack to hold me over. This no-bake recipe combines pumpkin puree, almond butter, cinnamon and either quick oats or quinoa flakes. 

Let’s be honest, when I crave chocolate – I. Want. Chocolate. What happens when you combine pumpkin, chocolate, and peanut butter—together? You get the ultimate Healthy Halloween Reeses! I love this recipe because these low-calorie no-bake sweet treats can be made with either pumpkin or sweet potato. This candy alternative is a must try if you love peanut butter cups. Made with whole foods and no preservatives you can enjoy a guilt free candy! 

Enjoy the holiday fun without the candy hangover by trying out these recipes! Share your favorite alternative to dessert.