With all of the sweet treats during the holidays, it can be hard to find balance. We’ve all been there. You tell yourself you are only going to indulge in a few treats and try to make them fit your macros best as possible. Twenty minutes later, you’re six treats in and you’re wondering “what the heck happened?” The holidays can be a really tough time if you’re trying to stick to your nutrition and fitness goals. However, don’t let the holiday sweets get you down! We need to find the balance between sticking to our macro goals, yet living life and still being able to enjoy a little treat here and there.

I’ve got a few favorite Fall treats that can help you stay on track as we head into the holiday season and kick those sweet tooth cravings to the curb.

1. PUMPKIN PIE CHEESECAKE PROTEIN ICE CREAM

 

This treat only takes a few ingredients and it creates so much volume for a snack. Combine all of the ingredients into your blender and blend them until it smooth and fluffy.

  • 1 Serving NLA For Her Pumpkin Pie Protein Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon of Xanthan Gum
  • ½ Teaspoon Stevia (optional if you want it sweeter)
  • 1 Teaspoon Sugar-Free, Fat-Free, Cheesecake Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix
  • 120ml Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
  • Crushed Ice
  • Dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional)

(For an added pumpkin pie kick, blend in one tablespoon of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookie Butter.)

Servings: 1 Bowl
Without Cookie Butter: 29.5g Protein | 25.6g Carbs | 4.3g Fat | 7.5g Fiber | 3.5g Sugar
With Cookie Butter: 30g Protein | 35.6g Carbs | 11.3g Fat | 8g Fiber | 9g Sugar

2. APPLE PIE TARTS

When you think of fall, we all know pumpkin is high up on the priority list, but what else comes to mind? For me, apple pie pops into my head. I absolutely love the taste of a warm, freshly baked apple crisp in the fall. Although they can be expensive in the macro department, I came across this recipe a while ago, and it’s super simple and JUST as delicious (and saves you some of those macros). We all need a little treat here and there this fall season!

  • 1 Sheet of Puff Pastry
  • 2 Medium Apples
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • Dash of salt

Start by preheating your oven to 400°. Place your puff pastries on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Line sliced apples along the puff pastries and sprinkle the brown sugar and a dash of salt over top. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, and slice into 15 tarts and serve warm!

Servings: 15 Tarts
Macros Per Serving: 1g Protein | 23g Carbs | 4g Fat | 1g Fiber | 17g Sugar

3. PUMPKIN PIE GREEK YOGURT PARFAITS

On a serious note, this little fall snack/treat is high in protein, has your carbs and fats, AND is low in sugar. It’s simple to make, and I think your whole family will love it. Serve this as a midday snack, or a dessert after dinner!

  • 1 Can Pumpkin Puree
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 ¼ tablespoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt
  • Stevia to taste
  • 227g Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt (I used Kirkland)
  • ¼ Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
  • 1 Serving NLA For Her Vanilla Cupcake Protein
  • Granola, nuts or topping of your choice!

Start by preheating the oven to 350°. Grab a large mixing bowl, and combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, lemon juice, milk, stevia, pumpkin pie spice and the salt. Mix it all thoroughly and pour into a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes and then let it cool for 10 minutes. While your pumpkin mixture is cooling, mix together the NLA For Her protein and the Greek yogurt. Now it’s time to assemble those parfaits! Grab 4 glasses/jars, and start by adding a layer of the pumpkin mixture to the bottoms followed by a layer of greek yogurt. Repeat those steps until your ingredients run out!

Servings: 4 Parfaits
Macros Per Serving: 17g Protein | 14g Carbs | 4g Fat | 4g Fiber | 5g Sugar

FIND YOUR BALANCE, AND EAT THE TREATS

Don’t be afraid to indulge in a treat or two this fall. It’s all about balance and living life while you do it! I know it can be hard to stick to those macros – I’ve been there, too! When you feel a sweet tooth kicking in, try out some of these macro-friendly treats. One tip I like to try and follow is if I am having a strong craving for something sweet one day, I plan it into my day for the next day. Planning your day out in advance can help you take the control back into your hands this holiday season. Find your balance, eat the treats and just be smart about it.

My members get access to all of my amazing macro-friendly recipes. From my favorite pre and post workout meals, entrees, smoothies and treats to help curb that sweet tooth, these recipes are easy to adjust to fit your macros perfectly. Become a member today!