Am I a child? No. Do I still end up eating more sweet treats than I am used to around Halloween? Maybe.
You may have noticed that the days are getting darker, cooler and daylight hours are getting shorter and shorter. This affects both our mood and energy.
When we get less sunlight, our brain will produce less serotonin (our feel-good hormone), which can make us crave more carbs and sugary foods as a pick-me-up.
For those of us in perimenopause or menopause, fluctuating oestrogen levels can make our blood sugar swings more pronounced, leading us to experience more cravings, mood swings and tiredness. Sound familiar?
Don’t worry, I got your spooky season covered!
This month, I thought I would share three delicious recipes you can prep for your fall parties and get togethers that would also support energy levels and be nourishing! No party to go to or don’t want to host?
Put a movie on, get warm and comfy and enjoy our recommended sweet treats in the calm and cozy comfort of your own home.
Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
A perfect afternoon pick-me-up or Halloween treat, providing slow-release energy and some natural sweetness.
Makes: 10-12
Prep time: 10min
Ingredients:
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup almond flour or ground almonds
• 1/3 unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 2tbsp almond butter
• 1tbsp maple syrup
• 1tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1/4tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp walnuts
How to:
• Pop all ingredients in a bowl and mix
• Roll into bite-sized balls
• Pop in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving
• They can be stored in the fridge up to a week
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Bark
A satisfying treat that also gives you healthy fats, fibre and antioxidants. We may as well call it Beauty Bark.
Makes: 12 pieces
Prep time: 10 minutes prep and 30 minutes to chill
• 150g dark chocolate (over 70% cocoa solids)
• 2tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 2tbsp chopped almond or walnuts
• 2 tbsp unsweetened dried cranberries
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8tsp cloves
• A pinch of sea salt
How to:
• Melt the dark chocolate gently, over a bain-marie or in short microwave bursts
• Stir in the spices
• Spread evenly on a parchment lined tray
• Sprinkle seeds, nuts and dried fruit
• Chill in the fridge for 30min
• Once ready, break into pieces and enjoy!
Spiced Apple and Chia Pudding Pots
This recipe can be used for your Halloween soiree or as a nourishing autumn breakfast. Chia will provide you with fibre, plant protein and omega 3. Apples will add sweetness and polyphenols, plus extra protein with yoghurt and nuts.
Makes: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes to prep
Ingredients:
• 1 medium apple, chopped
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tsp coconut oil or a splash of water
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk of choice
• 1tsp maple syrup (optional)
• 1 tsp Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
• Crushed walnuts or pumpkin seeds as toppings
How to:
• In a small pan, sauté chopped apple and coconut oil, cinnamon and nutmeg for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• In a bowl, mix chia seeds, milk and sweetener (if used). Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent chia from clumping.
• Divide your gelatinous mixture into jars and spoon the apple mix on top
• Let it chill overnight or a couple of hours to thicken.
• Before serving, top with yogurt and nuts to add extra protein and crunch!
So there you are, three simple ways to satisfy your sweet tooth, whilst also supporting your gorgeous body and mind long after the pumpkins are gone!
Happy Holidays!
