Pumpkin Love

I have a serious love for pumpkin everything! I found this and had to share.  So I want to start adding random yummy recipes that are pumpkin filled :)

Pumpkin Oatmeal:

(via Broke Girls Guide.com)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of sugar-free almond milk (or water, or another type of milk)



• 2 packets of instant oatmeal



• 1 cup of canned pumpkin (this is also great for smoothies and pancakes)



• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon



• 2 tablespoons of crushed walnuts (or pecans)



• 1 ripe banana, sliced

Directions:  

Bring the milk or water to a boil in a saucepan, and add the instant
oatmeal.  Stir for a few minutes until the oatmeal has thickened, then
reduce the heat to low.  Add the pumpkin and the cinnamon, and stir.
Turn off the stovetop.  Add the crushed walnuts and sliced banana.




Note: if you’re really healthy (and really patient), go for the 
slow-cook steel-cut oats instead of the instant stuff.  Also, don’t
 worry about following the recipe to a tee (we never do), so feel free to 
improvise.



Servings: technically two…but it’s so good that we ate twice this
 amount, so you might want to lie to yourself and say that this recipe 
makes just one serving.

Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte: 

 (via Snack-Girl.com)

 

• 4 ounces coffee or espresso

• 1/2 cup skim or nonfat milk  (My preference is Regular Soy Milk)

• 2 teaspoons sugar  (I'm going to suggest 2 packets of Stevia)

• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra to dust on top)

Brew coffee and heat milk until hot in microwave. Foam milk frothier. Mix sugar and pumpkin pie spice in coffee and pour milk on top. Enjoy!

one serving = 78 calories, 0.3 g fat, 14.6 g carbohydrates, 4.6 g protein, 0 g fiber, 66 mg sodium, 2 PointsPlus

To see the full post:  http://www.snack-girl.com/snack/low-calorie-pumpkin-spice-latte/

Cake Batter Protein Shake

How amazing does this look/sound!??!? My newest find is Dashing Dish: Perfect combination of yummy and healthy.  I'm DYING to try this out! (I read on her comments that you can also substitute greek yogurt for the cottage cheese)

Put everything into a blender and blend until creamy consistency is reached! Top with sprinkles if desired, and Enjoy!

Ingredients

1/2 cup	Low fat cottage cheese 1
1	Scoop vanilla protein powder 2
3-5	Drops butter or almond extract
1 tbs	1 tbs vanilla sugar free instant pudding mix OR 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3-5	Stevia packets (or sweetener of choice to taste)
1/2 cup-1cup	Water (Alter this according to desired consistency)
5-10	Ice Cubes (Depending on how thick you like it, use less for a thinner consistency)
Optional:	1/2 tsp xanthan gum 3
	Sprinkles for topping!

¹ Cottage cheese may sound strange, but TRUST me… this is what makes the ‘MILKSHAKE’ consistency! Also, if you are sensitive to dairy, you can use tofu to get the same consistency!

² I use Designer Whey Protein powder. It has 100 calories per scoop. I buy the vanilla flavor because it’s a good base to add whatever flavors you want to make. It is also all natural. You can buy it from Kroger, GNC, Trader Joe’s, Amazon, or Netrition.com.

³ You can get xanthan gum from most grocery stores in the gluten free section! Just a pinch of it makes your shake so thick and creamy!

O-M-G! Skinny Pina Colada.

I just came across a guilt free slice of heaven! I love me some pina coladas ... and finally one that isn't loaded with calories.


Fill a blender halfway with ice, add 4 tall shots (about 8 ounces) white rum, 1/2 cup light coconut milk, and 1/2 cup pineapple juice; blend until smooth. Pour into 4 glasses, and garnish each with a pineapple slice. Each drink has only 169 calories—that’s 221 fewer than a classic piña colada!

*From Bethenny Frankel's Skinny Tips, http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20466659,00.html