With the season of sweaters and falling leaves rapidly approaching, there is one thing on our minds: pumpkin. This flavor that dominates the fall season not only makes us feel like it is a little cooler outside, but it also makes food that much more exciting. As numerous restaurants premiere their pumpkin-flavored goodies, the options are endless and can be a bit overwhelming; furthermore, you need a guide and that guide is right here! Follow these helpful tips the next time you are craving a pumpkin inspired treat to avoid overindulgence.
Sweet Treat
Do: Starbucks Pumpkin Bread- if you are craving something sweet and you want to indulge, go for the pumpkin bread at Starbucks. It has 390 calories and 6 grams of protein!
Don’t: Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Crumb Cake Donut- this small treat has 450 calories and 23 grams of fat, compared with only 14 grams of fat in the pumpkin bread from Starbucks. You can get something better for your health of the same size and deliciousness elsewhere!
Beverage
Do: Odwalla Pumpkin Super Protein Shake- the definition of delicious and nutritious in one drink, this soy protein shake has many health benefits such as calcium, vitamins A, B6 and B12, and 15 grams of protein. For only 240 calories, you get your pumpkin fix.
Don’t: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte- at 380 calories and 13 grams of fat, this beverage contains pumpkin-flavored syrup that can damage teeth and whipped cream that has unnecessary additives. Go for a healthier option, like a flavored coffee rather than one with artificial syrup.
Snack
Do: Kashi Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars- with 170 calories and 5 grams of protein, these bars are the perfect on-the-go snack. They’re delicious, portable and will not make you feel sluggish.
Don’t: Einstein Bros Pumpkin Walnut Crunch Bagel- these bagels have a whopping 440 calories and 25 grams of sugar, and that’s before you can even think about butter or cream cheese. By the time you make it as you like, you will have eaten more than the suggested amount of calories for an entire meal! Try something lighter and more nutritious like a bar or pumpkin spiced nuts.
