It’s no secret that we tend to eat treats and snacks as the temperature drops and winter approaches. During the colder months of the year, chocolate chips, cookies, and other treats become more appealing. The only downside to eating these more delicious foods is the effect they have on your waistline! Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy snacks out there that will satisfy your cravings without affecting your weight. Not only are these foods good for your health, but they also make a great gift. When you want to send someone you know a basket full of goodies, keep these foods in mind:

 

Better than sugar

Maple syrup is a delicious ingredient that turns bland foods into a your favourite healthy snacks. You can use maple syrup to make a good bowl of oatmeal topped with crunchy pecans or even walnuts if you like. You can mix some of this syrup with low-fat Greek yogurt, chopped walnuts, and banana slices for a fun, tasty, and healthy treat!

 

Spice it up

Pumpkin is a great seasonal treat, and the fruit is delicious. Although many recipes for pumpkin and other similar treats use butter or oil, you can substitute applesauce. If you are adding chocolate chips to make Chocolate Chip Cookies, you can also replace the butter and unsweetened applesauce with dark chocolate chips, because these are the healthiest. The fruit can be dried, roasted and even cooked if desired! Some enjoy a little cinnamon and sugar while others prefer a spicy combination of salt, sugar and cayenne pepper. The right spices can make all the difference when making your own healthy snacks.

 

Enjoy fruit

Pears are also good at this time of year and you can throw them in with carrots and a lemon wedge for an invigorating morning treat. Apple and pear cake is another delicious recipe perfect for this time of year. These fruit-filled breads require little sugar and can be made well with the right ingredients. If you want something refreshing on a warmer autumn day, you can make your own pear smoothie using fresh pears, cottage cheese, egg whites, Greek yogurt and a handful of nutritional protein powder.

 

Alternative to crisps

Apple slices are natural and delicious. Just chop the apple as much as possible, sprinkle it with cinnamon, and cook it on low heat for several hours. Once you notice that the parts are starting to curl up, test how bright they are. When you are satisfied with the result, remove it from the oven and enjoy or you can refrigerate if you prefer your healthy snacks chilled.

For just about every recipe out there, you are bound to find a healthier alternative. By choosing the right ingredients, you can turn a high-calorie recipe into delicious and healthy snacks suitable for the whole family.