Pumpkin Truffles

<article> <section> <p align="justify">The air is crisp, the leaves are changing color, and there’s a magical feeling in the air. It can only mean one thing: Pumpkin season is here! From pumpkin spice lattes to classic pumpkin pie, spiced treats abound at this time of year.</p> <p align="justify">But just because you can’t get enough of your seasonal pumpkin fix while it lasts doesn’t mean that you have to derail your weight loss and nutrition goals. Pumpkin—and pumpkin desserts—can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. </p> <h2>Can I Eat Healthy During the Holidays?</h2> <p align="justify">The fall holiday season—stretching from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas—is a wonderful time, full of family and fun get-togethers. But those get-togethers may also seem like a black hole when it comes to your diet and weight loss goals. After all, how can you look Aunt Sally in the eye and say no to another scoop of her famous mashed potatoes?</p> <p align="justify">Smart planning can help you stay on track as the festive season kicks off—and all through the holidays. Here’s a few tips to get you started:</p> <ul> <li>Host your own celebration at home so you can make <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warriormade.com/content/diet/keto-friendly-thanksgiving/"rel="noreferrer">crowd-pleasing recipes</a> that stick to your eating plan.</li> <li>Plan any flex days to line up with events you know may involve food.</li> <li>Have a light meal before going to any tempting potluck events so you’re able to focus on only the foods you really want to eat.</li> <li>Check in regularly with an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warriormade.com/content/exercise/accountability-partner-key-to-weight-loss/"rel="noreferrer">accountability partner</a> to stay on track.</li> </ul> <p align="justify">And, of course, consider making a delicious, healthy pumpkin treat like these flavor-packed truffles to bring to your next event. You can snack away without feeling guilty or getting too far off track.</p> <h2>Is Pumpkin Healthy?</h2> <p align="justify">Pumpkin and pumpkin spice treats aren’t just delicious—they can be good for you, too! Although many commercial pumpkin spice snacks are loaded with processed sugars and empty carbs, with no actual pumpkin in sight, you can easily make delicious and healthy pumpkin treats at home.</p> <p align="justify">That’s because pumpkin is truly a superfood. It’s packed with vitamin A—one cup has more than 245% of your daily allowance of this key nutrient. Beta carotene and other forms of vitamin A can protect against eye disease, skin cancer, and possibly even lung cancer [1, 2].</p> <p align="justify">Plus, pumpkin’s potent combo of vitamins A, C, and E along with folate and iron all work together to boost your immune system [3]. All the more reason to load up on pumpkin during flu season! </p> <h2>Is Pumpkin Low Carb?</h2> <p align="justify">Although it’s technically a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warriormade.com/content/diet/can-you-have-fruit-on-keto/"rel="noreferrer">fruit</a>, pumpkin is low in carbs. A half-cup serving contains just 6.5 grams of carbs and a full 3.5 grams of fiber. That <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warriormade.com/content/diet/keto-fiber-foods-5-fiber-rich-foods-to-add"rel="noreferrer">fiber</a> helps keep you full for longer, potentially helping you eat less overall and achieve your weight loss goals more easily.</p> <p align="justify">So when choosing your holiday treats, something made with real pumpkin—as opposed to just sugar and spice—can be a great option. And these pumpkin truffles certainly fit the bill! </p> </section> <hr class="divider-15 divider-thick mx-auto"> <section class="recipe"> <h2 itemprop="name" align="center">Pumpkin Truffles</h2> <div class="prep"> <span> <meta itemprop="prepTime" content="PT15M">Prep Time: 15 minutes</span> <span> <meta itemprop="cookTime" content="PT15M">Cooking Time: 15 minutes</span> <span> <meta itemprop="recipeYield">Serves: 45 Truffles</span> </div> <h3>Ingredients:</h3> <b>Filling:</b> <ul class="ingredients no-bullet"> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">⅔ cup full-fat cream cheese</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">½ cup erythritol</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">2 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">½ cup pumpkin puree</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">½ teaspoon cinnamon</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">¼ teaspoon ground ginger</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">¼ teaspoon vanilla or maple extract</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">½ cup unflavored protein powder</li> </ul> <b>Chocolate Coating:</b> <ul class="ingredients no-bullet"> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">2 tablespoons coconut oil</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">3 tablespoons erythritol</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">½ teaspoon vanilla extract</li> </ul> <hr class="divider-50 divider-medium"> <h3>Instructions:</h3> <b>Filling:</b> <ol itemprop="recipeInstructions"> <li><p align="justify">In a large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, erythritol, and monk fruit until smooth.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Beat in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla or maple extract until smooth.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Stir in the protein powder until mixed well.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Cover the bowl and freeze for 20 minute or until very firm.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, scoop up about 1 tablespoon of chilled pumpkin mixture and form into a 1-inch ball. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with all the pumpkin mixture.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Place the balls in the freezer to harden while making the chocolate coating.</p></li> </ol> <b>Dark Chocolate Coating:</b> <ol itemprop="recipeInstructions"> <li><p align="justify">In a double boiler, heat together the chocolate, coconut oil, and erythritol, stirring regularly, until fully melted.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.</p></li> </ol> <b>Assembly:</b> <ol itemprop="recipeInstructions"> <li><p align="justify">Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the pumpkin balls from the freezer.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Spear one ball with a fork and dip into the melted chocolate, turning to coat well. Shake or wipe off any excess chocolate from the bottom of the fork and place the coated truffle on the parchment paper.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Repeat with each truffle.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Refrigerate the finished truffles for at least an hour to harden, then store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.</p></li> </ol> </section> </article>