Ambassador roundup: Best fall recipes

As the weather turns cold, it's tempting to start gravitating toward heavier meals that keep you satisfied and warm. While there's nothing wrong with the occasional chicken pot pie, it's important to keep your healthy lifestyle in mind when choosing dishes for fall. Check out these amazing (and healthy!) fall recipes put together by Girls Gone Sporty ambassadors!

Spiced Autumn Apple Protein Pancakes

Skip the refined carbs found in traditional pancakes by whipping up a batch of fall-flavored flapjacks made with old fashioned oats, egg whites and almond milk. Top these pancakes with applesauce and cinnamon for the perfect way to start your day.

Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites
• 1 whole egg
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons Stevia
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup almond or coconut milk
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Cinnamon

Find the directions for this recipe over at Sports Bras and Sippy Cups >>

Pumpkin Turkey Crock Pot Chili

There's nothing quite like a bowl of chili when it's cold outside, and while traditional chili can be made healthy, why not give your favorite fall dish a little extra fall flair? This version is made with turkey, pumpkin puree, corn and white beans, all left to simmer all day in a crock pot. Not only will it taste delicious, but the aroma will fill your house for hours!

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 2 pounds 99% lean ground turkey
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2, 15-ounce cans of white northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1, 15-ounce can of corn
• 1, 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• 2, 4.5-ounce cans chopped green chiles
• 2-1/4 cups low sodium, fat free chicken broth
• Fat free sour cream for topping (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Find the directions for this recipe over at Mom Running on Empty >>

Yogurt Oatmeal Pancakes

When you're craving a fall-favorite breakfast like French toast, opt for this high-fiber pancake meal instead. Tasha, from Healthy Diva on the Run swears that they taste like French toast, and they've become her favorite pre-race dinner!

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup plain, fat-free yogurt
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup oatmeal, uncooked
• 2 tablespoon agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Find the directions for this recipe over at Healthy Diva on the Run >>

Quinoa Burrito

Come fall, it's normal to want to trade in your cold turkey sandwich for hot wraps and burritos. Instead of reaching for the mega-sized (and calorie-laden) burrito from Chipotle, try this delicious and nutrient-dense alternative from C'est La Vie.

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat tortillas or wraps
• Cubes of roasted or grilled chicken (you can pick up pre-cooked from the grocery store)
• 1 can fat-free refried beans
• Fresh spinach
• Cooked quinoa mixed with corn
• Other toppings, as desired (salsa, tomatoes, shredded cheese, diced onions, etc.)

Find the directions for this recipe over at C'est La Vie >>

Banana Bread - Made Over

Trade in the pie and ice cream for a delicious slice of banana bread! This healthy update delivers on flavor without overloading you with calories and saturated fat.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup Stevia in the Raw
• 1-1/2 cup mashed bananas
• 1/2 cup egg whites
• 1/2 cup applesauce with no sugar added
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Find the directions for this recipe over at Healthy Diva on the Run >>

And a splurge... Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Squares

Okay, so it's unlikely that these are particularly low in calories or fat, but everyone deserves a splurge now and then. Plus, with the added pumpkin, you get added nutrients, which at least makes this a healthier option than some desserts. You could even try "healthing them up" a little more with a few simple substitutions.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (consider substituting half with whole wheat flour)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature (consider substituting 1 cup butter with 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce)
• 3/4 cup sugar (consider substituting Stevia or agave nectar)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 12 oz (about 2 cups) chocolate chips (consider using dark chocolate chips)

Find the directions for this recipe over at Mom Running on Empty >>