Fall Foodie Haul!

Aaaaand we’re back to Monday, just like that.

I had a rather productive weekend, to be honest. I did my fair share of Netflix-ing for sure, but I also accomplished a lot of things on my to-do list (ie. grocery shopping, organizing, getting some work done, etc.). And a quick life update – we got the apartment of our dreams!!! I signed the lease Saturday and we move in at the end of the month so I am PUMPED. Know what else I’m pumped for? This weather to stop being 90 degrees. Like I kid you not, I drove to east LA this weekend and it hit 98 degrees on my way. That is not October weather, people!! Looks like it’s going to cool down soon though, and I just did a massive pumpkin-themed haul so things are getting festive UP. IN. HERE.

I wanted to share with you some of the most delicious fall foods I’ve tried lately because damn they are good. I did buy a few other things, but they unfortunately didn’t make the cut because I wasn’t all that big of a fan. So, I’ll just leave those out and tell you what I am absolutely LOVING right now that’s getting me in the mood for my favorite season…

FitJoy Homemade Pumpkin Pie Protein Bars (Gluten-Free) – Guys if you could’ve SEEN my face when I bit into one of these for the first time…like a kid on Christmas because yes, these are THAT good. I will be honest with you, so many bars I’ve tasted that claim to be “birthday cake” or like, “red velvet” flavored have not made my taste buds very happy, so I was slightly skeptical of these holding up their name. But I will tell you right now, you need to order these asap because once word gets out, they are going to sell out immediately. I think these are so perfect for a sweet treat mid-afternoon or pre/post-workout, but if you’re tempted to reach for dessert after dinner, you could totally just eat half of this and be super satisfied!

Organic Canned Pumpkin – I think this one’s pretty self explanatory, but there is SO much you can do with this can. My greek yogurt pumpkin pasta sauce is a good place to start, or my pumpkin spice golden milk latte, but also in oatmeal, pancakes, smoothies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies…I could probably go on forever. Just grab a can of this stuff (or 5) and you’re set for the season!

Kodiak Cakes Pumpkin Flax Pancake Mix – Is there anything better on a cozy fall morning than pancakes?! No. The answer is always no. And if you’re really trying to step up your breakfast game, I highly suggest you pick up some of this superfood pancake mix from Kodiak in pumpkin spice. The pumpkin flavor isn’t overwhelming at all, but it’s just the right amount of spice for a seasonal breakfast. I love that these are absolutely guiltless too (not that food should ever make you guilty, but you know what I’m sayin’). They have 10g of protein and 5g of fiber in each serving, and are made with 100% whole grains. I put a touch of maple syrup and Fourth & Heart Vanilla Bean Ghee on top and was in absolute heaven.

Figs – So I’ll be honest, I always thought figs were like, super expensive, and so I kind of never bought them even though I LOVE them. But the last time I went to the grocery store, I saw that they were only $3.99 for a big container, which may be more than bananas or apples, but was sooooo much less than I thought they’d be! And trust me, they are so worth it. I’ve been putting them on my oats, on top of my smoothies, and straight up eating them standing up in front of my sink. It’s safe to say I’m obsessed…

TJ’s Pumpkin Ravioli – If I could have one thing for dinner every single night for the next two months, it would be these. If you couldn’t tell already, I’m definitely more of a sweet person rather than a savory person, so these ever-so-slightly-sweet little pillows of goodness are riiiiight up my alley. I’ve tried these both with olive oil/sea salt and butter/cinnamon, and both versions are incredible. If you served these with a side salad you might just be able to pass them off as a balanced meal 😉

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Almond Beverage – Guys. I would not be lying to you if I said I have been putting this almond milk in EV-ER-Y-THING. In my coffee, in my oats, in my smoothies, in baked goods, tea, you name it I’ve tried it. I can’t get enough, which may actually be a problem since I know TJ’s has been selling out of this stuff like crazy. I think it’s probably 12x better than people expected it to be too – just the perfect amount of pumpkin flavor, spices and sweetness, plus it’s a bit thicker than plain almond milk. My only qualm is that there is added sugar in there, so I may actually try to make my own version. Until then, you can find at least 2 cartons of this in my fridge at all times.

Honeycrisp Apples – Pumpkin is wonderful and all, but fall is definitely not complete without apples. Autumn makes me miss apple picking and getting cider donuts with my family in the northeast, but the closest thing I can get is to buy the best apples I can find and pretend I’m not in 90 degree LA. I obviously eat apples all year round, but they seem extra special in fall. They’re another great oatmeal topping, but you can also saute them in some ghee with cinnamon and brown sugar and you’ve got a fairly healthy fall dessert!

Fall Flowers – Ok guys, I know this isn’t like, a fooooood, but i think treating yourself to flowers every once in awhile is an absolute must and fall flowers are so perfect for setting the mood! Like lots of things on this list, I bought this bouquet at TJ’s since I think they have some of the best deals on flowers. I also love getting fresh flowers from the farmer’s market (one of my favorite things to do on a cool fall weekend!), and they usual have more unique flowers for a great price, too!

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds – These are the one item not pictured in that first photo, and they weren’t my absolutely favorite, but I wanted to include them on this list because I’ve been adding them to my oatmeal for a bit of crunch! They’re a little too sweet to enjoy on they’re own, but they’re absolutely delicious and would be amazing on top of a pumpkin smoothie or in fall trail mix!

Okay friends, that’s it for today. Hope you are having a great Monday!

xo Jordan