Healthy Fall Treats + Stretching Your Goals
This month it might be tempting to just grab a handful of Halloween candy before heading to class, but you’ll be much better off with one of these goodies. They’re packed with protein, fiber and good fats, leaving you fueled and ready to take on even the trickiest combinations.
(iStock)
Nutty Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels (makes about 16 cups popcorn)
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
• Air-pop popcorn kernels and set aside.
• Mix honey and brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then add peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
• Put popcorn in a large bowl. Pour honey-peanut butter mixture over it (careful, it’ll be hot!) and stir until popcorn is thoroughly coated.
• As soon as the mixture has cooled enough to be handled comfortably, start forming it into golf-ball–sized balls, compressing the popcorn tightly with your hands. Place
the balls on a cookie sheet lined with waxed or parchment paper. Put the cookie sheet into the refrigerator to cool.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Makes 25–30 balls
(by Josephine Daño)
Peanut Butter Power Pack
Ingredients
• 1 medium or large apple
• raisins, cinnamon and peanut butter to taste
• toothpicks (optional)
Directions
• Slice an apple horizontally about an inch from the top. Remove the top part, and scoop out the core with a melon baller.
• Tuck peanut butter, cinnamon and raisins into the hollow space and replace the “lid.” Secure it with toothpicks if you’ll be taking this snack on the go.
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Makes 1 serving
Delicious and nutritious:
“The peanut butter in these recipes provides healthful oils that don’t cause joint inflammation, and the protein will decrease hunger and keep you fuller longer—no sugar cravings! Also, the raisins are a good source of iron (athletes, like dancers, are more prone to developing iron-deficiency anemia).” —Marie Scioscia, MS, RD, CDN, of The Ailey School
STRETCH YOUR GOALS
Still trying to nail that triple pirouette? Researchers say you’re more likely to succeed if you shoot for 2–4 rotations instead. A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that flexible goals seem both attainable and challenging, so you’re more likely to keep achieving your objectives and setting new ones. Translation? The lower number feels doable, while the higher one dares you to work harder. Talk about the best of both worlds!
DID YOU KNOW?
Still trying to nail that triple pirouette? Researchers say you’re more likely to succeed if you shoot for 2–4 rotations instead. A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that flexible goals seem both attainable and challenging, so you’re more likely to keep achieving your objectives and setting new ones. Translation? The lower number feels doable, while the higher one dares you to work harder. Talk about the best of both worlds!
Dealing with self-doubt?
Write yourself a love note! We know you’re amazing, but it’s important that you know what makes you great, too. Read your note before your next big audition, and you’ll head into the room beaming with confidence.
