Healthy Fall Habits

Just because bathing suit season is over and the cool weather is starting to roll in, doesn’t mean you should give up on living that healthy lifestyle. Whether it comes down to your changing diet staples or that lazy feeling during cold days, there are plenty of habits to include as the fall approaches. Take this time to solidify a healthy and happy routine through the end of the year. 

Do something different- Change up a boring old fitness routine by doing something different and active during fall. Whether you schedule a pick-up football or soccer game with your friends, or turn fall chores like raking leaves into a calorie-burning activity, there are numerous ways to make fall activities into exercise. Fall weather is crisp, sunny and perfect to get outside and get moving.

Exercise in the morning- As days become a little bit shorter, you will want to get some exercise in during the morning hours before early darkness hits. When it gets dark right when work ends during the fall, you’ll be less inclined to fit in some fitness. To be able to relax in the evening, wake up and burn some calories in the beginning of your day and make it part of your fall routine.

Stay hydrated- Throughout the summer it’s much easier to drink water because its hot out and you want to quench your thirst. Proper hydration is key to a healthy lifestyle, so you will want to be consistent in your fluid intake during the fall as well. Drinking water throughout the day is the best way to do this, but another healthy way to stay hydrated is through tea. Green tea is an amazing source of antioxidants that will keep you warm and healthy so you can stay hydrated and prevent that seasonal cold.

Eat in-season produce- Many of us find it a lot easier to eat fresh and crisp fruits and veggies when they’re in surplus during the summer, but there are many healthy diet staples available during the fall as well. Buy in-season produce to have in your kitchen so you will eat healthy and stick to a diet full of good nutrition. Some great fall staples to eat include pumpkin, squash, apples, pears and peppers.

Make healthy hearty dishes- When the weather gets cooler, we often crave hot and comforting meals- which usually mean they’re heavy as well. But there are some great and easy ways to make some of these fall meal staples healthy. Soups, casseroles and crock-pot recipes can all be tailored to include light and healthy ingredients. Choose to fill your favorite fall meals with tons of veggies and lean meats like turkey so you can stay away from including heavy creams and cheeses.

Avoid mindless eating- When football season and holiday parties begin to pop up, we can often derail our diet without even realizing it. Take some healthy steps to stick to your nutrition and fitness plan by being conscious of all of your eating habits. If you are attending a Sunday football party, eat something healthy before you go to avoid snacking on unhealthy options, or bring a long a veggie plate. During the holidays, be mindful of not grazing on office sweets or leftover Halloween candy.