By Heidi Baldwin, Holistic Health Coach
With back to school routines finally settled in with the busy kid schedules, and cooler temperatures, fall is often the time of year when focusing on your health seems to be put on the back burner. You don’t have to let this busy time of year take the wind out of your sails though. There are certain things you can do to have a healthier fall for you and your family.
1. Make the most of seasonal foods:
We always think about apples and pumpkins in the fall because it’s prime season for them, and we see them everywhere! While pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice lattes aren’t so good for us, roasted pumpkin, pumpkin soup, or even mashed pumpkin are delicious and nutritious options. Apples don’t need to go in pies to be sublime. Slice them up with your favorite nut butter smeared on top, or cut one up to add to your favorite smoothie recipe (be sure to keep the skin on for all those nutrients!). Look for other seasonal foods that will do your health some good, and you'll find you can easily fill your plate with seasonal foods that you'll love.
2. Prepare and protect from colds:
Ideally, you should take precautions before you notice everyone around you sniffling and sneezing. Diffuse Thieves essential oil, and consider using Thieves hand sanitizing gel or Thieves hand spray. Keep your hands clean, and off your face. Be mindful of not touching your face or mouth, or eating food after touching items out in public, like grocery carts or the ATM machine. Don’t forget to get good rest and eat a proper, healthy diet. Too much sugar in your diet is sure to bring your immune system down, so be mindful of making healthy choices. By taking care of yourself, even if everyone else gets sick, you’ll be less likely to succumb to the germs.
3. Stay out of the candy trap:
Admit it… you can name your favorite Halloween candy from your childhood without batting an eyelash. Most people’s favorite thing about fall is Halloween. It's a blast to decorate for and see all the kids in costume, but the most significant health challenge we face for this holiday is the surplus of candy and all of the health issues associated with sugar consumption. Tempting as it is to buy that big bag and stash it away for when the trick-or-treaters come around, don’t do it. If you can’t resist it, don’t buy it until just before Halloween, choose something you wouldn’t eat yourself, or even better, keep the neighborhood happy and healthy by buying small sticker packs instead. There are numerous healthy Halloween options to choose from that can still be fun!
4. Get into the great outdoors:
With the cooler weather, it’s nice to get outdoors and enjoy the crispness of the Autumn air on your cheeks. It makes the conditions nice for hiking, biking, or just enjoying the change in the seasons. Staying active during the Fall is an excellent way to keep your health in exceptional condition, and enjoying the colors as the trees change can’t be beat!
5. Make wise celebration choices:
Halloween is just the beginning… With Fall comes football parties, and then the holiday season where there’s an endless buffet of food, sweets, and ever-flowing libations. You don’t need to miss out on all the fun, but do choose wisely when you’re eating and drinking at gatherings. When at parties, fill your plate up with veggies first before sampling sweets, so you’re too full to eat more than a bite or two. By doing that, you’ll avoid gaining weight by Christmas.
Don’t forget that fall should be fun, but if you fall into any of these fall pitfalls, take care and take steps to get back on track!
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