As the fall season approaches, you might be thinking about those sugary treats and more time spent indoors with no physical exercise. However, while these can be fun activities, fall should not be about isolating yourself or loading up on the unhealthy foods. It is all about balance, where you can enjoy the season, while also maintaining your physical and emotional health.
Use Seasonal Vegetables
A good way to start taking care of your health in the fall season is to switch to vegetables that are currently in season. This is when you can enjoy fall produce like pumpkin, butternut squash, apples, carrots, tomatoes, and many others.
Seasonal produce is going to be less expensive, so it is great for your budget, plus it encourages you to try new recipes when you switch it up a little. You will also have the opportunity to sneak in more superfoods into your diet.
Bake Smartly
If you want to bake for the fall season and holidays in general, it might seem like it won’t help you be healthier, but that’s not true at all. You can still make smarter choices in the kitchen when baking pies, cookies, and brownies for the fall season, without going overboard.
Make simple changes, such as using healthier substitutes for some of your classic ingredients, like Greek yogurt or bananas, adding more baked goods with healthier ingredients like pumpkin and fruit, and always paying close attention to portion sizes.
Get Regular Exercise
Exercise can be wonderful for self-care and your physical health. It is good for your heart, boosts your energy levels, and can help you feel like you are doing something really great for yourself.
Try physical activities that allow you to practice self-care at the same time, such as a relaxing yoga or Pilates practice in the morning, a nice evening walk with your dog, or heading to a local lake or beach to take in the sights while you walk.
Avoid the Common Cold
Don’t forget about illnesses that tend to creep up in the fall, including the common cold! To prevent the cold, wash your hands regularly throughout the day, stay away from others who have the sniffles, and always dress appropriately when outside on cooler days.
The best preventative measure against colds and flu you can take in the cooler months is to get as much sunshine as you can and take extra vitamin D3 (up to 10,000 IUs per day). Also, take your vitamin C, drink plenty of fluids, and pay attention to your health – these are all going to work great at reducing your risk for catching a cold.
