Fall has arrived and the countdown to the holidays has begun. It’s time to get ready for the hustle and bustle that is on its way.
But, before you do, stop and enjoy the beauty of fall. Often that is easier said than done. School has started back; sport activities are in full swing and life seems to be on a roller coaster.
The lazy days of summer are gone.
How has your days changed over the past month?
We get so focused on what is coming that we often put our own well-being to the side and charge full steam ahead into the holiday season. We start seeing pumpkins and immediately go into planning mode for the fun fall activities that can fill our calendars.
Would you rather go into the holiday season full of energy and feeling great or sluggish, tired and not feeling so great?
I bet you chose the first option, full of energy and feeling great.
Here’s my 5 Simple Tips to have a healthier energized fall season…
1. Eating Seasonally this Fall
Did you know that your body functions better when we eat seasonal foods?
Our bodies flow with the seasons and when we eat seasonal foods we can receive the nutrients needed to keep us energized and healthy. Root vegetables, pumpkins, apples and pears are in abundance during the fall and winter months. I recommend that you eat root vegetables and an apple each day of the fall season.
Pumpkins and more pumpkins, they’re everywhere, with pumpkin spice tempting us to indulge in lattes, cookies and muffins. Do your best to back away from the high sugar – chemical laden store-bought options and make your own.
Pick up some pie pumpkins and try your hand at roasting them, making a warm creamy pumpkin soup, pumpkin humus, and even your own latte. You’ll enjoy them so much more than anything you can buy.
Apples are my fruit of choice. I’ll eat one or two daily with some organic almond butter drizzled with honey. A great afternoon snack for you and the children.
I could go on and on with the benefits of eating seasonal. Let me challenge you to pick up a few different root vegetables each week during the fall season, wash and chop them, sauté some onion and garlic, throw in the root veggies, add your favorite herbs, cook until tender.
Enjoy one of my fall favorites.
2. Fall protection from colds
How can you protect yourself and your family from catching an ugly cold?
I recommend using essential oils for everything, but especially keeping germs away. Diffuse Tea Tree and Eucalyptus oils together to keep your home or office safe from the cold virus. If you have children in school, ask the teacher about diffusing oils in the classroom; you’ll be surprised at how many are willing to do this.
Make your own hand sanitizer using essential oils – no alcohol allowed.
Of course, keep your hands clean and off your face. Get plenty of sleep and eat healthy. When you’re protected and healthy, you’ll be less likely to catch a cold or anything else that is in the air.
3. Back away from the candy bowl
Have you ever seen so much candy?
From Halloween to Christmas, candy seems to be the snack of choice.
What do you do with the candy your children bring home at Halloween?
Sugar is highly addictive and creates too many health problems to list. Do you and your family a favor, limit the candy intake. If you find yourself or a family member eating more than you should, throw it away. Yep, just dump it in the trash. Set some ground rules for yourself and your family and stick to it.
Did you know that 1 ounce of healthy dark chocolate is good for you? Not the milk chocolate that is loaded with sugar – check the ingredients; but the 70% or above cocoa chocolate.
Make your own candy bar with some nuts and your dark chocolate to satisfy the candy craving.
Try these fun treats for your Halloween party.
4. Enjoy the fall – Get Outside
The 100-degree days are gone, the days will be getting shorter and there’s a cool breeze blowing.
Get outside. (My favorite command to the grandchildren)
Dust off the bikes and take a bike ride. Find some hiking trails and go hiking. Enjoy the park, a walk around the lake.
Just get outside and enjoy yourself.
With the cooler weather, it’s nice to get outdoors and enjoy the crispness on your cheeks. It’s 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.
5. Celebrate wisely
Let the eating begin. My goal is to try not to out eat everyone in the room and end up gaining unnecessary weight over the holiday season.
From sporting events to Halloween and the holidays that follow, we’ll have the opportunity to eat ourselves into a coma.
Celebrate wisely.
To keep yourself full of energy and healthy this fall season, you’ll need to be mindful about your eating habits. You can enjoy yourself and eat healthy at the same time.
When attending fall parties, fill your plate with the healthier options – veggies and fruits. Back away from the heavy processed foods that will cause your health to be compromised and your energy levels to drop. Enjoy your sweets, take 3 bites and you’ll satisfy that sweet tooth. You don’t need to eat the full serving.
Stay healthy and energized this fall and have loads of fun.
Here’s a couple of recipes for your fall cooking.
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