Tips to maintain your health during the fall season
Shorter days and cooler nights always signal the beginning of the fall season. While it may seem like an opportunity to "fall" back. On the contrary, now is the time to step up your workouts or even introduce a new option or two to your current routines. While you shouldn't stress about it, with major holidays on the calendar including Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas there will be numerous opportunities to indulge so keep an eye on those extra calorie traps.
As it gets colder, we all go into hibernation mode – that means more cravings for comfort food aka high carb and sugary snacks. If you find you are not as active in the fall and winter months, watch your intake for a more balanced diet. The holiday cookies, cakes, pies, dinners, and desserts are just around the corner!
So, what can you do to fight the fall? Try some of these tips.
1. Boost your immune system. You can do this by drinking plenty of water, washing your hands often to prevent sickness, and eating nutritious foods rich in Vitamin C like citrus fruit.
2. Start taking a Vitamin D supplement. Did you know that get most of our Vitamin D from the sun, so our intake decreases when the weather is cooler since we spend most of our time inside during the fall/seasons? Vitamin D can boost your mood and immune system!
3. Move more. With the "cooler" weather in Florida, it is the perfect time to move your exercise routines outdoors. Make a new habit of going for an evening walk or stroll after dinner.
4. Choose seasonal foods. Instead of the usual try incorporating more seasonal foods. The fall harvest is full of delicious options, including squashes (butternut and acorn just to name a few). Other options like beets, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, kale, pumpkin, broths, roasted squash, roots and sautéed dark leafy greens are all great choices.
5. Hydrate. Just because it's not 95 degrees outside means that your water intake should decrease during the fall. This will also keep your skin healthy.
6. Wash your hands. It’s the start of flu season! With COVID being a part of our lives over the last couple of years, the flu still exists. Keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by washing your hands frequently and cleaning the spaces you frequently touch. Disinfecting your phone, computer, TV remotes, and door handles is always a good idea.
7. Hydrate. Just because it's not 95 degrees outside means that your water intake should decrease during the fall. This will also keep your skin healthy.
8. Me Time. You just got the kids back to school and the holiday preparations will be here in no time, so remember to take time for yourself. Sign up for a new yoga or fitness class, start/finish that book you’ve wanted to read or take a simple hike through your local park to view the leaves changing color. (See our suggestion on page 3.)
9. Visit Your Doctor. Now is a great time to visit your doctor for your annual physical. If you are diabetic, consider scheduling your annual eye exam and ensure that during your doctor's visit that you take your shoes off to have your feet looked at.
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