Falling leaves and cooler weather can signal a change of seasons but it can also indicate it’s time to change up your healthy lifestyle routine.
A change of seasons is the perfect time to try new things in your quest for better health.
Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, become more active, get a better night’s sleep or be more successful in managing your weight, the following tips can help you:
1-Find New Fall Recipes
Planning your meals and snacks is a proven strategy for eating better and improving health.
That’s why I encourage my patients to take time before they go to the grocery store to make a list of foods needed for the upcoming week.
Now’s a great time to enjoy Fall, in-season vegetables like broccoli, butternut squash, acorn squash, beets and spinach.
Finding online recipes with specific ingredients is easier than ever.
We recently did online searches for roasted butternut squash and air-fryer sweet brussel sprout recipes.
Both dishes were so good, they made it into our weekly repertoire as side dishes or salad toppers.
2-Take Steps to Enjoy the Cooler Weather
Don’t let dropping temperatures dissuade you from venturing outside.
The crisp, cool air can actually be invigorating and enjoyable as long as you dress properly.
Hats, gloves, scarves, Fall jackets and comfortable walking shoes are essential for enjoying Fall outdoor activities.
Whether you’re walking alone, with a companion or your dog, shopping for pumpkins with your kids or grandchildren, taking a nature hike in a nearby park or forest preserves or riding a bike, these all count toward improving both your physical and mental health.
3-Rethink Your Wellness Routine
With kids back in school and work-related activities in high gear, Fall routines can get hectic.
One important aspect of staying well is getting enough hours of restful sleep.
A new research study showed that increasing the number of hours slept could decrease food intake and weight.
Better sleep habits can lead to better health.
Getting your flu shot, staying up to date with your vaccines and seeing your primary care provider can also help you stay well this Fall.
Good health doesn’t just happen; it takes some planning ahead.
RK
Robert Kushner, MD
