How Not to Fall this Autumn by Steph Beth Nickel

When you’ve finished groaning over the title, let’s discuss 12 healthy habits to incorporate this autumn.

1. Walk outside while you can.

(While some people love outdoor winter activities—Kimberley, for example—some of us prefer to stay inside where it’s warm and cozy.)

2. Hunt up some wonderful recipes for nutritious soups and stews.

Autumn is definitely the season to simmer hearty meals that fill our home with amazing smells and nourish and warm us from the inside out.

3. Change up your exercise routine.

You may want to do so several times a year, but a new season seems like the perfect time to do so.

4. Don’t deprive yourself of decadent hot drinks—every now and then.

But instead of having a large hot chocolate topped with whipped cream every day or two, try new varieties of herbal tea. There are so many delicious flavours. Reserve that hot chocolate or caramel macchiato for a special treat you only indulge in occasionally.

5. Connect with an accountability partner.

This is good advice for any season, but many people see the autumn as a great time to recommit to their fitness goals. Whether you run together, visit the gym at a set time every week, or simply connect via the Internet, you can be a real encouragement to one another.

6. Make more food than you need.

This may sound like a bad idea when it comes to getting fit. But if you do so, divide it into individual servings, and freeze what you will not be consuming that first night, you’ll have easy meals that are as quick to prepare as the far less healthy options.

7. Purchase a new piece of cardio equipment.

Curling up on the couch and watching TV or a movie may be tempting on a chilly dark autumn evening. But why not spend part of the time walking on a treadmill, bouncing on a mini trampoline, or riding a stationary bike?

8. Try a new vegetable.

Are there vegetables harvested in the autumn that you haven’t tried? It’s a great time to do so. You just may discover a new favourite.

9. Visit a farmers’ market.

Some may be closed for the season, but keep an eye out. Buying fresh, local produce and meat is a great idea.

10. Type “autumn salads” in the search engine and prepare those that sound appealing.

Just because the weather is getting cooler doesn’t mean we have to stop eating salads.

11. Join the gym.

The gym is a great place to work out, especially during the cooler weather.

12. Check out “healthy autumn snacks” online.

Nutritious eating doesn’t mean we have to deprive ourselves of everything we enjoy eating. Why not do some web surfing and try a new recipe or two?

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Warm up to the idea of fitness this autumn. (tweet this)

Steph Beth Nickel is an author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer. She’d love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter, on her website or blog.