Welcome Autumn Months with these 5 Healthy, Happy Tips
Fall is upon us. And as temperatures turn cooler and trees change colors, many people are finding more time to spend indoors. But autumn is an excellent time to shore up your health, get out and enjoy the weather, and prepare for the coming winter. Here are some tips to get the most health benefits from the Autumn months:
1. Eat in Season!
So many wonderful foods are in season in the Autumn. Soups and roasted vegetables can keep you warm and cozy while promoting good vision, heart health, and a strong immune system. Eating in season also supports local and organic farmers, and can save money. Do what you can to include these foods in your weekly diet:
- Apples
- Plums
- Beets
- Butternut, spaghetti, pumpkin and other cold-weather squash
- Cabbage
Also, check out this infographic showing the fruit and vegetables in season throughout the year.
2. Get out and Enjoy the Weather of Autumn Months!
You can’t go from complaining about the heat to complaining about the cold, or you’ll never leave the house. Put on your jacket and take a nightly walk, or enjoy the warm sunshine on an autumn afternoon. But get out! Fresh air does wonders for your physical and mental health, especially if you incorporate some forest bathing. Simply getting out can reduce your risk of depression!
3. Drink Green Tea!
Since a coolness rests in the air, what better time to get into the green tea habit than during the autumn months? The benefits of green tea are more than plentiful, and I couldn’t hope to list them all here. But, know that this awesome liquid boosts your cognitive function, decreases your risk of certain types of cancers, and promotes healthy fat loss.
4. Enter a Fun Run or Walk a 5k.
In the Fall, races are in full swing. Try a turkey trot or similar race this autumn with your family. You don’t have to be a super-athlete, just be relatively fit and motivated. If running isn’t your thing; walk it. You’ll feel great and you’ll likely get a free t-shirt in the process.
5. Preserve some Produce.
It’s not too late to get the last of the summer-veggies at the farmer’s market. By preserving things like tomatoes, you can get the sweetness of locally grown summer produce when winter arrives, and you won’t have to deal with the BPA in canned tomatoes or the store-bought produce that tastes like cardboard.
Our ancestors, even a few generations back, lived according to the seasons—they adapted their lives according to mother nature and they were healthier for it. They ate what was in season, and found activities that complimented nature. We encourage you to do the same during these autumn months.
