From Sharp Health News, a publication of Sharp HealthCare
After a busy summer, adjusting to seasonal schedules and warm-weather travel, you may be guilty of neglecting healthy habits, including diet and exercise. However, fall is the perfect time to hit refresh on your health.
Instead of waiting until January to start exercising and eating healthy again, set good behavior patterns now, while daylight hours are longer and the weather remains pleasant.
Nutrition
Fall is the perfect time for resetting your diet. Try these strategies to help you get back on track:
- Stay away from the diet mentality. Diets do not work long term. Instead, focus on small, sustainable changes to your nutrition habits. For example, eliminate added sugars, or add more fruits and vegetables to every meal.
- Find a meal routine that works for you. Find a plan that leaves you energized and satisfied all day. Whether that’s three meals or five small meals, focus on a balanced mix of veggies, fruit, whole grains, proteins and healthy fats.
- Plan your meals. Set aside time each week to plan your meals to eliminate guesswork and keep you on a healthy track. Meal prep can also help with portion control if your goal is to watch your weight.
Fitness
Hit refresh on your fitness goals. Create a routine that is manageable and realistic with these tips:
- Start slowly. Start with two workout sessions a week and try to build up to four workout sessions a week. Keep an exercise journal to set new goals and reflect on how your workouts make you feel.
- Try something new. Go hiking, take a different class or learn a new sport. Find a workout that you will enjoy, ensuring you’ll be consistent and less likely to skip it.
- Create accountability. Having a workout partner can help with accountability and workout motivation and make exercising more fun. It also adds friendly competition to keep you focused on your goals.
Be consistent with your nutrition and fitness and you’ll soon feel healthier and happier for the new season ahead.
The VEBA Resource Center offers seasonal recipes and Cooking & Nutrition classes. Browse through our recipes here or join us for in-person and online classes to learn how to blend the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine to optimize your overall health and wellness – all while having fun! Check out our calendar to sign up for an upcoming class.
