Happy fall, y'all. If you're anything like me, you've ditched the shorts and tank tops for sweatpants, hoodies, beanies, and flannel with shameless enthusiasm. At this point, pumpkin spice anything has become about 78% of your diet. Although, to be honest, I recently saw pumpkin spice tortilla chips, and I think that's where I draw the line.
The point is, fall is the absolute best. It's not too hot. It's not too cold. The air is bewitching. The colors are enchanting. And can we please take a moment to appreciate apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, haunted houses, corn mazes, and everything else autumn has to offer?
Ughhhh – I. Love. The. Fall. But if there was one downside, just one gripe I have about this time of year – it’s that it tends to be the season of weight gain.
Look, no judgment here. Those short days and long nights make it easy to cozy up on the couch and go into full hibernation mode. Thankfully, our friends at Virtua Health provided some practical ways to keep the pounds off through these cooler months.
1. Write out your goals
Writing out your goals can be super effective. Whether it's working out more, losing X amount of pounds, or even setting up an exercise routine – having a friendly reminder goes a long way.
2. Get outside
I love watching marathons of Hocus Pocus as much as the next person – but this season begs to be explored. So go on hikes, runs, walks – do whatever it takes (like purchasing that workout gear you’ve had in your shopping cart, or walking for a cause) to get outside and enjoy this season.
3. Crave responsibly
I'm not a monster. I'm not going to tell you to avoid the flavors of the season.
What I am going to say is to enjoy them within reason. Are candy apples and pumpkin donuts amazing? Yes. Should you eat them seven days a week? Probably not.
4. Try new recipes that are healthy, yet nourishing
Autumn is famous for fresh, in-season fruits and veggies that can transform any dish. Butternut squash. Apples. Pumpkins. Sweet potatoes. Pomegranates. Apricots. Cranberries. The possibilities are healthy, delicious, and literally endless.
So there you have it, go forth and enjoy the beauty of the season before it is too late. Wrap that scarf around your neck with pride. Feel the seductive crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet. And be basic like you've never basic'd before.
And don't forget that fall is an amazing time to stay on top of your health. Our friends at Virtua Health can help connect you to all your health care needs. To set up an appointment with one of their dedicated primary care physicians, click here.
Follow Philly’s B101.1
TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK
Follow Virtua Health
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
