It is that time of year when the temperature seems to get a little cooler at night and the leaves on the trees start to change. That brisk fall air is upon us and for many individuals that means the start of an all-consuming football season. It doesn’t matter if it’s midget football, mites football, junior high football, high school, collegiate, or professional, many people will be participating in the football season in one way or another. If your a mother that means your driving your child to practice and games, if your a father you might be a coach or a wannabe coach of the sidelines. Many people use the sport to gather with friends and family to celebrate. The football gatherings can consist of alcohol, hamburgers, hot dogs, wings, beer, french fries, ribs, brots and many other non-nutritional items. This is also the time of year you might notice that the number on the scale keeps rising and clothes are fitting a little tighter than they used to. Here are some ways you can get into shape during this beautiful time of year.
Exercise tips for Fall:
- Find someone to walk with during halftime of the football game. Set the timer on your phone or watch for 30 minutes and find a route that lands you back at home right in time for kickoff!
- Go apple picking and make sure to walk the entire orchard. Not only is this considered exercise, but you also get to scout out the best looking fruit!
- Find a local place to hike where you can soak up the beautiful autumnal foliage. This is sure to be great for your body and mind.
Not only are there ample opportunities for exercise in the Fall, but healthy eating is easy and satisfying with all the fresh seasonal produce! Some of the produce in season during the Fall months are apples, winter squash, pomegranates, figs, cauliflower, garlic, beets, pears, pumpkin and Swiss chard.
Healthy eating tips for Fall:
- Buy local, in-season produce at a farmers market to ensure that you are getting the freshest fruits and vegetables around. Keep in mind that farmers markets often accept SNAP benefits.
- Try a new green leafy vegetable. Swiss chard is an excellent source of vitamins A, K and C as well as potassium. Simply sautŽ with oil and garlic and enjoy as a side or add to casseroles.
- Winter squash is abundant in autumn and is low in calories and high in fiber.
Here are some ways to prepare the different kinds of squash:
- Roast spaghetti squash until soft then shred with a fork to create strands and serve like pasta.
- Stuff roasted acorn squash with wild rice, dried cranberries and other vegetables.
- Make butternut squash into a creamy and warming soup.
Some other forms of exercise are to collect leaves with a good ole fashioned rake and trash bag instead of blowing them into a pile with your leaf blower. You might have plants that need to be tended to or mulch to be laid before winter time. This is the best time of year to get your yard cleaned up because the temperatures are typically very comfortable. If all else fails take your children outside and play some sports with them or ride a bike. Most people enjoy this beautiful time of year, so just make sure you make healthier lifestyle choices when your gathering with your friends and family.