Losing weight in the fall can be a struggle. That’s especially true for people who slimmed themselves down for the summer but had a few too many delicious servings at the season’s parties and picnics.
When summer’s outdoor activities no longer are an option for keeping in shape, MediPlan Diet Services can help you get back on your groove and keep the extra weight off the entire year. With the correct guidance and community support, you can keep off those love handles forever.
Here are some options to explore in the fall to help you keep your summer bod into winter and beyond.
1. Go Crazy for Apples and Pumpkins
One of the greatest fall weight loss perks is your ability to indulge in a variety of fruits that deliver the same endorphin kick that ice cream does – but without the same calories. Fall is known for apples and pumpkins, and your choices abound.
Visit an orchard or farmers market, and taste a few samples to find out which kinds of apples you like most. Freshly cooked or canned pumpkin is a great addition to oatmeal, pancakes, and soup.
Apples are rich in fiber, meaning they will help you feel satiated longer. And pumpkins are rich in vitamin A to help keep your eyesight sharp.
Bonus tip: Bananas also are satisfying and tasty sweet fruits, and they are rich in potassium, which aids in muscle recovery. Put natural peanut butter on a banana for a nutritious treat.
2. Go for a Run
Early fall is perhaps the most advantageous time of the year to build your running routine. Unlike summer, when you can get overheated and sunburned just by standing outside for 30 minutes, fall weather is generally more comfortable for outdoor workouts.
Replace the monotony of running on a treadmill by scheduling a group run with friends. You can also attend outdoor yoga and dance classes to improve your flexibility and cardiorespiratory health. Start early so you can fully enjoy the season before winter arrives.
3. Go Freak Out
Fall is a time for ghoulish creatures like Sasquatch and zombies to roam the streets. If you live in a town that hosts a fall festival or haunted corn maze, take advantage by gathering a few friends and freaking yourselves out. Any outdoor activity is better for your body and mental health than staying at home watching “Twilight Zone” reruns.
The “fight or flight” response in your body produces adrenaline – and that will have you burning through calories like butter. So visit a haunted house, go ghost hunting, and play some silly games. You never know what you’ll find hiding around the corner.
4. Stop and Watch Your Desserts
It’s the season for pumpkin cheesecakes and apple pies, so be extra careful when you’re offered desserts. Sometimes, even just the sight of sweet foods can undo your battened-down sense of self-control.
Enjoy the gastric offerings of fall instead by eating more sweet berries and savoring roasted nuts.
And, most importantly of all, avoid Halloween candy. Even just a moderate amount of candy can make you gain weight.
Making a dos and don’ts list is essential to a diet plan that will help you achieve permanent weight loss. With our many years of experience, MediPlan Diet Services is ready to guide you through all the seasons of dieting.