Fall foods are nutritious, delicious, and easy to prepare, perfect for weight loss.
Fall is the perfect time of year to get contemplative and consider all your achievements while laying down a plan for the indulgent Christmas season and beyond. Crisp weather, abundant and delicious produce, and a settled after-summer routine mean that you’re likely to get more done in autumn.
If you’re considering starting your weight-loss journey in fall, we highly recommend that you do! And we’re here to give you some simple but useful tips that’ll ensure you succeed in getting healthy.
Savor the Low-Glycemic and Low-Calorie Produce
‘Tis the season for all things soup! Fall has an abundance of roasted veggie and fruit recipes that make fantastic side dishes or main meals if you’re vegan. Apples, pears, turnips, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and squashes, which are low-calorie, full of fiber, and have a low glycemic index, are at their peak flavors in fall.
Get creative and add apples or pears to veggie soups to give them a sweet flavor or put them in salads for that addictive, fresh crunch.
Puree sweet potatoes or pumpkin into hearty soups and breakfast smoothies, and occasionally make delicious gluten-free and sugar-free dessert pies with these versatile fall vegetables.
But whatever you do, avoid those tempting pumpkin spice lattes!
Finesse Your Meal Prep Routine
Get organized. Meal prep prevents you from raiding that fridge or pantry in a “hangry” rage and falling off the wagon.
Cube and Ziploc your root vegetables, squashes, fruits, and salad greens at the beginning of the week, to add to quick, healthy meals in the evening. Lift slow cooker recipes off social media, get your Instant Pot out of storage, and make hearty, low-fat, no-fuss recipes that work for you.
And finally don’t forget to take nutritious and filling nuts, seeds, or dried fruit with you to satisfy those cravings while you’re on the go.
Run, Hike or Bike in the Crisp, Cool Weather
Take advantage of the crisp fall weather and exercise outdoors to enjoy the beautiful colors of nature that fall offers. Working out outdoors lifts your mood and alleviates stress by lowering your cortisol levels.
The sticky, humid summer weather is no more in fall, so take advantage of the crisp weather to get some outdoor workouts. Guaranteed you’ll love it more than sweating it out indoors on a treadmill or exercise bike.
Drink Lots of Tea
As the weather cools, it’s easier to get your liquid intake through herbal teas, or plain warm water. Warm liquids keep you hydrated without shocking your system.
Try out such favorites as hibiscus, mint rooibos, cinnamon, or ginger tea, mixing up the flavors to your preference.
And if caffeine is your thing, make sure that you stock up on your favorite brew, and have it sugar-free to give you pep and energy for the day. Just be careful not to overdo it as coffee is dehydrating.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss isn’t easy at the best of times, but in our opinion, you’re giving yourself a good head start if you decide to lose weight in the fall. The weather, food, and routine all help to get you going early enough before the post-Christmas panic and those speedy New Year resolutions kick in.
With these simple tips, along with will power, a positive mindset, and organization, we are confident that you’ll be successful in your weight-loss goals.