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3 Healthy Ways to Kick Off Fall

| Food and Drink, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Nutrition

3 healthy ways to kick off fall

Well, the Pumpkin Spice Latte made its debut yesterday in America. And while I, obviously, got one on the way to work yesterday morning (even though it meant cutting it super close dropping Olivia off at school on time)… we are definitely still in the middle of summer down here in the South. 

Like, highs in the 90s and humidity in the “walk outside into a bath” factor. 

I, like many others I know around me, long for crisp mornings and days in the upper 60s, perfect weather for camping, hiking, doing anything outside and being comfortable at the same time!

Lifestyle Changes Are So Valuable

This summer has been pretty brutal in some ways. I have been out of the house more than I ever have, even though I’ve let go of most commitments. Working full time (and sitting at a desk full time, at that), has really made me realize how I long to be out of the office environment.

Last week, I started being proactive about moving more. As summer is (supposedly) winding down, I want to share a few ways to kick off your autumn season in a healthy manner.

Healthy Ways to Kick Off Fall

  1. Eat More Veggies. That sounds so simple, because it is. The temperatures are cooling down (ish), and the fall produce is beginning to make an appearance at the farmers market. Roasted veggies are delicious and a great side (or main dish!) for any occasion. They’re also very flexible and can be dressed many ways. I love balsamic roasting and often include pine nuts, red pepper, and honey. 
Olive oil for healthy roasted vegetables for a healthy way to kick off fall
I prefer to roast our veggies in olive oil. A light coating is plenty! Slice and dice your vegetables and put them all in a large bowl. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil (depending on the amount of vegetables), and mix them up until they’re all lightly coated.

2. Schedule some UnPlugged Time with the people you love most. While fall makes me think about slowing down and enjoying the lazy light and crisp weather, but in reality fall often means more commitments in your calendar. Between my kids’ schedules (which are crazy for my cheerleader), mine and my husband’s work schedules, school engagements, and church… yeah. Anything else has to be scheduled in! I say UnPlugged Time because it is so easy to be distracted by our social media!

unplugging is hard, but so important to be fully present with our family and friends!
You meet your besties for a coffee and some catch up time, but you can almost guarantee that one of you will break out your phone, and then before you know it you’re all sitting together, on your phones, not engaging each other. Agree when you’re making plans that you’ll have UnPlugged Time.  None of you will regret it, and a pure human connection is soul refreshing!

3. Skip the Booze. Yeah, I know it is football season. So what? Do you honestly have to drink beer or some other form of alcohol to enjoy the game? Once in a while, yeah a drink or two is fine. But if you’re watching a couple of football games a week (thinking college and NFL here), and drinking “a few” drinks during each game, plus game day snacks… you’re really doing a number on your body! Not only are you (possibly) even more sedentary than usual, but you might be using a game day as an excused free-for-all where your nutrition is concerned.

Over indulging on game days is definitely more common than not in America. If you're going to a watch party, bring along a vegetable or fruit tray and a case of La Croix or San Pellegrino. If you want to bring along something a little heartier, you can bring a 3 bean salad or tabouli. 
Over indulging on game days is definitely more common than not in America. If you’re going to a watch party, bring along a vegetable or fruit tray and a case of La Croix or San Pellegrino. If you want to bring along something a little heartier, you can bring a 3 bean salad or tabouli. 

Do you have any healthy intentions or habits you’re planning to implement this fall season?

Big News, Friends!

I have been getting a lot of questions about hosting online bento workshops. While I would absolutely love to some day, right now I cannot make it work with my schedule. 

SO! I have written an E-Book with step-by-step instructions for creating a basic bento lunch for your kids (or yourself!). The book is full color and has so many beautiful photos! You can purchase the E-Book HERE for only $5.49! I really hope you love it and I cannot wait to see your lunchbox creations! Please tag me when you post photos on your social media!