Tis the season of leggings and over-sized sweaters to hide those extra pounds we're storing to make it through the winter. But wait, we aren't bears? We don't hibernate! We have perfectly fine winter jackets, so there is no need to eat a little extra to stay warm this winter. Here is a list of ways you can eat healthy this fall without feeling left out of the fall fun.
Portion Control
I'm no health specialist, but I have struggled with portions for most of my life. Coming into fall, my body used to be ready to stretch a couple inches. Last year I was, in all aspects besides having fur, a bear ready for hibernation. Since I recently started a new healthy eating lifestyle, my body feels ready to stretch, but my mind knows not to let that happen.
I'm not one to say "stop eating everything you love," because I don't think that helps. I think that this rule only creates an even bigger craving, causing you to crack when you open the freezer and see that quart of butter pecan ice cream. I know it did for me. So what's the trick to eating healthy? Two words: portion control!
Eat what you crave, but do so in servings that won't set back the work you have been putting in. Last week we went to the apple orchard, and I couldn't pass on a caramel apple or a couple pieces of fudge. So I bought some, and when I got home, I cut the apple into pieces to have as snacks the next couple days. I also allow myself a sliver of fudge every once in while because I now eat mostly fruits and vegetables for my meals.
I got better at looking at the nutrition labels on products too. This is great in helping decide whether or not the serving amount, protein, and fiber contents can get you through to your next meal. I look for items that are low in calories but high in fiber and protein to keep me going!
Check out these Fall Superfoods
Much like UGGs and olive green utility jackets, certain fruits and veggies are better this time of the year too. Fruits that are currently entering their harvest season are apples, pomegranates, and kiwis. A regular sized apple has about four grams of fiber, and a pomegranate is a great source of Vitamin C and folate. Mix these with some fresh kiwis - a fruit high in potassium and copper - and you've got a great breakfast smoothie! Other fruits great this season for snacking are pears, grapefruits, and tangerines.
Vegetables making a return to the table this fall are Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. I know, both are vegetables we saw as gross when we were kids, but we are adults now! We're supposed to like them now so we can tell our kids to eat them. Have them sauteed with olive oil and a little salt, pepper, and garlic for a great dinner side.
You can also make some fun trail mix snacks to keep in your backpack or purse for when you need a little energy boost! I've found some great recipes on Betty Crocker's website. They have recipes for everything from sweet to salty to spicy snack mixes.
One last tip: Check out the farmer's market!
The fruits and vegetables that are there are usually out because it's their harvest season. You'll get the best selection. Also, remember that you don't have to stick to some weird diet to stay healthy this season. Don't miss out on fun fall festivities because some diet told you to skip out on the sweet treats fall has to offer.