Transitioning into fall is an opportune time to reevaluate and adjust your eating habits to support your health and well-being as the seasons change. On the heels of summer, our bodies can be feeling tired and sluggish, after all the fun. That’s when healthy eating habits are most important!
Fall is the best time to help kick back into some healthier eating habits…especially before the stir of the holidays begin! There are a variety of in-season fruits and vegetables that provide our bodies with the nutrients to stay healthy and maintain a cleaner lifestyle. Here are five healthy eating habits to prepare you for fall and get you ready to end the year.
5 Health Eating Habits to Prepare You for the Fall Season
#1 Incorporate Seasonal Produce
As I mentioned, Fall brings an abundance of delicious and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that are perfect for incorporating into your meals. Embrace seasonal produce such as apples, pears, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, kale, and carrots. These foods are not only flavorful but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune function, digestion, and overall health.
Take advantage of local farmers’ markets or grocery stores to source fresh, seasonal produce and experiment with new recipes and flavor combinations. With a variety of options to select from, there is no limit to how many dishes you can prepare for yourself, family, and friends.
The Dutch Oven Beef Stew is a fall staple that is enjoyable during the cool fall weather incorporating a lot of fall favorite ingredients. Hearty chunks of beef turn tender after a low and slow trip in your favorite Dutch oven; potatoes join the party during the tail end of cooking, so they don’t dissolve into the stew.
Or perhaps you want a meatless dish option, you can never go astray with Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower and Crispy Capers. Of all the fall vegetables, it’s the return of the beloved cauliflower and its elegant florets. In this recipe, cauliflower comes together with capers, garlic, anchovy (optional), crushed red pepper, lemon zest, parsley, and Pecorino Romano to form a comforting pasta dish that’s ready in under an hour.
#2 Embrace Warm and Nourishing Foods
As the weather cools down, shift your focus towards warm and nourishing foods that provide comfort and sustenance. Incorporate hearty soups, stews, chili, and casseroles into your meal rotation, using a variety of seasonal vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins.
These one-pot meals are not only convenient and satisfying but also allow for batch cooking and leftovers, making meal prep a breeze during busy fall days. There is something about the perfect combination of these fall delights that come together in such a way my taste buds can’t ignore!. Experiment with different spices and herbs to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt or added sugars.
#3 Prioritize Hydration
Although the temperature may be cooler in the fall, it’s still essential to stay hydrated to support overall health and well-being. Aim to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day, even if you’re not sweating as much as you do in the summer months.
I totally understand the best hot drinks come out during the fall, including pumpkin spice lattes or apple cider margaritas, but it’s important for you to also make sure your body is digesting enough water to help keep you hydrated.
Herbal teas, warm lemon water, and broth-based soups are excellent options for staying hydrated while also providing additional nutrients and flavor. Limit your intake of sugary beverages and caffeinated drinks, opting for water as your primary source of hydration to maintain optimal health and energy levels, as well as clearer skin.
#4 Opt for Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods
Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your immune system and energy levels during the fall season. Choose minimally processed foods such as whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. These foods are rich in nutrients and fiber, which promote satiety, digestive health, and stable blood sugar levels.
Power foods, such as garlic, should be introduced into your diet and into your dishes as it will help build your immune system against the cold and flu chilly weather. Incorporating a variety of colors, flavors, and textures into your meals to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients and phytochemicals to support overall health and well-being is also very important during the fall season.
#5 Practice Mindful Eating
Cultivate mindfulness and awareness around your eating habits to foster a healthy relationship with food and promote balanced nutrition. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re satisfied. Slow down and savor each bite, focusing on the flavors, textures, and sensations of your food.
Avoid distractions such as screens or multitasking while eating, allowing yourself to fully engage in the experience of nourishing your body. Additionally, practice gratitude for the food on your plate and the nourishment it provides, fostering a positive mindset towards eating and overall well-being. The fall season is full of both savory and sweet food items to select from, so enjoy it!
Related: How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays
By incorporating these healthy eating habits into your routine, you can prepare your body and mind for the transition into fall while supporting your health and well-being throughout the season. Getting a jump start with some of these healthy suggestions will certainly keep your belly full all while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Remember that small, sustainable changes over time can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and vitality. Listen to your body, prioritize nutrient-rich foods, and enjoy the flavors and bounty of the fall harvest as you nourish yourself from the inside out.
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