5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Weight Loss this Fall

Friday, Nov 5, 2021 | Lifestyle

Hi all! Coach Mindy here!

Gone are the care free days of Summer that can hinder our weight loss efforts. Endless bbq’s and picnics, late summer nights, and lazy summer days can really wreak havoc on our motivation and the number on the scale. Although, the New Year is traditionally “diet season”, Fall is a perfect time to jumpstart your diet. With the fresh crisp air comes new beginnings. Refocusing on your weight loss efforts now can stave off extra pounds that typically occur over the holidays. Why start the New Year with extra weight? Here are 5 reasons Fall is the perfect season for a fresh start.

Change is in the air.

And that change is cooler, comfortable weather. This is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and move more. Not only is exercising outdoors good for your waistline, it’s also great for your mind which is also beneficial to weight loss. Spending time outdoors is great for our mental health. It decreases depression by boosting our serotonin levels and reduces cortisol which can be quite damaging to weight loss. Outdoor exercise also has a huge impact on our quality of sleep. Getting enough sleep is crucial when trying to lose weight. And equally as important, exercising outdoors can boost your self-esteem. Research has found that even spending as little as five minutes exercising outside can improve your self-esteem.

When we are confident of our abilities , we are more likely to succeed in the goals we set. And don’t think you have to devote huge amounts of time to exercise for it to be beneficial. Spending as little as 10 minutes at a time can provide huge impacts. Breaking our workouts into smaller “exercise snacks” makes getting in more movement a lot easier. Doing something is always better than doing nothing, and a little adds up.

Fall’s Healthy Harvest. 

Fall provides a tasty array of nutritious produce. Visit a local Farmers Market for fruits and vegetables at their peak of flavor. Revisiting favorite Fall recipes, and even discovering new ones, can keep our healthy menus fresh and exciting. Apples, pumpkins, and squash are just some of the variety in season. Find recipes online and experiment with dishes to revive your cuisine.

Snooze to lose.

Often under valued, sleep is just as important as nutrition and exercise when it comes to weight loss and over all health. Studies show that those who skimp on bedtime weigh more than those who get sufficient sleep. Being well rested helps control our appetite and cravings, boosts our mood, increases our metabolism, and ensures us adequate energy that enables us to stick to our fitness routines. With shorter days, and the more structured routine that Fall can bring, it’s an excellent opportunity to get in more zzz’s.

Structure and routine.

Weekly routines become more structured as vacation time comes to an end. When it comes to forming the the long-term, healthy habits required for sustainable weight loss, routine is key. Meal planning, physical activity, and even sleep is easier to implement into our day with a structured routine. Fall is the perfect time to establish those essential habits.

Crockpot Season.

Nothing says Fall better than a pot of savory vegetables, healthy grains, and lean meats simmering on the counter. Slow cookers can produce the comfort foods we crave in cooler weather, in a healthier way. Slow cookers are more healthy as they rely on low heat to cook, which allows the food to maintain its nutrients, unlike other cooking styles. Cooking in a crockpot is also healthy since most slow cooker recipes heavily rely on the use of natural ingredients and broths. They can be easy on the pocketbook also, as cheaper cuts of meats can be used and it ensures that we have a healthy meal at the end of a long day, reducing the likelihood of running to fast food because we are too tired to cook. Lastly, recipes for slow cookers are extremely versatile. It’s easy to mix and match ingredients to get a variety so your menus are never boring.

With all this #Fallspiration, its is evident fall is the perfect time to fast track your weight loss. Fall allows for an easier time to be more active and eat more healthfully. A truly foolproof time to get your rear in gear and start achieving your weight-loss goals.