The Fall Food and Fitness Bucket List
I can’t believe it’s already November! was no doubt whispered by most of us recently. Time really does slip through our fingers faster than we can keep up, which means we can all too easily miss our chance to enjoy those seasonal delights we wait for all year. Make yourself a fall bucket list — we’ve included a few things to get you started — to help prioritize the things that mean the most to you this time of year. Remember to keep those bodies moving, even the fun stuff is an excuse to do something good for you!
Rake the leaves. No joke, this is a serious sweat session. Struggling to fit in a workout and the yard work? Two birds, one stone right here! Save this for arms day and enjoy a roughly 300 calorie burn. Plus, the big pile at the end makes for some great fun and photo opps with the family.
Sip some cider. Go for the unfiltered, unpasteurized sibling of apple juice and enjoy an earthier, bigger flavor. On a nutrition label, the difference between cider and juice is negligible. So if you’re going to spring for this sweet treat of empty calories, go with the one that’s truer to the whole apple.
Do a turkey trot. These races happen every weekend through Thanksgiving and there’s no reason you shouldn’t be a part of at least one! Whether it’s a 1 mile fun run, 5K or longer distance, don’t let yourself fall in to the fall fitness slump. It’s not that cold outside…yet.
Sweat indoors. When it is too chilly to workout outside, try one of those studio classes you’ve heard about. PiYo — Pilates + Yoga — is all the rage and gives your body a serious burn. POUND is totally fun but a serious workout, too. Rock climbing walls will have you stronger by spring. And of course there’s always spin, barre, Zumba, and swimming if the classics are more your speed.
Eat pumpkin! You can’t hide from the most popular flavor of the season, just make sure it’s real pumpkin when you do indulge. The fake flavor in most treats is just garbage, but real pumpkin has a host of vitamins and minerals. Add pure pumpkin puree to oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt cups, pasta sauce, soup, chili, muffins, and more!
Eat from a mug. There is just something super cozy about enjoying a cup of soup, chili, or stew from a coffee mug instead of a bowl. Lighten a go-to stew recipe with pork tenderloin instead of beef tips, and cut the fat out of chili with ground turkey instead of ground beef. Whatever you’re making, stock it full of hearty veggies to feel full and satisfied.
Take a hike. Before the real winter temps move in, dress in layers, pack a light picnic, and head for the nearest trail, hill, or mountain. You’ll knockout your cardio for the day, not to mention take in some spectacular views of the colorful scenery.
Bake all day. Whether it’s pies, cookies, breads, or other treats, pile in to the kitchen — solo or with your favorite crew — and whip up all of those goodies you’re craving. An indulgence once in a while is totally OK, especially if you plan to share the treats with a local nursing home, homeless shelter, or other place where your generosity won’t go unnoticed.
Give back. The season of giving is upon us, so consider giving of your time and put your back in to it! Rake an elderly neighbor’s yard, deliver firewood, help winterize a school playground, deliver or prepare warm meals, or pick up a shift at the food bank during their busiest time.
Resolve to resolve now. Beat the rush and start your resolution now! Why wait two more months when you could have two months of progress under your belt by the time everyone else is starting. What a powerfully motivating way to start the new year.