With the crispness in the air signaling an end to summer, fall can be a great time for renewal and the rekindling of good habits. Here are some ideas for ways to jumpstart health and wellness and enjoy the beauty of this season!
1. Let Beans Be a Part of Your Diet
In addition to relishing the bounty of the fall harvest, make sure to add beans each week. Besides being a comfort food, beans add flavor and texture to soups, chili, and casseroles. They’re also a great salad topper.
Beans are rich in protein, iron, folic acid, fiber, and potassium. So pick a bean, any bean — lima, black, garbanzo, pinto, or others — and enjoy.
2. Defuse Stress with Friendship
Fall is a good time to come back together after the summer scattering of vacations and busy schedules — a great time to relax with friends.
3. Be Tender with Your Teeth
If you do one thing to improve your dental health this fall, turn over a new leaf by ditching habits that are hard on your teeth.
Avoid chewing on ice or popcorn kernels. Ice is a crystal and tooth enamel is a crystal — when the two meet, one of them has to give. Popcorn kernels can break teeth or fillings too, and the hull, if lodged in gum tissue, can irritate and cause bacteria buildup.
4. Have Fun with Fitness
Improve your fitness this fall: try a new workout incorporating the mind and body, such as yoga, Pilates, or Tai chi.
5. A Checkup: The Eyes Have It
Take a cue from kids, who often need back-to-school vision exams. Schedule a comprehensive checkup with your eye doctor.
6. Heart Health: Know Your Numbers
Give your heart health a boost this fall, focus on prevention.
Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and stay active even as the weather gets colder. Walks, bike rides, raking leaves, and planting bulbs in the autumn can keep your heart healthy and your spirits raised.