As sad as I am to see summer come to an end, I have to admit that fall is one of my favorite seasons. I crave structure and a nutritional reset after a summer filled with fun, food, cocktails and travel. This year is different with the added stress of our “new normal,” which means our Fall Reset looks different as well. We still want to look and feel good, but we also want to feel successful without the added pressure of cleanses, restrictive diets or excessive exercising. Add these tips into your toolbox and feel empowered, energized and balanced.
Commit to cooking – With outdoor dining reservations available it’s tempting to eat out. I get it, I’m sick of cooking too. However, making our own food means cleaner ingredients, less saturated fat, less sodium and often less bloating and discomfort. Some of our fav ways to fill our fridge and our bellies include:
1. Daily Harvest – Vegan, organic, delicious meals at your fingertips
2. Marley’s Spoon – Meal kits so you can cook stress-free
3. Thrive Market – Perfect for when you can’t get to the store
Drink your water – A simple tip I recommend on repeat because it’s worth it, especially as we spend more time at home. I know it takes effort but fill your cup, bottle or jug and get in your 80 – 90 oz a day. Add a lemon, drink it cold or hot, steep it with fresh mint or add some chlorophyll. This one is a game-changer for immunity, skin, energy, weight loss and metabolism.
Supplement smarter – Although I’m one for food first, supplements come in handy especially as we begin to spend more time indoors. My non-negotiables include: vitamin D3 (2,000 IU to start), probiotics (through food when you can), Omega 3 fatty acids (1,000 mg) and magnesium glycinate (stress support 400 mg).
Cut the crap – Let’s not be fooled by marketing and trends, please. Read labels and focus on whole foods. Dairy-free, high fiber and low sugar are enticing, but flip over the box and see what’s really inside.
Some things to look out for:
1. Oat milk – High in carbs and sugar and many brands often use oils to emulsify. If you just have to have it, I recommend Elmhurst for being the cleanest of the bunch.
2. Alternative sweeteners – Sweets that taste sweet without the sugar – Halo Top, Quest Bars, Think Thin, Vitamin Water Zero – usually have side effects ranging from sugar addiction to bloated bellies. If you want something sweet, opt to have a little bit of the real thing.
3. Fake fibers – Added fiber foods, including crackers, bars and cookies do not provide the health benefits of whole foods and often leave you with a belly ache. Instead, meet your fiber needs (28-40grams per day) through whole foods. Fruits, veggies and whole grains naturally do the trick!
Curb your cocktails – Summer is an easy time to over imbibe, add the stress of 2020 to it and it’s likely that many of us may have been overdoing it. Alcohol can be a healthy addition to our diet, but let’s not forget the empty calories, sleep interruption and the added risk for certain cancers and illnesses when we overindulge. Goals for Fall – <7 drinks/week and keep them clean. Clear liquor and club soda and a garnish is the way to go or spend some time trying out organic wines (less sugar and additives).
These aren’t outlandish or overwhelming but they are realistic and they do make a difference.
