5 Tips to Help the Scale ‘Fall’ In Your Favor

 

Remember how hard you worked on your diet (and in the gym) this spring and summer to feel sexy and confident in that bathing suit?

Well, the fall season is in full swing, and it’s no excuse to lose your hard-earned beach body.

Check out five simple tips I’ve adapted from my friend Nick Peterson- Healthy Writer for USANA, to beat the fattening casseroles and missed workouts that come with the cooler temperatures and shorter days of fall.

1. Don’t Forget Your Numbers

Before you do anything, it’s time to collect your health-related numbers so that you have a starting point — something to hold you accountable as winter approaches.

Be sure to record your current body weight, measurements, and fat percentage so that you can revisit these numbers on a regular basis (every two weeks is ideal).

It can be easy to justify or turn a blind eye to a slow but steady weight gain over a period of three to four months (especially because we are usually covered from head to toe in cool weather clothes that hide our body) if you don’t have hard numbers to keep you in check.

2. Don’t Take Comfort in Comfort Foods

I already mentioned the casseroles (they are truly my greatest weakness), but don’t let the cold weather trick you into eating hearty, fattening meals on a regular basis.

Foods like buttery mashed potatoes, salty mac and cheese, and cream-based soups are usually packed with unhealthy amounts of fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. And don’t even get me started on the bounteous amount of homemade bread I see this time of year.

Remember to rely on healthy substitutes like ground turkey instead of beef, whole grain or wheat instead of white, and Greek yogurt or applesauce instead of the oil and eggs that many baking recipes call for.

There’s also a wide variety of fruit and veggies that are in season during the fall months, making them tastier and much more affordable. Stick with recipes that include squash, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, artichokes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, pears, apples, grapes, key limes, and pineapple.

Two of my favorite fall/winter comfort foods are a big tray of delicious, roasted veggies or a big pot of hot soup, so much better for you that a big helping of baked pasta or mac & cheese.

3. Don’t Fall Prey to Pumpkin

I don’t know exactly how or when it happened, but at some point, pumpkin took over the entire fall season. Whether it’s ice cream, lattes, soups, bread, or even pumpkin spice Oreos (does it really surprise you?), people want their pumpkin spice…and they want it now.

The trouble with all of these foods is, most of the time, the “pumpkinification” process involves an alarming amount of sugar and fat and almost no nutrients. And we know what that will do to our body.

 

4. Don’t Make Excuses

Yes, you don’t have to be seen in your swimming suit until next summer. Sure, the days end sooner, keeping you huddled inside. And you bet, you’ll be immersed in tempting foods found at family gatherings and parties (and that are being pushed at you on TV and the internet.

But don’t let yourself use these fall struggles as excuses to repeatedly take a break from your healthy habits. Keep your mind strong and come up with a game plan of what you’ll do when faced with these challenges.

5. Don’t Forget USANA

Finally, don’t forget that me and my product partner USANA have your back. Their entire line of food includes delicious, zero sugar (or very low sugar), gluten-free, non-gmo nutrition bars, and clean, healthy so-good-for-you shakes.

My fav? It has to be the MySmartBar Coconut Cashew protein bar; it’s an excellent source of fiber, is gluten free†, not genetically engineered, and produces a low glycemic response. It is made with cashews, cashew butter, coconut flakes, and topped with a chocolatey drizzle. The bar is also packed with 9 grams of high-quality protein. I carry these in my purse, my car and have around for a snack whenever I want. It’s even good a little warmed as dessert. Plus, they’re super convenient, so it’s a smart idea to incorporate them into that game plan I mentioned earlier. It’s always nice to be prepared with a healthier alternative when hunger strikes.

There you have it! You’re totally ready to handle the fall season like a champ. Stay strong and healthy and – once again remember – I’ve got your back. Keep checking back for more tips and tasty recipes that will support your wellness and healthy weight goals.

(Adapted from What’s Up USANA)