5 Ways to Get Back on Track This Fall!

Written by: Mairead, Registered Dietitian

For most of us in the summer, things are a bit more relaxed. Maybe there’s more travel or you’re visiting family. Maybe there’s more special events, BBQs, and parties. Maybe you’re just moving at a slower pace without the routine of the school year.

Whatever your summer has looked like, fall often leaves many of us looking for a bit more structure and ready to get back to our normal routines. That “back to school” energy stays with many of us, whether you or your kids are going back to school or not!

If your health and fitness habits have been a bit inconsistent this summer, check out these tips to get back on track this fall!

1. Drink your water! Drinking water is the first tip because it’s often the easiest thing to get started on. As the weather cools down, we might be forgetting to drink as much water as we were in the hotter months. Keep a water bottle with you during the day and make sure to sip regularly. Try using a straw to take in more with each sip. If cold water isn’t your favourite, rely on hot water or herbal teas for more fluid.
2. Plan your workouts! If your routine has been all over the place over the summer, odds are your workouts might have been too! Take a good look at your schedule heading into the fall – where can you make time to fit in your group training classes or personal training sessions? If you stick with home workouts, walking, runs, or other types of exercise, where will they fit into the routine? We don’t need to overhaul everything, just take some time to figure out where movement can fit to keep you feeling your best!
3. Plan some meals! If you’ve been flying by the seat of your pants with meals this summer, it’s time to plan ahead. Knowing what’s for dinner takes the stress out of the end of the day. Meal planning can also help you save money by using what you have and only buying what you need. If planning a whole week isn’t for you, try planning dinner a night or two ahead of time. If dinner is under control but lunch needs some help, focus there!
4. Get into a grocery routine! The lazy days of summer can have us in the grocery store every few days – picking up snacks, last minute things for dinner, or a fun treat. Hitting the grocery store too often can make it easy to grab foods that don’t fit your goals more often than you’d like. This can also add up in your grocery budget! Try picking a day or two each week to do your groceries and try to get what you need to get you through the week. This can also push you to use what you already have at home, avoiding having food go to waste!
5. Enjoy the change of seasons! If you’re a summer lover, the change to cooler weather and darker days can feel rough. Try to embrace the aspects you enjoy! Lean into colder weather foods, like chili or soup – both of which can be packed with beans and veggies for tons of fibre and vitamins. Cozy up with a spiced tea in the evening. Make use of seasonal produce, such as squash and apples, and embrace fall flavours!

Whatever your fall looks like, the change in season can be the perfect time to get your healthy habits dialed back in! Looking for more personalized nutrition advice? Let’s chat! Click HERE to book your FREE Bite-Sized Nutrition Chat, or email [email protected] for more information about our Nutrition Programs!