Five Hydration and Nutrition Tips for the Fall
It’s easier to neglect our health and hydration when we feel like we’re always recovering from the cold outside or preparing to go back out into it. Fortunately, there are some pretty simple habits you can get into to remain hydrated and eating a balanced, healthy diet while also dealing with all that comes with this seasonal change. Here are five ways to keep up your hydration and nutrition this fall.
Drink Water Consistently
Drinking water throughout your day is critical to staying hydrated during the fall. Many people simply drink water right before they exercise, but it’s healthier to remain hydrated throughout the day. It’s also important to not wait until you are thirsty to drink – if you do, might not be getting the daily recommended water intake. Hydration is not only necessary, it helps with focus and it helps fight inflammation.
Keep the Snacks Smart
Veggies, popcorn, hummus, lean meat like turkey – all of these options are better than the kind of stuff we normally go for, especially as fall makes us want to “hibernate.” Especially as the holidays approach and big meals and celebrations with lots of food become the norm, it’s a good time to make those moments of snacking really count – lower your fat and salt intake and go for protein, fiber and healthy fats whenever possible.
Make Sure Water Intake Matches Your Exercising
The longer you exercise, the more water you are likely to need, and if you go long enough, you may also need to start upping your electrolyte intake as well. Keep track of how your body responds to certain levels of exercise and how much water and electrolytes you need to remain hydrated. Become familiar with your body’s signals – do you get a headache when you’re dehydrated? Any other symptoms? Try and make it so that you hydrate enough before any problem signs hit.
Enjoy Seasonal Food – It’s Healthy
Fall might be best known for the leaf colors, but it’s the produce that really kicks it into gear. It isn’t all about the fatty casseroles or putting cheese and marshmallows onto perfectly good vegetables. There are plenty of healthy ways to enjoy pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apples, squash and pears, and often a combination of many of them. Preparing and spicing everything right is the key to really enjoying fall produce. If you’re going to eat meat with these dishes, opt for the leaner cuts, or go for more naturally lean meats like turkey, or try fish.
Don’t Forget Vitamins
Vitamins help you stay healthy by helping you fight disease, and while you can get many of them by taking a daily multivitamin, it’s advisable to get as much as you can from your meals. You can find Vitamin A in things like carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes; Vitamin E is in hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and almonds; Vitamin C is in strawberries, citrus fruits and bell peppers; and Zinc is in beans, seafood and meat.
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