Return to September
Do you feel it? Are you noticing a crispness to the air in the morning these days? I’m seeing those Back to School sales on clothing and shoes (there’s nothing like a cozy sweater for those cooler mornings coming up).
I see my tomatoes just beginning to ripen and the garden getting overgrown with veggies at their prime. The Barrie Farmers’ Market will be bringing in more apples and pies along with an abundance of squash and a variety of root vegetables.
Through all the change there is limitless possibility and I just love this time of year with its anticipation of what can be, all the while enjoying what is.
Here are some tried and true nutrition and wellness tips to get you through the start of fall with an abundance of health for the coming season.
- Sleep – Besides being important for hormones and the production of melatonin, sleep just makes you function so much better during the day. Begin to practice getting to bed a little earlier, ideally by 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. Children and teens need their sleep as much as we older folk and they too would do well to get to sleep earlier. A half-hour or so before bedtime, begin a routine of gearing down. Plug your devices into the charger in the hall or in a nearby room, but not near or on the bed. Put your phone into flight mode so no messages or notifications will tempt you through the night. Hopefully there are no TVs in your or your children’s rooms. The bedroom should be a peaceful and calm place.
- Eat breakfast – Whether you’re rushing off to work or your children or teens are getting off to school, wake a little earlier to make sure you break your overnight fast. If you or your kids don’t always feel hungry in the morning, create an environment that makes breakfast appealing and easy. Set out the fixings and have each person choose what they like. Some great options are sliced fruit, hard boiled eggs, veggie sticks, and cheese (real cheese, not slices). Prepare a nice hot porridge with all the fixings: walnuts, hemp hearts, chia, flax, coconut palm sugar, with a nice topping of milk (I prefer coconut milk, while my hubby likes almond milk, and you can always look for better sourced cow’s or goat’s milk). No time to make porridge? Check out my recipe for overnight oats and have it ready to go.
- Hydrate – Start your day with a cup of hot water with lemon or caffeine-free tea to stimulate digestion and alkalize the body (instead of reaching for coffee that will start you off jittery and wired). Proper hydration will also help your bowels to work on their own steam without the need for stimulants that have you running to the bathroom. Remember to keep drinking water throughout the day. Pick up a snazzy water bottle that’s much more environmentally friendly than plastic and will keep your water at a great temperature.
- Pack snacks and lunch – Why not do this right after supper so you’re not scrambling in the morning? For a flexible meal plan and recipes you can download and use right away, click this link to request the End of Summer Shape Up plan. We’ve had lots of positive feedback on this program and these recipes will all work well in the autumn months as well. They’re yours for a special discounted price if you act now.
- Walk, walk and walk – There’s nothing like a good brisk walk during the day. Even if you already work out at the gym, it’s always great to be one with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and get those feet and legs moving on the ground. Go barefoot if you dare and ground yourself before your routine gets crazy busy. I’m taking advantage of the nice hot weather right now to go barefoot as much as possible. Thirty minutes a day of walking is a great goal and will do you well.
I hope these tips will help you get ready for our return to September. We know it’s coming, it always does, so enjoy all that this time of year brings. By being organized and ready we can anticipate instead of dread the fall, and each day will be a gift of health and abundance.
So take a deep breath, count to 10, and enjoy the fresh and crisp air!
