While the New Year is the most popular time to start losing weight (and for good reason!), the fall season is actually a better time to get started. With the carefree summer days behind us, most of us are back into routines, making it easier to implement and stay consistent with healthier habits. And, by starting your journey now, you have time to practice healthy routines before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season arrives. Here are 7 simple way to lose weight this fall and get a head start before the new year arrives!
1. Create a realistic plan. While schedules and routines don’t always sound exciting, they are highly beneficial for losing weight and keeping it off. To help stay on track with your weight loss and avoid backsliding when the holidays hit, make a weight loss plan and put it in writing. This can include following a specific nutrition plan, scheduling which days you’ll work out, and even penciling in some “me” time to ensure you get rest and relaxation (yes, that is important!). Not sure where to begin? Read these top 5 tips for creating your weight loss goals and get started.
2. Get active outside. Moving is crucial, not just for weight loss but also your overall health And, with the temps cooling down, fall is the perfect time to get moving outside and soak in some Vitamin D. Whether it’s a brisk walk on your lunch break or a family bike ride, there’s so many opportunities to get active outdoors to help boost your weight loss and your mood. Check out these step challenges that reward you with cash prizes for getting active!
3. Experiment with fall produce. Fall harvest is packed full of healthy and delicious produce, including pumpkins. High in fiber, this nutrient-dense food (only 50 calories per cup!) not only benefits your digestive health, but also helps curb your appetite and keep you feeling fuller longer. Plus, there are a ton of ways to eat pumpkin! Whether you’re craving something sweet (pancakes, muffins) or in need of a latte for a caffeine boost, you can transform your favorite treat into a healthy indulgence with pumpkin.
4. Drink your H2O. There’s no getting around it, drinking water is a must for everyone. In addition to being the healthiest source of hydration, it’s also key for weight loss success. Water cleansers your body of waste and aids with water retention (goodbye bloat!), as well as helps as an appetite suppressant and boosting your metabolism. If H2O isn’t your go-to drink, look into investing in a water bottle that also tracks your daily water intake.
5. Weigh yourself on a regular basis. The scale often gets a bad rap when in fact, it’s a great tool for helping you track your weight loss progress and monitor your body behaviors (i.e. which foods tend to lead to weight gain and which habits contribute to success). Check out the FitTrack scale that measures more than just weight and updates your progress directly to your phone!
6. Keep your wardrobe in style. Don’t get us wrong, we love the loose sweaters and layering this time of year. However, it can be easy to hide those extra pounds and allow ourselves more indulgences than we should when hiding behind baggy clothes. Make a point of adding attire that isn’t just elastic bands (we still love you yoga pants!) and baggy tops to help avoid overindulgences. Here’s more tips on how your wardrobe can impact your weight loss.
7. Get paid for getting healthy. Need an extra incentive to put these tips into practice and stay consistent with your healthy habits? Start a HealthyWager! It’s the individual weight loss challenge customized to you! You pick your weight loss goal, the timeframe you want to lose it in, and prize (up to $10,000)! Ready to get started? Enter your information in the HealthyWage Prize Calculator to find out how much you can win!!
