7 Reasons Fall is the Perfect Time to Start Your Weight Loss Journey

While technically the third season in our calendar year, we seem to “restart” our lives in the fall. This is largely because so many of us live around school calendars. Whether you’re the student, parent or grandparent of a student, you can use this time of the year to begin afresh and start your weight loss journey. Even if you’re not involved in school, there are so many reasons why autumn is a great time to begin losing weight.

Here are seven reasons why autumn is the best time to start losing weight:

1. Back to Routine

Vacations are over. The kiddos are back in school. It’s time to create a schedule and reevaluate what’s holding you back from reaching your goals.

If you spent a lot of time this summer stopping at the drive thru for dinner, try buying a new cookbook, browsing the internet or finding recipe inspiration right here in The Palm. Go buy your groceries at the store or order them online if you’re short on time. Many grocery stores offer delivery or pickup. If you’ve been sleeping in all summer, get back to rising early and hit the gym before work. Fall is a great time to incorporate a weight loss plan into your routine. The sooner you start your journey, the faster you’ll fall into a rhythm and see success.

2. When They Practice, You Exercise

Speaking of kiddos, what activities are on the docket this year? So many parents tell us they have trouble finding time to exercise because they’re juggling school with sports and other daily activities. But here’s an idea: instead of reading a book or checking your social media during your son’s soccer practice, walk or jog around the field while he’s practicing. Ask a fellow parent or friend to join you if you’re a social butterfly. If your daughter has marching band practice in the afternoon, that’s the perfect time for you to walk up and down the stadium bleachers. If your kids have swimming practice, find out if you can swim in a separate lane or smaller pool. Maximize your time and find a way to be active. Even if you don’t have kids, the cooler weather is the perfect time to get outside and get active.

3. Cool Down

If you’re sensitive to heat, the summertime can prevent you from being active outside.  However, cooler weather is upon us which means outdoor exercise is easier! The South Beach Diet advocates getting at least 30 minutes of activity each day. Get moving by taking a walk, going for a hike, shooting hoops in the driveway or starting a garden filled with autumn produce. Have some fall fun at a pumpkin patch or corn maze. Fall in love with fall weather and enjoy the breeze before winter arrives.

4. Harvest

The autumn harvest has arrived! According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the following South Beach-approved produce is in-season during the fall:

• Fruit: Cranberries, kiwifruit, lemons, limes and raspberries.
• Root Vegetables: Beets, carrots, sweet potatoes and radishes.
• Leafy greens: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and Swiss chard.
• Squash: Pumpkin, butternut and acorn.
• Other Vegetables: Cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, mushrooms, peas and onions.

Many delicious fruits and vegetables are at their peak in the fall and can be found in abundance at farmers markets throughout the country. Save money by buying local produce directly from the source. You can also visit a pumpkin patch or go apple picking for some family fun. The fresh-picked flavor will make eating veggies truly enjoyable. Want to preserve some of nature’s bounty for winter and spring? Invest in a food saver and vacuum-seal your favorite veggies.

5. Find the Fall Foliage

Don’t settle for your backyard view. A weekend hiking or mountain-biking trip is just what your weight loss journey ordered. Imagine the trees at your favorite park or hiking spot. Invite someone who is a great motivator and is at or above your current fitness level so you’re pushed to go further than you would by yourself. Be sure to bring along some low-carb snacks to fuel your trip and prevent you from eating at convenience stores along the way.

6. Prepare for Winter

Our ancestors spent their entire spring, summer and fall preparing for the cold, winter months. While times have obviously changed, going back to some primitive thinking can help us get back in touch with our roots and help us stay active. Close your own swimming pool. Clean the gutters. Re-caulk the windows. Instead of paying someone to winterize your summer cabin or vacation house, do the work yourself. Prep your wardrobe and swap your summer and winter clothes. Wash and store outdoor furniture. Go apple picking. The more you do and prepare (and learn!), the more calories you burn. It’s a great way to get active, lose weight and get excited for the new season.

7. The Holidays Are Coming

Starting your weight loss journey in the fall will put you on the right track before you head into the holidays. Seeing success prior to the holidays will give you motivation to stay on plan and avoid temptation. You will feel better, be healthier and look great for family events. An autumn start will also give you time to prepare and create healthy alternatives to your favorite family recipes. You’d be surprised how swapping out a few ingredients can transform an unhealthy recipe into a clean meal.