Staying healthy this Fall

Happy October my dear friends!! I just can't believe Fall is here. Welcome back, short days, crisp cool air and those colorful leaves.

It makes my head spin that the kids are a month into school, my nutrition classes are flowing, Jayson started his new job, and I found my groove with all the new changes happening. 

Life just feels really good. Really busy, but really really good.

So many blessings and so much abundance.

Anyway like I said HAPPY October!! Whoa, October!! I'm determined to finally pull out all those cute Halloween decorations sitting in our garage and start wearing my favorite homemade aprons my Mama makes me every season.

I love the change in seasons.

However, as the season changes it's a reminder to me that we must change as well. What our body and soul needs in summer may not be exactly what we need going into fall. As the season shifts, our mood may shift as well. The weather is changing, our food is changing, our clothes are changing, even the smell through our home is changing.

The best thing you can do is be aware and recognize the changes as they come and help your body graciously adjust. Your skin may start to get a little drier or more prone to breakouts, your body might start to crave warm comfort foods and pumpkin spice everything. 

I want to share a few tips today so you don't dread that Fall shift but embrace it with joy and excitement while keeping you and your family healthy into the Winter!

Don't let candy haunt you all month long

As Halloween approaches I know it can be tempting and cute to fill mason jars with cute candy corn or have a bowl full of assorted chocolates on your counter all month long but you're going to be testing your (and your families) will power all day every day. If you buy candy for trick-or-treaters, buy only enough for the kids and wait until Halloween day to pick it up. On Halloween if you want a few pieces, eat a few pieces... chew it slowly and enjoy, stay mindful of your portions and focus on your cute kids, Halloween party or a spooky movie at home.

Pumpkin: More than just for pies and jack-o-lanterns.
The health benefits of pumpkin are endless. One being, it has a high Carotenoids content. That's what gives pumpkin its bright beautiful orange color. Carotenoids assist in staving off free radicals and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular diseases, and other infections. It also helps lower inflammation thanks to the Beta Carotene properties and my favorite is the skin benefits. Pumpkin is high in vitamin A, C, and E as well as Zinc. Helping prevent the appearance of wrinkles and keep your skin hydrated and nourished.

So grab some pumpkin and make your own warm, grounding comfort foods. Eating foods that are filled with fiber, vitamins and minerals will be key in keeping your skin healthy and glowing into the Fall.

Reconnect with Earth
Earthing or grounding: In short, earthing or grounding is putting the body in direct and uninterrupted contact with the earth. This means that skin needs to touch soil, sand, water, or a conductive surface that is in contact with the earth. Benefits include, lowering stress and promoting calmness by reducing stress hormones. It can also increasing energy, normalize blood pressure/blood flow and relieves muscle tension and headaches.

So why not sign out of social media and ditch the Halloween movie countdowns to head outdoors. Take the kids, spouse, dog or just be alone and enjoy some quite time. Don't let the short cooler days keep you from your intake of Vitamin D. You'll be happier, grounded and in-sync with mother nature. 

Stay hydrated As soon as Fall rolls around I notice my skin takes the first hit. Not only is the weather getting cooler but we're actually less likely to drink enough water. As we ease out of those Summer months we may not feel as parched so we need to stay aware of our intake even more. Water will help moisten and hydrate the skin, so drink up!

Boost you immune system
Back to school time often equals getting sick time. Avoid the runny nose and couch potato days by helping yourself and family by limiting your sugar intake, eat nutrient dense/seasonal foods, get plenty of sleep and be sure to get a daily vitamin supplement.

Above all have fun! Enjoy the cooler weather, throw on a cute beanie, play in the leaves, buy a new Fall scented candle and create a gratitude journal. Make sure to remember and recognize all the blessings in your life and thank God, the Universe or your higher power for the rich abundance that comes in the Fall months! 

xoxo

Ashley