5 Easy Ways to Lose Weight This Fall

Summer may be over, but there’s just something about fall-with its cool, crisp air and the promise of a new beginning.

That’s why autumn is such a great time to get back on track with weight-loss goals. You’re back in more of a routine after summer, and you still have several weeks before those diet-unfriendly holidays. Here are some fresh, fun tips and tricks to slim down this season:

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1. Take Advantage of New Fall TV

Psyched for the return of Heartland or the latest season of So You Think You Can Dance? Instead of curling up like a couch potato, consider hitting the gym during your favourite shows to watch them while you work out. If you get bored after 20 minutes on the treadmill, tuning into a must-watch episode may even motivate you to prolong your workout. Experts recommend a minimum of 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise a week, but many Canadians don’t get enough. Maybe the new season of Dragon’s Den will help get you going.

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2. Enjoy Active Weekends

It’s easy to eat your way through the summer-with barbecue-packed calendars and the tempting siren of the ice cream man. But fall is filled with food-related activities of a healthier sort, like apple and pumpkin picking. Not only are you active, spending the afternoon walking around and reaching for branches, but have you ever heard of someone gaining weight from eating too many apples?

One medium apple packs fewer than 100 calories and more than 4 grams of filling fiber. Plus, these fruits confer major health benefits to boot. Studies have linked them to a lower risk of diabetes, healthier lung function, and protection against certain kinds of cancer.

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3. Cue Up the Slow Cooker

The slow cooker can be a saviour on busy weeknights when you’re too exhausted or busy to prepare a homemade meal. It’s a simple way to make a healthy dinner filled with tons of tasty veggies and lean protein. Cooking at home can save you major calories-research shows each dinner you eat out adds an average of 144 calories to your day, which can add up big over time.

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4. Give Yourself a School-Night Bedtime

The sun is setting earlier and the kids have a bedtime to make sure they’re well-rested for school, so why not set one for yourself too? Make it seven to eight hours before you need to wake up and you’ll guarantee yourself enough sleep to feel better – and look slimmer. Sleep is especially important for your weight – skimping messes with your hormones, which affects your appetite and primes your body for weight gain.

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5. Use Your Jeans as a Scale

Many weight-loss experts agree that it’s important to stay accountable while you’re slimming down, but stepping on the scale can be disheartening when you’re trying hard and not losing as much as you’d like. That’s why I love using how my jeans fit as a gauge. There’s nothing like the feeling of a too-tight pair feeling looser, or better yet, stepping into an old favorite from the back of the closet!

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