As the weather gets cooler, the days get shorter and cold & flu season approach. It’s important to prioritize healthy habits to help us to feel our best!

Here are 6 things you can do to stay healthy this fall:

Eat all the seasonal fruits & vegetables.

Eating produce that is in season is not only more nutritious but it actually helps to support your body’s natural nutritional needs. In the winter we are provided by nature all things citrus, this is because they are high in vitamin C which is important for preventing colds and flus.

Keep moving and get your workout in early.

With the days getting shorter and the weather getting cooler its easy to want to snuggle up on the couch and skip your workout. When you work out in the morning you’ll have more energy throughout the day, and when the afternoon comes you can use that time to relax and wind down. To help you with your early morning workouts prepping & preparing the night before can make a huge difference – lay out your clothes the night before, pack your gym bag and plan your workout in advance.

Boost vitamin D intake.

Our bodies absorb vitamin D through our skins’ exposure to the sun, with the shorter days it’s important to be sure we are getting enough. Since vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and immune system function, supplementing with a little extra can help prepare your body for the upcoming sunless season. On days when it is sunny make sure you are prioritizing (safe) sun exposure, preferably before noon to help support your circadian rhythm.

Some foods high in vitamin D: Fatty fish & seafood (such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, etc), mushrooms, and egg yolks.

Boost your immune system.

Our bodies are working extra hard this time of year to fight off colds and flus. Make sure you are nourishing your body with the nutrients it needs to support your immune system. I also love adding in Manuka honey into my morning matcha or tea. Manuka honey has strong antibacterial properties and other enzymes that are highly beneficial for the immune system. Additionally, research has shown Manuka Honey has anti-inflammatory properties, further supporting the idea it has immune system benefits.

Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated any time of year but during the fall when it isn’t sunny & hot it seems like we don’t prioritize it as much. However, that’s not true. With temps dropping and the dry air we are actually getting dehydrated quicker than we think.

Take time for yourself

With the holidays right around the corner it’s easy to feel stressed or overwhelmed. It’s easy to get caught up in time spent with relatives and all the traveling/activities that come with it. But remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Your mental health is important especially during busy times like this and so is stress management.When you are stressed and your body is in fight or flight, your immune system isn’t going to be working as well.

I hope these tips were helpful! Have a happy & healthy fall!