Are you a goal setter? I am, and I tend to get ’em done when I write my goals down. Instead of doing a New Year’s resolution list, I’ve been setting seasonal goals with an emphasis on my overall wellbeing, hence the “10 Healthy Things I’m Doing this Autumn.”
Because I made my Healthy Summer Bucket List using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely), I did pretty well, so here goes for fall! I hope to inspire you to make your own list of healthy autumn activities.
1. Hike among the fall colors.
Here in Colorado, we’ll be seeing peak fall colors over the next few weeks. I’m going to get up to Rocky Mountain National Park and hike among the aspen trees at least once. We’re fortunate to live just an hour away from RMNP.
Hiking last weekend up near Copper Mountain, CO.
2. Run a 5K.
The cooler months are a perfect time to get out to walk or run a 5 or 10K. I don’t love to run, but I have been running a little when I’m in Scottsdale, so I figure a 5K is a reasonable goal.
3. Prep my home for cold weather.
Because we’re inside so much during the colder months, I want to get our windows, carpet, and vents cleaned, have the furnace serviced, and declutter so we can enjoy a cleaner interior this winter. No fun, but necessary, and will be good for us.
4. Try new soup recipes.
I’m still eating gluten-free and mostly vegan meals, so I need to get some new soup recipes. These two are on my list to make: root vegetable dal and vegan clam chowder. This cauliflower polenta from True Foods isn’t a soup, but it’s also on my list. It’s SO delicious!
Vegan clam chowder from VeganHuggs.com
5. Take indoor activities outside.
I want to eat meals, read, and do computer work outside as often as possible. In fact, I wrote this blog post outside on my deck. Did you know that fresh air can boost your immune system, energize you, increase happiness, and lower stress? This article from Huff Post gives more details.
6. Plan a winter getaway.
January and February. Too cold. Need warm weather! Any suggestions?
7. Read more books.
On my summer list, I aimed to read five books and actually finished seven! I’m adding five more to my autumn list.
These are the books I read over summer, and I enjoyed them all: Dreams of Joy, by Lisa See; The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown; The Friend Zone, by Abby Jimenez; Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life, by Steve Martin; Night, by Elie Wiesel; Ask Again,Yes, by Mary Beth Keane; A Stranger on the Beach, by Michele Campbell; and I’m currently reading Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee.
8. Prioritize gratitude.
As Brené Brown says, “Practicing gratitude invites joy into our lives.” I want to intentionally focus on the positives in my life and exercise an attitude of gratitude.
9. Start doing hot yoga again.
I did Bikram yoga for several years, mainly in the cooler months, but when my favorite studio closed two years ago, I stopped altogether. I want to reincorporate this hot yoga practice back into my routine as the weather starts to cool down.
10. Try different seasonal vegetables.
I tend to eat the same things over and over. This autumn, I want to try seasonal vegetables that are new to me, that I haven’t eaten much, or that I’ve been timid to try, like kohlrabi, chard, leeks, and cauliflower, among others. Do you have any I should try?
If you have more ideas for a healthy autumn, please share them in the comments or email me. As always, thank you for reading.
xo, Lisa
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Lisa I LOVE the idea of seasonal goals! I’m going to do it!!
Thanks, Gillian! For me it’s much more doable. Thanks for reading.
xx, Lisa
Oh Lisa this is my favorite post yet. Reasonable and fun goals! Especially the soups and hikes. Thank you for the motivation
I’m so happy to hear that, Mo! Thank you for the encouragement.
xoxo, Lisa
This is a wonderful post Lisa!!! You have inspired me to try something similar.
I would suggest trying a few new Squash recipes this fall, or even make a soup with it.
That sounds great, Deb. Squashes are definitely one of those vegetables I haven’t used enough. Appreciate you reading.
xx, Lisa
This is so good for so many reasons,Lisa!!
We eat kohlrabi quite a bit. We just eat it raw…I grew up eating it on the relish tray every Sunday at my grandmas!! And it’s sold at our Frye’s here in AZ!! It reminds me of Jicama only a little more earthy.
I always like making soups, but I tend to make the same ones over and over. I need to branch out more too!!
XOXO
Jodie
Would you believe I’ve never tried kohlrabi? I’ll definitely look up some recipes.
xo, Lisa
Really enjoyed this post – Fall is my favorite season! I especially like your emphasis on well-being. I wrote a few notes for myself. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Helen! I’m so glad you found it helpful.
xo, Lisa
I agree with you on so many points. Fresh air for a start. I love nothing more than a walk or a game of golf. Plus I love seasonal veg, particularly squah and love my soups too. Great post..lots of inspiring tips.
Appreciate you reading, Hilda.
xo, Lisa
Sounds great & very doable! You have inspired me to make my own list!
Wonderful, Theresa! Best of luck with yours.
Lisa 😊
That cauliflower polenta sounds amazing and healthy. My goal this fall is to reset my body into a healthier place.
Sounds like a commendable goal! Thank you for reading.
xx, Lisa
Great goals!! I love the seasonal veggies! I made a goal to take a cooking class each month and my first one is on seasonal veggies!!
What a great idea! I love that! Thanks for sharing.
xx, Lisa
I love this list! I’ve been trying to eat my lunch outside as much as possible. But we are having so much rain! I am a big fan of soup too so I am checking out your recipes! I am trying to do more reading as well! I have a few of the books on your list! Great encouragement!
Appreciate you reading, Amy! Thanks so much. 🙏
xx, Lisa