Fit For Fall

September is finally here, and I have my house back again…It's time for back to school. While that gives many of us loads of new challenges, schedules and stress, for those going away to school it could also mean loads of extra weight
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The freshman fifteen is no myth. And it isn't only reserved to first year college students. We have all seen it, but it doesn’t have to be that way. So this year, let’s make a collective back to school resolution that will bring us into the holidays healthier and happier.  So whether you are headed off to school, or missing someone who did, you can try these three simple things to maintain your summer fitness throughout the fall and winter.

​Rule #1 - Avoid eating white food, specifically white and processed.  Exceptions are cauliflower and almond milk.  This means no refined sugar.  No white bread.  It’s very simple.  We can all do it.

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Rule #2 - Do not bat clean up. When your kids still have food on their plates, throw it away. You should have already eaten your meal. Imagine if you took just a month and added up all those tiny bites you took in the kitchen while cleaning up.  That's a lot of extra food that serves no real purpose toward your ultimate health goals. So don’t do it. If you are at college, this applies in the same way.  Just because there is leftover pizza around doesn’t mean you have to eat it. By maintaining good nutrition, you also maintain your ability to process information effectively. You are learning many new things and you need to be at your peak. Eating garbage at 2 a.m. is not going to get it done.

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Rule #3 - Pay attention to those coffeehouse drinks. You may be getting much more than a boost of caffeine. I have watched adults, teenagers and now even middle-schoolers making their morning beverage purchase with the hopes of increasing their energy only to have the complete opposite and a much more detrimental effect. Drinks ranging from Iced Blended Frappuccinos to hot chocolates with whip have people consuming approximately 500 calories, up to 18g of Fat, and Carbs that come primarily from sugar. I can’t think of anything better designed for lethargy and weight gain than these so called  "pick-me-up" drinks. 


​Your best choices are unsweetened or very lightly sweetened drinks. Iced teas without syrup, regular coffee, or if you must have a blended drink, the light varieties will at least save hundreds of calories.

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I challenge all of you and your kids to take on these three simple rules for the next few months.  By doing so, the freshman fifteen shouldn’t be an issue - for the kids or the parents.
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Having a fit lifestyle starts at the dinner table, and unfortunately that is often the first thing that slips in times of stress.  School can be stressful for parents and kids alike. Take the time to refocus on being good to yourself with a clean healthy diet. Your energy and sense of well-being will increase and lead to a  remarkably productive and beneficial time for everyone.