Welcoming A Healthful Fall

Check out 5 of my go-to health-supporting ways to welcome the beautiful autumn season!

Embracing the arrival of shorter days, cooler temperatures, and falling leaves can bring a lot of joy. Fall offers so much, and it's the perfect time to take advantage of it all while it lasts. Here are my favorite ways to welcome the new season with healthy habits and seasonal festivities.

Natural Air Fresheners

Stovetop potpourri and cinnamon broomsticks are two inexpensive and natural ways to infuse your home with autumnal aromas.

While I love seasonal candles and sprays, I've been trying to reduce the use of artificial fragrances in my home, especially since having my daughter last year. Simmering a pot of water with citrus peels and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg not only fills your home with a delicious scent but also makes use of food scraps.

Another wonderful way to bring natural aroma into your home is by picking up a cinnamon broomstick from grocery stores like Trader Joe's. Not only do they make charming kitchen decorations, but they also provide a lovely seasonal scent.

These simple, natural methods help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for the fall season.

DIY food activities

Celebrating the season with friends and family can be a lot of fun with activities like building your own caramel apple, making autumn leaf salads, pumpkin carving, and baking.

Build Your Own Caramel Apple:

Slice a couple of apples and toss them in some lemon juice to prevent browning. Pat them dry.
Place various dips and toppings in the sections of a muffin tin.
Stick a toothpick into one end of each apple slice and dip it into melted nut butter, chocolate, nuts, coconut flakes, and more.

Autumn Leaf Salad: Celebrate autumnal colors with an autumn leaf salad. Select fruits or veggies that are yellow, green, and red, and toss them together to make a vibrant leaf color salad.

Pumpkin Carving: If you carve pumpkins, save and roast the seeds to toss into salads, soups, or enjoy as a nutrient-dense snack. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and make a tasty addition to many dishes.

Baking: Engage in baking seasonal treats together like pumpkin banana bread, which can be both enjoyable and delicious.

These activities not only celebrate the season but also create wonderful memories with your loved ones.

Edible Seasonal Decor

One of the first ways I love to welcome any season into my home is with vibrant seasonal produce. A decorative wooden, rattan, or marble fruit bowl or basket can serve as a stunning statement piece in your kitchen or dining room, showcasing autumnal produce. This not only adds a pop of color to your home but also encourages healthful eating choices.

Some of my favorite autumnal produce to display includes colorful apples, pears, pomegranates, figs, persimmons, and kiwi. Additionally, trays or jars of colorful dried fruits and nuts can make excellent edible decor, enhancing both the aesthetic and nutritional value of your home environment.

Embrace the season's bounty and enjoy the beauty and benefits it brings!

Comfort Meals

As the air gets cooler this season, my cravings for warm and cozy meals start to set in. This time of year is perfect for indulging in wholesome dishes like oatmeal bowls, hearty soups, creamy pasta, and grain bowls.

The best part is that these comfort meals can easily be balanced with a variety of nourishing food groups, including protein, whole grains, and veggies. For instance, you can create a delicious soup bowl by combining brown rice, grilled protein, and seasonal frozen veggies like squash, and your soup base of choice.

Check out ways to build a balanced soup bowl below!

Seasonal Outdoor Activities

Autumn is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the crisp air and stunning scenery. Scenic walks or hikes, strolling around the pumpkin patch, and apple picking are wonderful ways to soak up some sun and fresh air. Personally, I love biking through scenic parks and forest preserves with my family.

For those who enjoy art or have kids, a simple backyard scavenger hunt for colorful leaves, acorns, pine cones, and flowers is a fantastic way to get active. These treasures can be used in festive craft projects. I often go hunting for pine cones, which I place in decorative glass jars with dried orange peels or cinnamon sticks for a seasonal touch. Additionally, you can create beautiful wall art by placing dry leaves inside clear picture frames.

Embrace the season and let these activities bring a bit of autumnal magic into your home!