Extraordinary Health Magazine EH Magazine VOl 34 | Page 58

4 Celebrate Fall
Colorful Ways to
by Tracey Pollack
Crisp air, longer nights, and leaves changing from green to gold show that fall is in the wind.
This spectacular season is full of natural beauty and a cozy sense of comfort. With autumn’s arrival,
it’s time to rekindle favorite fall traditions, from rowdy football games and thrilling Halloweens, to
a spectrum of fall foliage and Thanksgiving feasts with family. Now that fall is blowing in, spice
up your life in these heartwarming ways.
1. Rake in the Healthy Benefits of Fall
The changing colors of the leaves are one of autumn’s pleasures, but these leaves are also a pain
as they pile up in your yard, demanding to be raked. But what may seem like a lot of work is actually
a healthy workout. Raking up piles of leaves gets your heart pumping, your legs bending and
strengthens your upper body. It also gets you out of a stuffy gym or a lazy routine to enjoy the
brisk autumn breeze and splendor of the season.
2. Leave on a Fall Foliage Sight-Seeing Trip
Hit the road to bask in the beauty of the spectacular seasonal scenery. Take a drive to see the rich
red, golden and amber leaves falling from the trees. While you’re exploring the beautiful countryside,
make the most of your adventure by getting outside and walking around in the crisp autumn air.
Stretch your legs on a nearby hiking trail, go apple-picking at an orchard, or stop by a pumpkin
patch to pick out the perfect jack-o-lantern. Gather a few of the auburn leaves and rustle up some
pinecones to decorate your home with the brilliant beauty of the season.
3. Find a Fall Festival
As the weather cools down, the festival circuit heats up. From early September through
mid-November, practically every weekend you’ll find some seasonal celebration happening near
you. Polka after a pretzel at Oktoberfest events. Thrill for tricks and treats at Halloween celebrations.
And have a feast of fun at fairs that celebrate the harvest, such as pumpkin parades, apple fests and
cranberry carnivals. Get outdoors and get some exercise visiting these festivals with live music, crazy
contests, fun games and hearty foods that make autumn the star of the show.
4. Savor the Flavors of Fall
As the autumn breeze blows in, a bounty of fall flavors follow. Pumpkin spice, apple cider, cranberry,
squash and cinnamon warm our hearts as much as our tables all throughout the season. Best of all,
these fall favorites are also seasonal superfoods full of vitamins, minerals and fiber that help you
stay healthy and happy. So why not wake up to a batch of pumpkin pancakes or stir pears into your
oatmeal? Chase away the chill by simmering veggie-based soups, cooking hearty stews, roasting root
vegetables, and braising lean meats with rosemary and sage. For a sweet taste of the season, bake
up some cranberry spice muffins or a cinnamon apple crisp. And enjoy the autumn aromas of
fall-scented candles in vanilla, clove or pumpkin spice to satisfy all of your senses.
So break out the boots, gather the leaves and warm up to these bright ideas to savor the sights,
scents and sensations that make fall the cream of the crop.
56 Vol 34 • Extraordinary Health ™