Just as spring is a time for rebirth, autumn is also considered a transitional season. The weather turns brisk, the leaves on the trees change from dull brown to a firestorm of color, and darkness settles in a little earlier. For many, it is a favorite time of year, but for others, it can be a trigger to falling off the health and fitness wagon. After all, how can you be expected to ignore pumpkin spice lattes? The key is to set goals BEFORE the new year, not over a drink as the clock strikes midnight.
“Fall … is a great time to start a (health and) fitness program because you’re going to create good habits for the holiday season and the upcoming winter months,” says Justin Price, owner of Biomechanics a personal training and wellness facility in San Diego.
Not only is Fall a good time to plan a strategic exercise regime, but also to change your summer skin care, eating habits, and stress management. Take a look at our four most important “wellness” points you can focus on this Season to help keep you energized, healthy, and happy.
It’s so hard to resist those spicy pumpkin lattes or warm delicious hot cocoas. Well, you can still enjoy your favorite cold weather beverage. Our helpful tips when you are out:
(1) Use milk (3% milk fat) rather than the heftier half-and-half (18% milk fat)
(2) Opt for the “skinny” version, made with skim milk rather than whole
(3) Forgo the calorie rich whipped cream
(4) Order a small, rather than large
Or, make your own at home with our favorite low-cal pumpkin spice latte recipe:
You need:
1½ cups unsweetened cashew milk or other non-dairy milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 teaspoons regular vanilla
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons pureed pumpkin
1 pack Starbucks VIA instant coffee (or favorite brand)
Directions:
(1) Place cashew milk, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin a small saucepan and bring to a simmer
(2) Stir in instant coffee
(3) Transfer to a mug and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Enjoy!
While we all look forward to Halloween’s scrumptious candies and the holidays’ luscious turkey, ham, and pumpkin pie, there is a way you can still indulge yet stay trim throughout the entire Season. The key is to not deprive yourself so much that you overcompensate later. We like model Gigi Hadid’s motto: “Eat clean to stay fit, eat a burger to stay sane.”
On your regular days, start with a small healthy breakfast like whole grain oatmeal, fruit, eggs, or cereal to kick start your metabolism. Curb your mid-day slump with a healthy salad of greens and protein. Finish the day off with a light dinner of chicken or fish, and vegetables. Maintain this daily routine on normal days.
When you are out on the town, no need to sacrifice your regime. You can still order your favorites, just order dressings on the side, limit heavy breads, opt for lean meats or salads, and stay hydrated with water. Spending a little extra time on what you eat throughout your normal routine, means you can indulge a little on the special days without “falling off the bandwagon.”
As the warmth of summer’s sun fades and we go into the “hibernation” Season, sometimes our skin takes a backseat to the busy-ness of Fall’s activities. With the crisp cool air, skin can easily lose moisture so it is vital to change your daily skin care regime. Take a look at some of our favorite tips from top designers and dermatologists.
The simplest way to look energetic throughout this busy time of year is to keep your peeps bright and alert. While a comforting facial is always beneficial, we don’t always have the time in our busy schedules. The easiest way to stay fresh is with a quick at-home eye treatment right before you go to bed, or just when you wake up. In addition to reducing salt, hydrating with water, and preventing allergens, these are our favorite “quick tips:”
(1) CUCUMBERS (containing antioxidants and flavonoids): Place a cool slice on each eye and take a rest for 30 minutes. Afterward you’ll feel nice and refreshed.
(2) RAW POTATO SLICES: They stay cool longer and contain an astringent that helps remove the water from under the eyes. Lay over the eyes and reap the benefits.
(3) WITCH HAZEL: Chill witch hazel (a well-known astringent to reduce swelling and redness) and apply a bit to cotton pad; let sit on closed eyes for 5 minutes.
(4) COLD WATER: Refresh your face with a cool water wash first thing in the morning. If your eyes feel extra puffy, dip a washcloth in cold water, squeeze out excess and lay over eyes.
With the fluctuating weather, it is extra important to slough off dead cells and keep skin hydrated against the Season’s uneven temperatures. Make sure you lather up with an additional amount of non-comedogenic hydration. Instead of relying on chemical ridden products, why not make your own easy nourishing face and body scrub at home to use throughout the Fall months ahead:
DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl mix: One tablespoon of brown sugar
A generous squeeze of honey
A teaspoon of olive oil
Mix until one paste. After removing any makeup, massage this concoction all over your face for a minute or so and then rinse with warm water. (Make a larger quantity for full body exfoliation).
With the new Season comes new beauty trends. Even though the leaves turn darker and the nights come sooner, that doesn’t mean that make-up must follow. This year, counterbalance warmer colors with a fresh-faced, simple make-up care routine you’ll sure to appreciate, especially on those busy days.
Click her to check out this quick “how to” on daily make-up you can start today:
Fresh Face Look
And when you DO feel like dressing up a bit, just swipe on this Season’s most glamorous lip colors in power reds, 90’s browns, or liquid berry.
During the hectic Season, take a little time to calm, cleanse, and rejuvenate. Our favorite way is through aromatherapy, the most natural way to release stress. The methods of use are what makes aromatherapy one of the most beautiful and indulgent of all the complementary therapies. From vaporizing, to massage, to bathing, to foot baths, there are so many ways to enjoy the captivating aromas of our pure essential oils.
Our favorite way to relax is vaporisation, the most popular and versatile method of use in Aromatherapy. Once the particles are inhaled, the essential oil vapors may alter moods and balance emotions within seconds.
How to:
Fill your vaporiser with water to the level indicated. Add 6-9 drops in total of pure essential oils to the water and light the candle at the base of a Ceramic Vaporiser or switch on your Electric or Ultra Sonic Vaporiser.
Don’t stop with just your home. You can stay calm throughout the day in your car with lemon infused oils to reduce anxiety and stress or revive during the mid-afternoon slump with coffee or cinnamon reviving scents.
And finally, end the day in peace with a indulgent warm bath. Bathing is the most beautiful and nurturing method of use in the practice of Aromatherapy. All the senses are engaged in this practice and the mind and body are totally relaxed as the pure essential oils enter the body.
How to:
Add 3 drops in total of chosen oils like Rose or Lavender to one teaspoon of Sweet Almond Massage Base Oil and disperse into bath water. Agitate the surface of the bath and then immerse body and relax for 10 minutes.
The year would not be complete without the celebrations that fill the Season, creating pockets of joy to last a lifetime. No need for extravagance; let nature take over and provide the perfect backdrop for your Fall party. Whether you are planning a Halloween masquerade, gearing up for Thanksgiving, or hosting a casual get-together, go simple this Season.
Fill a glass urn with pine cones and colorful leaves from the back yard or make a centerpiece with pumpkins from your local pumpkin patch. Enhance your house with cinnamon essential oils for a calm environment, and add a couple of plaid throw blankets over chairs. If the weather permits, end your party with an old fashioned marshmallow roasting and snuggle into your warm blankets for an entertaining evening of fun, food, and fellowship.
Added bonus, hosting your own gathering means you get to pull out your favorite party wear, and stay cozy and warm without having to step foot out of the door. Make it easy on yourself by having guests bring their favorite Fall goodies, and stir together a simple apple cider that young and old alike can enjoy.
In this hectic time year, you can find ways to detox and decompress throughout your daily activities. Whether you opt for a “skinny” latte, relax with a natural scrub, overhaul your makeup routine, or calm with essential oils, enter the Season refreshed and revived rather than tired and stressed. Look for ways to get out and enjoy the fresh crisp air and the colorful changes in nature, inspiring you to try a few new things this Fall. Comment below and let us know which refreshing ideas appeal to you!
Remember no matter what we here at Posh at Play always encourage you to
BE YOU, BE FABULOUS, AND ALWAYS BE FEMININE.
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