Health Insurance Values » HealthLog with Dave Keller

Harvest time

This week temperatures dropped significantly in my part of the country, which meant it was time to harvest the vegetables remaining in my garden before the frost. I distributed some to friends and coworkers, others were canned for future consumption; nothing went to waste.

Whenever I go through this autumn ritual, I think about how drastically lifestyles change as winter nears.

Over the summer, it seems easier to maintain a healthy diet and get routine exercise. But once the air begins to cool and the daylight hours diminish, life changes. Comfort foods work their way back into our diets and we find ourselves settled in for the new fall TV line up instead of outside riding our bicycles or playing catch with the kids. We start putting on winter weight and getting sick, only to find ourselves starting over in the spring.

So this year, I encourage you to harvest your healthy summer habits. Find ways to work them into your fall and winter lifestyle. If you can’t buy fresh produce, incorporate frozen or canned fruits and vegetables into your diet. If your cool-weather comfort food is homemade macaroni and cheese, add broccoli or a side salad. If you can’t afford a gym membership or at-home exercise equipment, bundle up and spend 30 minutes walking outdoors. Find a friend or family member to go with you; the companionship will help you forget the chill. Rent exercise videos from your local library or look into community education exercise classes such as yoga or aerobics.

Your health will likely improve compared to previous years – which means less money spent on doctor visits and medications. You may even notice the “winter blahs” visit less.

Don’t let what you’ve spent all summer growing go to waste.