This is that crazy “hump” time of year. Out of  swimsuits and shorts and not quite into the holiday black strappy number; a time when school projects and sports keep Moms on their toes and mostly in their cars. Exercise? When? The end of the year and the beginning of craziness doesn’t always allow us to fit in exercise, especially with the days getting shorter.  So we must be creative in our eating and keep the pounds from piling on when the exercise is in a lull.

Sure, you can hide behind the pumpkin applique sweater vest while bulking up on the fun-size Milky Ways but at some point that party dress beckons.

During Fall there are many positives that can keep your gut in check and on you on your game.  Not only is the weather perfect for sneaking in a run or brisk walk, but healthy comfort foods can ease the overload.  Here are a few tips to keep “The Great Pumpkin” as a favorite holiday show and not an indication of your belly size!

• Apples in Abundance!   Keep a bushel in the car to stave off cravings and for quick harmless energy.  This time of year, apples are not only abundant and affordable, the variety is also endless.  Weight Watchers® has even caught on and allows apples to be free on their points plan.  Try making this fat-free Apple Butter (Cooking Light, 2008) in the crock pot before you head out for the day, then keep it in the fridge to spread on sandwich thins with peanut butter. Delicious Fat Free Apple Butter
•  Pumpkin Pancakes:   Requested by my middle daughter this weekend, I added about ½ a cup of canned pure pumpkin to pancake mix.  One serving of pure pumpkin adds about 20% of the recommended fiber, oodles (more than 100%) of Vitamin A and plenty of anti-oxidants. While my daughter likely got ½ a serving in the pancakes, she was off to a healthy start for the day.  Pumpkin puree can be added to pasta sauce and chili usually without little ones or even the picky adult noticing.  Fooling them all with goodness!
• Fall Spices:  The colors of Fall, the brilliant hues of oranges, browns and golds in spices can add incredible flavor, powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to your meals.  Look at the window and then into your spice drawer , is it any wonder that the spices of Fall are cinnamon, turmeric,  ginger and paprika?  The health benefits of these spices are incredible:

1. cinnamon- anti-aging
2. turmeric- anti-inflammatory
3. ginger-a source of potassium and anti-nausea
4. paprika-enhances metabolism and fat-burning

Let “Fun-Size” be how you feel, not what you eat.  Happy October and Run on!

By the way, a  friend once  asked me, “How many fun size Milky Ways can one eat before getting sick?”, then responded sadly, “I know the number isn’t 12!).