Tea hosts a remarkable wealth of antioxidants. Drinking green tea may help boost metabolism, oolong teas can lower blood sugar, and black teas can promote oral health.
Make these easy changes to celebrate autumn with a healthy appetite:
1. An apple a day really does make sense; it has about 80 calories and 5 grams of fiber. Fall is prime apple time so be sure to hit the local farm stand or spend the afternoon at a pick-your-own farm stocking up.
2. Expand your fruit repertoire — take advantage of fall's bounty of figs and pomegranates.
3. For a big dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber, eat more hearty greens. Shop for those grown organically or buy conventional and spray your greens and other veggies with a homemade wash: a dash of lemon juice mixed with two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and a cup of water.
4. Start your day with a Microwave Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for a feeling of well-being that will last all morning.
5. Recharge with hot mulled cider on a crisp, fall afternoon.
6. Take a hike! Get out and enjoy the fall foliage. You can work off up to 250 calories per hour on a comfortable stroll through the woods.
7. Make Mexican Chicken Soup on a cold day for a low-cal yet hearty treat. Look for free-range and antibiotic-free chicken breasts from your butcher or supermarket.
8. Set up the slow cooker before work so Tuscan Chicken with White Beans and Wilted Greens will be ready for dinner. Better still, slow cookers are often more energy efficient that using your stove or oven.
9. Settle in with a soothing cup of tea for an organic antioxidant boost. Not a tea drinker? Try a warm mug of sustainably grown coffee. When enjoyed in moderation, coffee has been linked to several health benefits — reducing the risk of Parkinson's and diabetes, to name two.
10. Remember: Bathing suit season may be over, but conscious eating isn't. And with the holidays just around the corner, start eating healthy now to save room for a little indulging later.
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