Thankfully, we still have a few sweet summer days to enjoy as we prepare for autumn, which will usher in the eagerly awaited football season and all the fourth quarter festivities.

Beyond excitement for the games themselves, this time of year presents a unique opportunity to adopt a holistic approach to well-being, blending the thrill of football and the holiday season with health-changing habits and “that time of year” activities. This fall, let the spirit of the season inspire you to embrace another level of health. Incorporate one or two small, healthy choices in as many aspects of your life as possible. Here are a few suggestions:

Embrace outdoor activity with cooler fall weather. Consider incorporating brisk walks with light weights (2lbs), or short hikes that offer some incline, exploring scenic trails adorned with beautiful flowers and fall foliage. Hiking provides a moderate to high-intensity exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs. The more inclined and quicker the pace, the better the workout.

Explore tending a garden. This is a great way to stay mentally and physically active and enjoy the outdoors. From a backyard garden to potted vegetables and herbs, there is a special sense of connecting with nature when growing your own fruits, vegetables and seasonings.

Harvest the season. Many fruits and vegetables are in season during the fall. Visit your local organic farms or farmers’ markets to pick up fresh produce like squash, kale, Brussels sprouts, etc. Cooking with seasonal ingredients and herbs is a tasty delight which is good for both you and the environment.

Indulge on healthier game day snacks. Prepare nutrient-dense staples like grilled lean proteins, fruit and vegetable platters loaded with wholesome omegas and proteins, and healthier dips such as guacamole and hummus. Modify favorites and make small adjustments to classic game-day recipes. If you’re a meat eater, use extra-lean ground turkey or chicken in chili and burgers to reduce fat and calories, always opting for organic, grass-fed or grass-finished when possible. Opt for baked chicken tenders or grilled fish/chicken kebabs instead of fried chicken wings, fried veggies and other processed foods.

Add this simple spice blend to everything! For years, I have added this nutritious homemade spice blend to almost everything I prepare: dips, sandwiches, wraps, beans, pasta sauces, chili, hummus and even scrambled eggs. You only need three fresh ingredients— garlic bulb, turmeric root and ginger root— all found in the produce section. Grind together in your coffee/herb grinder or blender and add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or water), a squeeze of lemon and salt or pepper as preferred. The consistency should be similar to hummus, and the amount you make is up to you. Store in a glass jar in the fridge and explore its many uses: marinade over fish, veggies, meat; spread on crackers, or toss in salads or tuna. It has so many uses and is so good for you!

Happy embracing, exploring, harvesting and indulging your way to increased wellness. Let’s all move the goal post on our new “healthy living” choices this season!

Candice Nicole is a health advocate and founder of HUmineral plant-nutrient mineral supplements. She can be reached at info@HUmineral.com or (818) 400.7657. www.humineral.com.