Have you noticed? Fall is in the air! School is back in full swing, the leaves are turning and the temperatures are starting to cool down.
Fall is a perfect time to get outside and enjoy being active in nearly perfect temperatures. It is easier on the body to be active outdoors when the temperatures are mild.
We are between the uncomfortable heat of summer and the chill of winter, so it makes sense to take advantage of the weather and head outdoors.
Another important reason to be outside right now is the
vitamin D
factor.
In Canada, it is impossible to get enough vitamin D from the sun between the months of October and March, regardless of how much time you spend outside.(1).
Do your body a favour and give it a vitamin D boost by spending some time being active outdoors.
Here are some fun and healthy activities that you can enjoy while taking advantage of the daylight and nice weather that we have left:
Rake Leaves:
This is a surprisingly strenuous activity so go slow and enjoy. It will get your heart rate up and give your upper body a nice workout.
Enlist the kids to help you, and rake and play in the leaves for an afternoon. You will be healthier and your yard will look great!
(Did I mention I hate leaf-blowers?).
Tip
: Be sure to change your raking hands (right to lefty, lefty to righty) every 5 minutes or so to maintain balance through the body and avoid blisters (gloves help as well).
Take a walk:
The best way to enjoy the brilliant colours of fall is to take a long walk. It's a great way to see the beauty up close and personal.
Places to walk include nearby parks, nature preserves or hiking trails at a lake.
A favourite of ours is Mundy Park, as well as the Barnet Marine Park in Burnaby. A little more strenuous are the trails around Buntzen Lake.
Ride bikes, play frisbee golf, and get involved in other sports:
The cooler temperatures are invigorating. This is a great time to pick up some new fun activities or resurrect some activities that you might have neglected for a while.
Bike riding is so much fun. Grab some friends and take a spin!
There are lots of safe trails and paths around the Tri-Cities (away from traffic), to enjoy a leisurely bike ride.
There is a frisbee golf course at Mundy Park too!
Visit Farmers' Markets:
It's harvest time for many foods, so head out to your local farmers' markets for some fresh and healthy selections.
If you find a great deal on bulk items, consider bringing it home and putting it in the freezer for later.
The Poirier Street Market in Coquitlam is still open, from 9am-1pm on Sundays until October 30th. (Dogwood Pavilion Parking Lot - 624 Poirier Street (Poirier & Winslow St).
The Port Moody Winter Farmer's Market starts up on November 6th, running until April 30, 2017, from 10am-2pm on Sundays. (Port Moody Recreation Complex, 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody).
Caution
: Just because it came from a farmer's market, doesn't mean it's organic...get to know your farmer!
Find a Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze:
If you're up for a little adventure, how about visiting a corn maze! This is a great way to get in a good walk while exercising your brain as well!
Often, you will find local farms that offer both a corn maze to enjoy plus a chance to choose your own pumpkin. Go with friends to make it even more fun!
Enjoy your fall by taking the time to get outdoors and enjoy the daylight and nice weather that we have left. Soak up some vitamin D and make some fall memories with family and friends!
Sources:
1. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-benefits
