Hello Fall!. Thanks for the reminder that change can be beautiful!

Fall is officially here! Summer had it's fun, now it's time to get back into a routine, and maybe shed some pounds from summer's endless BBQ's and carefree days. Ahh...the cycle of life.

I think of this time of year as an opportunity to re-establish health habits to carry us through the dark, cold winter days. If you have an established exercise routine before the days get shorter and colder, it's a little easier to stick with the program.

I like to set a fall goal. Be creative and set a goal that you are excited to work towards.  It should be a FUN process, not a chore:
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• Sign up to walk or run a 5k: there's the Where the  Wild Things Run 5k on October 16th at the Woodcock Nature Center, or the Turkey Trot in Ridgefield on Thanksgiving morning.
• Or try a new class at your gym (or try them all!).

Some new favorites to share:
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• Favorite phone app: Try this Sworkit app on your smart phones. Such a brilliant idea! This app is a perfect way to fit in exercise while you're traveling, or if you would just like some new ideas.
• Favorite online yoga website: Yoga for all levels. There's something for everyone on this website.
• Favorite exercise DVD: Jillian Michaels No More Trouble Zones. This is a bit of a challenge, but definitely something to work up to.
• Favorite website for tracking food & exercise: www.loseit.com. Getting back into a routine means tracking your food intake (at least for a few days), just to get a handle on portion sizes again. I find it keeps me honest!! I've used this app on my phone before, but recently I've found that the actual website is a little easier to use. It's quite an eye-opening experience!

​And of course I have some new favorite recipes.  ENJOY!!!

Simple Roasted Butternut Squash
YUM!! I might add some shallots and black beans.  Wrap in a whole grain tortilla for a filling lunch.

Sweet Potato Pancakes
These are a family favorite. I make a large batch and freeze them individually for a quick side dish, or an entree paired with a salad.

Spiced Lentil Soup 
LOVE this soup. The occasional splurge on full fat coconut milk is totally worth it with this recipe.

Lentil Shepherd' Pie
My favorite lentil shepherd's pie yet! I added some smoked paprika. Perfect for a chilly night. And nothing against Jabba, but I skipped the decoration step for the sake of time ;)

Apple Cider Donuts
This is a repeat recipe, but just in case you missed it last fall-this recipe is the healthy cure for apple cider donut cravings.  LOVE these!  I like making them as muffins.

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​Bon Appetit!!

Advice from a pumpkin:  

Be well-rounded, get plenty of sunshine, give thanks for life's bounty, have a thick skin, keep growing, be outstanding in your field, Think BIG!!  (Ilan Shamir)