Simple Steps to a Healthier and Colorful Fall

Thank you Blue Shield of California for sponsoring this post. They are committed to health and wellness, and they believe in tackling health issues before they start.

When it comes to health and wellness, my approach is simple.

I try to make small lifestyle changes everyday to improve well-being for myself and my family.

The key for me is to keep it colorful and fun,  

and do things that make me happy while still keeping it healthy.

Food Swaps

Who doesn't love a donut? But you can't eat them all the time.

Swapping out the classic, fried treat for a sprinkle yogurt donut

is one of my favorite ways to start the day.

I coat a donut pan with non-stick spray, add sprinkles to each mold,

fill with a low sugar yogurt and freeze.  

Then pop them out in the morning and serve over granola.

It's a much healthier breakfast that is still festive and feels indulgent.

I love to serve zucchini noodles as an alternative to pasta, sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for french fries or plain Greek yogurt for sour cream.  

They are all easy, delicious changes that don't make you feel like you are missing out.

Take the road less traveled and get out of the car!

Not only is taking your bike for a spin or walking great exercise,

often they take you on picturesque paths that you could never see from the car.  

You can treat yourself by stopping and smelling the flowers, enjoying the wind in your hair

and really taking in the view.

It is good for you body and your mind.  A day at the beach is so much more rewarding when you ride your bicycle there.

Another tip, parking far away from a store's entrance.  It not only alleviates the stress of fighting for a good spot but those extra steps add up.

I don't know about you but I am always proud of myself

when I take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.  Working up a sweat in the gym is a great work out but little everyday activities count too!

Take the eat more color challenge

I love to go to our local Farmers' Market and try to buy the most vibrant produce I can find.

Gorgeous greens, beautiful blueberries, pretty peaches, colorful chard...

not only are they amazing to look at, they taste even better.

I challenge my kids and myself to try to find the most unique products at the market. It is always an adventure and thrill when you discover something you have never tried before.

I encourage them to talk to the farmers about what they have grown and their favorite ways to eat it.

We love learning about seasonal fruits and vegetables and are

always in awe with how much better farm fresh ingredients taste.

Eating better is not only important, it should be celebrated.

Living a healthier life is important but for success, it needs to be something you enjoy and easily fits into the way you live.  I was excited to learn that Blue Shield of California is committed to their patients' health and mental wellness and see that it's crucial to tackle health issues before they start whenever possible. Wellvolution is Blue Shield of California’s a suite of programs that has been proven to prevent and reverse disease through 100% lifestyle based approaches.  Concentrating on improving diet, activity, stress management and social support are all things Wellvolution addresses.  If you are already a Blue Shield of California member it is free to join. Be sure to find more information on Wellevolution here.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.