Fall is upon us and it’s the time of year many of us tend to start falling off the health-kick, dieting bandwagon we hopped on in the beginning of summer. The fall and winter months are packed full with temptations such as large Thanksgiving dinners, holiday parties and simply the heartier foods (potatoes, warm breads, hot chocolates, etc.). However, it doesn’t have to and shouldn’t be this way. There are many aspects of fall that we can use to either continue weight loss or maintain a healthy weight. Fall can be a perfect time to continue or even begin a weight loss regimen that will help you get through the next few months and come out on the other side actually slimmer instead of plumper for once. Here are a few great tips to help smartly manage your weight through fall and winter, and still be able to enjoy this wonderful time of year:

1. Soups are a perfect fall food, but stay away from cream based versions which are loaded with tons of fat. Hearty vegetable and beef or chicken stews are just as comforting and satisfying on a chilly day, and you will save as much as twice the calories.

2. Eat Pumpkin! Pumpkin is a perfect fall food, loaded with lots of fiber and nutrients without many calories. Interestingly the crust on a single slice of pumpkin pie can have as many as 300 calories! But you can make a crust-less pumpkin pie that tastes just as great and has next to zero fat. You can have your pie and eat it too!

3. Don’t forget breakfast. Making sure you have a nutritious meal before you leave the house will help you avoid sugary or fattening temptations later on in the day. Even just an apple and a yogurt or a piece of cheese will get your day off on the right foot.

4. Take advantage of the weather cooling off and get outside before it gets too cold! Go for a run or even just a walk around the block for 20 minutes will help burn extra calories.

5. Know that it’s OK to indulge every now and then. Have a small slice of that pecan pie; just be sure to watch the portion. If you deny yourself too much you will just end up giving up altogether or binging later on.

6. Don’t forget to drink water. This is very important because while it is easy to remember to drink water when it’s hot out, when the weather cools off we have a tendency to drink less. Staying hydrated is crucial to controlling appetite. A great option is to drink hot tea, this way you can have a warm drink while keeping hydrated.

7. Make a plan and have a goal in mind but focus on progress, not perfection. Especially when going out to parties or even just planning what you will eat for the week. Having a plan prepares you to make the right decisions.