Through Heather's Looking Glass

Five Fall Health Tips and Blue Cross Deals

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It’s now October and finally starting to feel like Fall around here. Unfortunately, a lot of people look ahead to all of the upcoming holidays and decide to “give up” on healthy living until January. Hiding under thick sweaters and scarves is tempting, but it is possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle as the holidays approach.

Fall is a great time to make smart and healthy choices for you and your family. Have you heard of Blue365®, a national program offered by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to members of participating Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies? This program makes being healthy affordable for you and your family.

Blue365 works kind of like Groupon. It offers weekly discounted services and products that will help you make healthy lifestyle choices easy for your family. You will also get a weekly e-mail telling you of these featured discounts (which will also be on their Facebook page).

My favorite discounts I have seen are ones for Lasik eye surgery, Jenny Craig, and even discounted hand sanitizer (no one wants to be inside and sick because of germs just when the weather is getting nice!). I also saw discounts on Polar heart rate monitors, and even 20% off Reebok products online (PLUS free shipping, wow!).

There are SO many more deals than this; you should check them out for yourself. You can sign up for Blue365 to gain immediate access to deals at http://blue365deals.com/. If your Blue Company isn’t yet participating in the Blue365® Program, you can still sign up and will be notified when your Blue Company joins the Blue365 movement.

The leaves are changing!

Here are my top five tips for staying healthy this Fall; I hope you will find them helpful!

1.) Have a plan. Going into a football or Halloween party without a plan can wreak havoc on your healthy eating. Be sure to eat beforehand, bring your own healthy food as a contribution to the party, or know ahead of time you will allow yourself one treat.

2.) Enjoy the cool weather. Now that the heat is finally leaving us, there is no excuse to not get outside and play with your kids, walk the dog, or take a hike. Enjoy the crispness of Fall and the beauty of the changing season!

3.) Enjoy your Fall TV shows … and be active. Let’s face it; we are jumping for joy at the return of our Fall TV lineup, but it doesn’t mean you have to be sedentary all night. Walk on the treadmill as you watch, do a short circuit workout during every commercial break, and stretch while your show is on. Make it fun!

4.) Try a new recipe. Fall brings cooler weather which tends to change the way we cook, and also changes what fruits and vegetables are in season. Try a new healthy pumpkin recipe or make some turkey chili for the football game. There are plenty of great recipes out there perfect for a Fall day

5.) Don’t make excuses: Fall is very busy with back to school, extracurricular activities, and parties, but that doesn’t mean you should just give up until January. Find a mantra you love, repeat it to yourself, or write it down and put it on the refrigerator or your mirror. Remind yourself that you CAN be healthy this Fall, and don’t take no for an answer. Remember, you are stronger than you think! (My favorite mantra).

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Would you like the chance to win one of two $500 Visa gift cards, courtesy of BlogHer? To be entered for a chance to win, all you have to do is answer the following question, and be sure to read the rules below: How are you planning to stay healthy through the Fall and holiday season?

Rules: No duplicate comments. You may receive two (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: #SweepstakesEntry; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the Official Rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. Entries from all participating blogs will be pooled for winner selection; only two (2) entries per household. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This Blue365 Program Sweepstakes runs from 10/16/12-11/12/12. Be sure to visit the Blue365 page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies. BlogHer is an independent and/or separate company providing marketing/promotional services and does not provide Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield products or services.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stasha says

    I just signed up with our local gym. In my pj’s at 11PM, online. But it’s a first step, right?

  8. Katie @wishandwhimsy says

    Number 1 and Number 5!!! SO go together. Having a plan limits the excuse making. 🙂

  9. Tricia says

    To stay active this season I have registered for a number of races that will take me into the new year.

  11. lisa fine says

    I plan to do yoga at least once a week, and to go snowshoeing or cross country skiing every week all winter.

    I’ve also been washing my hands A LOT!

  12. Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) says

    I am planning to join a box and take up crossfit. I hoping mixing that into my regular running/coaching routine will change things up and keep me focused!

  13. Lauren says

    I recently joined a crossfit gym so switching up my workouts from mainly running to crossfit will keep my body guessing and let me enjoy the holidays happy and healthy!

  14. Donna says

    I go to lots of group fitness classes! I’ve become friends with lots of the women who go, so they hold me accountable!

  16. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    I actually work for a BCBS plan. We don’t have the 365 here, but we do offer many member discounts to gyms and such. I think it’s so important to help make it easier for people to afford such things.

  17. Lindsey d. says

    Half marathon training! I’ve got one in December and one in February. I’m also signed up for a Thanksgiving Day Turkey trot to help counter calories on that day. It helps that winter is running season down here; easier to get moving despite the holidays.

  20. Pam Gordon says

    I am running a marathon in December, so that will keep me training up until then. 🙂 I’m also participating in a wellness program at work 🙂

  21. janice Ellis says

    I work in an admin building for a school district. With the high school right acrossed the street and the authorization to use the hs weight room, I am able to change at work, walk across the street, do my workout and then head home! So I dont get the that “I-am-at-home-and-dont-want-to-leave” attitude and excuse.

  22. Amanda @ Run Principessa says

    I’m planning on staying healthy this Fall by doing all of the quintessential activities outside. Thanksgiving football? I’m there. Lugging huge pumpkins/mounds of apples around? You’ll find me at the patch or orchard. I’m really excited. 🙂

  24. Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says

    Taking workouts outside is one of my favorite things to do in the fall! It’s so easy to squeeze in a walk/run/hike when the sun is shining and the air is crisp and cool!

  25. Erica Martin says

    I signed up for the Louisiana Marathon in January so I’ll be staying active this winter by making sure I keep to my training schedule! Also trying to eat healthier by limiting sweets from my diet to one small treat on the days I run!

  28. britni says

    I’ve joined a half-marathon training group this fall and signed up for a 10k in December and 1/2 marathon in January!

  30. Kim says

    My plan to stay fit through January is training for the Disney World Half Marathon. I’m sure it will be a challenge to keep up with my long runs but I’m actually looking forward to it!

  31. Jayme says

    I signed up for Best Body Bootcamp and plan on tracking down everything I eat– for the most part 😉 Definitely going to indulge a bit in my grandpa’s famous pecan pie!

  33. Robin M. says

    I am trying to get outside and walk as much as I can… also get enough sleep and eat right.

  34. Lisa Brown says

    I am planning to stay healthy this fall and holiday season by eating right, getting enough sleep, and not letting the stress of it all, get to me.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

  37. susitravl says

    Avoiding the dessert table at parties, using my treadmill when it’s too cold/windy to walk.

  44. Lee says

    I signed up for an 8K Jingle All the Way run in December. Now that it is fall, I can finally run outside and get my training in. Love 55 degree runs!

  46. Eric says

    I’ve started a low sodium diet and will allow for a few holiday indulgences. I’m also giving a month of crossfit a try.

  47. Amy @ A Little Nosh says

    I plan to stay healthy by getting my flu shot and washing my hands often. Also, I need to stop kissing my 5 year old all over his face. I have a feeling that’s how I get sick! LOL

  50. Becky Horn says

    I am trying to get healthy by having regular Dr. visits, eating better and exercising as much as I can.

  52. Dona M Keyton says

    I plan early every year! I have already recieved my flu shot, gotten a new supply of hand soap and I even added a paper towel holder in the bathroom. No sense in everyone using same towel to dry hands with!

  53. Shereen Timmerman says

    Keeping our refrigerator with healthy snacks, walking 3 miles /5 days a week. Taking the stairs . During the holidays i switch our dinner plates with holiday plates…my family doesn’t notice but they are 1/4 smaller;) . When I make desserts I use fresh fruits. As a mother keeping my family fit is very important so I want to be the best role model I can.

  56. Samantha Daleo says

    I am planning on staying healthy by eating what I want, BUT only when I am hungry…also by walking my dog daily and drinking as much water or tea as I can.

  57. Nicole says

    When weather starts getting cold around here, I like to do exercise DVDs in my home. Some of my favorites are Jillian Michaels’ 30-day Shred, the 10-Minute Trainer, and Turbo Jam. We also make a lot of healthy crockpot meals and try to avoid eating fast food. I also use a small plate at holiday parties and fill up on veggies, so I am less likely to overeat!

  59. MelissaO says

    I am great about working out 3/4 times a week, but I really want to commit to five or 6! I think this’ll help go a long way to staying healthy!

    wolverina401 at gmail dot com

  60. Maureen says

    Eating healthy. Watching the sweets. Walking. Taking vitamins. I already got a flu shot as I am near my young nieces and nephews a lot and I tend to older parents. I am trying to get enough sleep. I am trying to stay hydrated with water. I use a stepper when watching tv. I also make sure that I have time with my husband and friends

  62. Tomi says

    Our dog helps keep up healthy on these cool Autumn evenings by insisting on a family walk every night after dinner. It’s a great to get everyone up and moving!

  66. One Frugal Girl says

    I plan to walk my son to the park or playground as many days as possible. We’ll just bundle up as the weather gets colder.

  67. Debra D. says

    I’m 55 years old and have just taken up running about 3 months ago, I love it! Ran my first 5K 2 weeks ago and came in 3rd in my age group and have plans on running 2 to 3 more races this season. So, my plan is to continue running!

  68. J Pratt says

    2 days a week I juice. It has really helped keep the weight off & bring the lipids numbers down. It is like getting all you fruits and vegies in one glass.

  70. grace at {Gabbing with Grace} says

    I’m on Weight Watcher’s so my first order of business is just to stick with the program as much as I can! Even through Halloween I went over on points, but now I’m back, still plugging away at. I’ll also run outside until it’s very cold (I live in MI) and on the super dark & cold mornings I’m planning to do my Jillian Michaels videos on the odd days and on the even days use my Nike trainer app, rotating arms/legs/butt/back each week. I also try to take the stairs at work each day, pack my own lunch & overall just try to be mindful of what I’m eating, and especially continuting to NOT eat after 7:30pm. That’s my plan! =)

  71. Tanya Samudio says

    I have committed to a minimum 1 hour walk or stair climber workout everyday after dropping my kiddos at school. AND staying curbing my sweet tooth with sweet apples instead of grabbing all the baked goodies.

  73. Ilana says

    To stay healthy I make all of my favorite healthy seasonal dishes using the best Fall/Winter produce. Butternut squash, local apples, onions, brussel sprouts – there are so many delicious options that just need high-heat and an oven – no butter necessary!

  74. Elizabeth says

    I don’t eat sugar, so my plan is to make holiday foods with sugar alternatives as well as run my butt off! 🙂 I’m in a 10k race in December, so now is my intense training time.

  76. Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking says

    i plan to stay healthy and active this holiday season by continuing to run and start doing yoga.

  78. Eugenie says

    I’m going to work out at the gym or hike to stay healthy through the Fall and holiday season.

  80. Kat says

    I’m making sure to include runs on my daily “to-do” lists and walking places whenever possible

  84. sy says

    I plan to eat healthy during the holiday season, and I’m exercising with an exercise ball and weights. I exercise while watching tv too. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
    songyueyu at gmail

  86. jithin says

    Health is the biggest asset for humans and its very expensive, need to be maintained properly. Proper diet with all vitamins, proteins and minerals, drinking more water, regular exercises are some of the methods for maintaining good health.Thanks for this awesome post 🙂

  87. Cori Westphal says

    I’m going to be running and strength training all winter in prep for a half marathon I’m running in April!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  89. Kerry says

    I love to walk, so I will be doing that outside until the snow falls. Once that happens, I will have to resort to my treadmill.

  91. Alisa says

    I love Fall! I plan on spending as much time as I can outside enjoying the cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery!

  95. Sheila Noblitt says

    To stay healthy this fall, I joined Weight Watchers online when my son and daughter-in-law did. It’s a three month commitment at least. We are planning to adapt our traditional holiday recipes to a lighter style with less butter and sugar and more vegetables with an emphasis on flavorful spices. The support keeps us all on-track for better eating.

  96. AMBER P says

    I have goals to get back in shape for marathons! having 3 kids in 3 years has thrown my body for a loop and i am eager to get it back

  97. AMBER P says

    I have actually been looking into newer recipes that is a good point. I have been trying to find a lot of broth based soups since it is so cold here.

  100. Carolsue says

    I will try to stay healthy by eating less and trying to avoid the sweets and carbs as much as I can
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

  107. Karine Traverse says

    I am trying to stay healthy by watching my eating and not over eating all the amazing fall and holiday treats

  109. Debbie Chioffe says

    I plan to stick with and not break my routine from the rest of the year. I will still excercise and race walk. I will allow myself some Holiday foods, after all I like being festive too, but I will keep the portions small. I will enjoy and savor everything, and really pay attention to each bite so that I can get the most of my experiences.

  110. Theresa says

    Hi,
    I am doing yoga and aerobics alternately 4 days a week. We live in a rural area and we can’t spend the ga$ to travel to a fitness center so I exercise to DVD’s. I also walk my 3 dogs. My body and brain feel so much better.

  111. Angel says

    Walking.
    I love walking in all seasons,watching the landscape change while staying fit and healthy,it is also calming to take time out in nature for awhile.

  112. Angelique says

    To stay healthy this Fall I’m training for a half-marathon, which will be happening in the Spring! It gives me something to work towards.
    I also plan to participate in a Turkey Trot and will enjoy my Thanksgiving dinner without overeating! 🙂

  113. michelle says

    I hate the cold but with 4 kids I promise to me active and healthy with them. Snowball fights,ice skating,sledding,eating fruits and veggies,trying healthy new meals for the kids to help make and try.

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