When you see people sipping pumpkin spice lattes, you know fall is on its way. September brings the autumn equinox, which hopefully brings relief from the oppressive, sweaty heat of summer. Embrace the new season and make the most of this time. Practice healthy habits, get out of the air conditioning and into nature, or find some comforting home-cooked recipes for the cooler nights ahead.
Here are some recommended foods, sights, and activities for you to enjoy this month.
🦞 Find some lobster. September 25 is National Lobster Day. If you’re planning on eating some, keep in mind that lobster is high in cholesterol, especially if it’s smothered in butter or stuffed with rich toppings like cheese or crabmeat. It’s still a good source of protein and omega-3s (though not as much as other seafood). One Harvard health expert recommends steaming it or grilling it with lemon and herbs for a light, tangy flavor.
🫁 Breathe safe. If you don’t smoke, why should you care about World Lung Day (September 25th)? There are many other factors that negatively affect lung health, but one of the biggest is air pollution. To protect yourself, consider these tips, from checking the air quality in your area to carpooling to conserving energy at home.
🥼 Check in with your sexual health. September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, so it’s a good idea to see if it’s time for a check-up with your gynaecologist, urologist or family doctor. It’s also important to make sure you’re up to date on any recommended cancer screenings. September is also Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s an important reminder that early detection is key.
🍴 Try tofu. The growing evidence that a plant-based diet, or at least reducing meat intake, is good for your health can be hard to ignore. September 1st is National Tofu Day, so why not try soy-based protein in at least one dish? Tofu is high in protein (about 22 grams per half cup), packed with calcium and iron, and incredibly versatile. You can crumble silken tofu to replace your morning scrambled eggs, add cornstarch for extra crispiness, or bathe it in a flavorful marinade with ingredients like soy sauce and balsamic vinaigrette. Here are some recipes to get you started:
🍫 Gobble down some chocolate. September 13 is International Chocolate Day. How could you not? The holiday coincides with the birthday of chocolatier Milton S. Hershey, whose last name still appears on candy bars today. While Hershey and Hershey’s are credited with popularizing milk chocolate, dark chocolate, which has a higher flavanol content, is considered healthier.
🩸 Check your cholesterol. In celebration of National Cholesterol Awareness Month, go to your doctor, pharmacy, or local public testing center to get your cholesterol levels checked. If your LDL (aka “bad” cholesterol) level is over 100, you need to get it lowered. Here are some tips to help lower it, from changing your diet to getting more sleep.
🏃🏻 Sign up for a fun run. Now that the high temperatures are finally subsiding, outdoor exercise is no longer an option. Find out what 5K marathons (or no-pressure walking marathons) are taking place in your area. It’s a great way to get in some steps, raise money for charity, and at the very least, get a free t-shirt.
💉 Book your COVID booster shot and order your new test. COVID-19 cases are on the rise, making it even more important to book your newly updated vaccine. The US government will also resume sending out free at-home COVID tests (four per household) by the end of this month. You can order them here.
🍯 Stock up on honey. September is National Honey Month, but let’s be realistic: you should have a jar of the sweet stuff in your pantry all year round. Not only is honey amazing for quelling that seasonal cough that just keeps coming up, it also contains antioxidants and polyphenols (good for digestion), helps heal burns and wounds, provides a sweet alternative to regular sugar, and has been linked to improved heart health. But remember, it’s not considered safe for babies under one year old, and contrary to conventional wisdom, it probably doesn’t help with allergies.
🍳 Have breakfast. Finding time to sit down and eat a healthy breakfast before heading out to work, school, or anywhere else can be hard. You might skip breakfast or munch a McMuffin on the go. But in the spirit of National Breakfast Month (aka Better Breakfast Month), think about ways to start your day off more nourished. Maybe it’s protein-packed Greek yogurt with berries, high-fiber oatmeal, or a quick-cooked boiled egg. Pick what helps you get your morning going.
🌕 Look up. Being in awe is good for your mental health, so be sure to get outside on the nights of September 17 and 18 (the exact times vary depending on your location) to observe the partial lunar eclipse and Harvest Moon (the full moon closest to the autumn equinox). This supermoon will appear brighter, so named because the light it provides earlier in the evening means farmers can spend more time working outside.
🍎 Eat an apple. Apple picking is a popular fall activity (and apparently burns about 100 calories), so it makes sense that this year’s International Apple Day falls on September 21, the day before the official autumn equinox. Your mission is simple: pick an apple (either from the tree or the produce section) and gobble it down. Green varieties tend to have fewer calories and carbs, but if you prefer sweet red Honeycrisps and tart Golden Delicious, the difference is negligible. Either way, apples are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, especially when eaten raw and unpeeled. You can also slice them and add some protein to them.
🍁 Do seasonal activities. See you, summer! The Autumnal Equinox marks the official change of seasons and falls on Sunday, September 22. Let this be your official cue to enjoy autumn activities. Put cinnamon in your coffee. Plan a trip to see the leaves. Wear a turtleneck. Buy apple-scented candles. Watch Lovers Appointment for the 30th time. Put a pumpkin on the porch. Make a big batch of soup for the week. You get the idea.
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