The Oaks at Ojai (California)

Autumn and winter are two of my favorite times of the year. I love the colors, the smells and the opportunities to participate in the fun that leads up to the December holidays. However, come the middle of November, maybe like you, I'm already missing summer. If you're in this same boat, here are some fit tricks and healthy ways to savor summer all year long and all without that heat that can make summer unpleasant.

Stay trim like it's summer.
Eat lots of summertime style fruits and vegetables. If your local market doesn't carry peaches and plums and melons in the winter call around to the specialty shops; they usually have a good selection. Summer is the time of year when we simply dress in light weight clothing. Summer dresses, shorts and shirts show it all. We don't even have to discuss wearing a bathing suit because bulges can't be hidden in any of them. So this fall and winter vow to eat like it's summer and you'll stay trimmer. That means have salad every single day, fill up on fresh fruit and drink smoothies that provide a healthy meal.

Stay active like it's summer.
To maintain or lose unwanted fat, stay flexible and keep endurance levels high we must work the muscles in our bodies. As the days get shorter, it sometimes seems impossible. Rather than lounge and possibly add five to 15 pounds before Christmas, make plans right now to join a gym, take dance lessons, swim at the Y, or reorganize your family room to include some fitness equipment. Yes, it takes planning but the alternative means getting into those "fat clothes" again. Strive to work out 45 to 60 minutes every day. You might want to split this up with a half hour brisk walk in the morning and another half hour of karate, spinning, or pilates in the evening.

Walk like it's summer.
Find opportunities during the day to get outside and walk. You'll find that you'll sleep better, digestion will be better and you just might be happier by walking outdoors, whether it's clear or cloudy. I recommend examining your walking shoes every second week. Don't wait until heels are worn down to replace this essential piece of fitness equipment. If you've never worn sports socks that wick away moisture, get a pair next time you're at the fitness shop, especially if like many your feet get too moist during a workout.

Dress like it's summer,
Even if you can only do this in your home, because it's too cool outside. Yes, wear bright, flashy colors. Have you ever worn a red sweater on a cloudy day? Need a quick fix but can't wear bright colors to work? Choose wildly colored undies and you'll instantly lift your mood and feel sexier too. Red and other hot tones can fight off depression and make you feel better all over. Try it

Moisturize your skin like it's summer.
Keep that summertime glow warm and lovely by never allowing your skin to dry out. Have a facial and think about adding some sunny streaks in your hair. Friends will think you've lost five pounds. And be sure to get a pedicure, as if you're going to a beach party. Your toes might not show since you're probably wearing closed-toed shoes, but you'll know.

Drink lots of water and liquids like it's summer.
Too often in fall and winter, when it's cooler, we forget to hydrate the body. What happens? Digestion and elimination can slow and internal organs cannot function well. Water is actually the best sports drink around so when you go for a workout take a bottle of water with you.

Once a month, try on your swimsuit.
You can weigh yourself as usual, but try this. Swimsuits don't ever lie. If you see something bulging that should not be there, consider reducing calories and increasing exercise.

Stay healthy like it's summer.
Plan a fall or winter holiday that includes sports or physical activities. You can go to a spa or plan a camping and hiking trip. You can learn to snow shoe or jump on your bike (with helmet firmly in place) and get out into the country side. My friend is addicted to antique shopping. When November comes, she heads to New England for plenty of brisk walking and stops in those charming shops as she satisfied her "habit."

Keep a summer body and a summer mind this year and year round you'll stay fit for life.