Shorter, colder days (and the coming holidays) can play havoc with your health routine. By the time I get home from work, it's already dark, so I don't want to go out and exercise. I have a tendency to cook foods that are more fattening (after all, who doesn't love stuff slathered in cheese).With the increased entertaining, we eat more food and things that are less healthy. The fresh fruits and veggies that were so prevalent all summer, are now just memories. It seems like everything conspires.

Now, before things get too crazy, is a good time to make your plan to get through the coming months in the healthiest possible way:

• Plan your meals in advance so that you control ingredients and portion sizes.
• Don't be afraid to use frozen fruits and veggies (without sauces or syrups).
• Look for ways you can exercise. You might want to use pleasant days to walk or rake leaves. A skiing or tubing or sledding excursion could be good when the snows set in.
• Don't just sit when you are at home. Even doing chores like mopping and dusting burns calories.
• Take extra good care of your skin with moisturizer, lip balm, and sun screen.
• Simple stretches and strength work don't take much space. Find a corner in your house that might be a good workout nook.
• Whenever possible, get outside! It's amazing what a good dose of sunshine can do for you!