Block sugar cravings with pumpkin!

Surprising but true: September is the biggest month for weight gain, according to a recent study, in part because we eat about 200 more calories a day when the temperature drops! How can you outsmart fall’s fat traps? Easily, our experts say!

Take a break to stay in shape! Find it harder to carve out time for a walk or bike ride now that summer’s over? Try this trick to up your incentive! “Give yourself a break beforehand!” advises health and fitness expert Pamela Peeke, M.D. “Just taking a 10-minute break to, say, watch some funny videos on your ipad will help you feel energized! We think we’re too busy to take breaks, but it actually helps us stay motivated.” In one recent study 86% of women said that taking breaks helps them be more productive and more likely to stick with goals, such as getting regular exercise.

Pamper yourself!

“Taking steps to reduce stress will help reduce the emotional eating that goes with it, because when you feel calmer, you’re less likely to munch mindlessly,” promises psychologist Susan Albers. One of her favorite fall-perfect stressreducing tricks: relaxing in a bath infused with Epsom salts, lavender oil and a little mustard seed powder! “Mustard is a warming agent, so it helps your muscles relax and soothes your nerves,” explains Albers. “It’s been used since ancient times for that exact purpose.” Just add 1 Tbs. mustard seed powder, 1 cup Epsom salts and a few drops lavender oil to a warm bath.

Whip up a sweet potato smoothie!

Sweet potatoes, in season in fall, are a proven metabolism-booster, says Taub-dix. “I bake sweet po tatoes and keep them in the fr idge, s o they’re handy whenever I want this smoothie.” To make: Mix 1/2 medi - um baked sweet potato, 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup skim milk, 1/2 banana, 1 tsp. sweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp. chia seeds and 3 ice cubes in a blender. Blend on high speed. Makes 2 cups.