4 ways to keep your health from going south

With autumn here, it will soon be time to "fall behind" and turn back our clocks. But just because summer's gone and the colder, layer-wearing months are here doesn't mean it's time to fall behind in our efforts to remain healthy.

Here are just a few ways you can keep your health and fitness from going south now that beach season is over:

Consume Good Fats. Good fats, such as those that contain high amounts of EPA, GLA, ALA, and CLA, not only help you lose weight and ensure proper heart function, but a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine reported that they may also play a role in preventing certain types of cancer.

Put Down the Sweets. Eating too many foods or drinking too many drinks that contain high amounts of simple sugars can increase blood glucose levels, which, in turn, can lead to fat storage and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Keep pH Levels Balanced. Try to consume more alkaline-forming fruits and vegetables, as well as beans, nuts, brown rice and oats. This, too, will assist in weight loss and proper overall health.

Exercise. The last to be mentioned, but certainly not for reasons of importance. A mountainous body of evidence shows that exercising for at least 20-30 minutes a day for at least three times per week can greatly reduce the risk of a myriad of disease and can improve cardiac function.