The Top 5 Ways to Get You and Your Dog In Shape This Fall!

Now that summer is coming to a close, many people are covertly hanging up their swimsuits and thinking, "okay, where's that cake I've been avoiding for three months!?"

But just because sweaters and bulky jackets will be part of your wardrobe soon doesn't mean it's time to throw your health into a box with the words Open Next Summer taped onto the front. Fall is a great time to kick your health routine up a notch, and now that it's not so hot, your furry housemates will be just itching to join in.

Here are the Top 5 Ways To Get Yourself – and Your Dog – In Shape This Fall!

5) Drink Water: Simple, right? It sounds like a no-brainer but you'd be surprised how many people go through the day without replenishing their liquids – and no, soda, coffee and cocktails don't count! Water is one of the best ways to stick to a healthy eating plan, because it keeps our bodies regulated. Can't stomach the plain stuff? Add a tiny hint of natural limejuice or cucumber.

As for Fido, he probably doesn't get as much water as he needs during the day either. Make it a point to keep your dog's water dish in an obvious, well-used spot, or better yet – have a few dishes around the house. And sure, adding a little splash of cucumber now and then won't hurt, either!

4) Fight Back Against Stress: Stress is one of those tricky things that can hide inside our bodies and take us down without warning, causing everything from headaches, to moodiness, to general feelings of anxiety. And if you're stressed, you better believe your dog is feeling it! Implementing stress-busting tactics into your daily life is essential, be it fifteen minutes of yoga in a quiet room, meditation, or even ten minutes of simply listening to your own breathing. The more regulated you are, the more regulated your pet will be, so make sure to invite them into your quiet space as well.

3) Practice A Little Bit of Holistic Living: You don't have to be a hippie or a green freak to add a little bit of Holistic care to your life. Use the internet, or your local health store, to get educated on the plethora of teas, herbs, supplements and alternative therapies that are available. Not every herb or acupuncture session will work for everyone, but since naturalistic healing has been around much longer than Western medicine, don't you think it's worth investigating?

Your pet can benefit from a little Holistic love too. Besides picking up some Holistic food at your local PETCO (like the Halo brand, for instance), consider researching the benefits of doggie massage or even animal acupuncture! Who says Sparky can't benefit from a little ancient wisdom?

2) Exercise: To some people, exercise is a dreaded word, but no matter how many miles your next-door neighbor runs before you're even awake, you don't have to feel intimidated or pressured when it comes to getting up and moving. Start an exercise journal, buy fun looking cardio DVDs or simply make a pledge to your dog that you'll take her on two fifteen minute walks a day, rain or shine. Not only will you be providing your pet with valuable connection time, you'll be helping her get the activity she needs to lead a healthy life. Have a hard time making a commitment to yourself? Start by making a commitment to your pet.

1) Eat for Health: Diets are so yesterday. If you want to get a clean bill of health from your doctor, stop running from carbs or filling your cart with processed, "low fat" options and head for the outer aisles of your grocery store – that's where all the fruit, vegetables, whole grains and non processed stuff lives. Practice portion control as well as mindful eating (consciously asking yourself if you're hungry or full), and cut out the food that has ingredients you can't pronounce.

When it comes to unpronounceable ingredients, stay away from pet food that's full of them too. Buying a pesticide and antibiotic-free brand like Organix (available at PETCO) assures that your pet is not only eating right, but is keeping their body free of toxic additives.

It's never too late to make a change in your life, and with your pet's unyielding encouragement (all they want is the best for us, right?), there has never been a better time than right now.