Top Tips For A Healthy Autumn | AD

Life is all about change, and as summer starts to fade away, and the nights are starting to get chilly, it isn't just cosy knits and ankle boots in your wardrobe which need an overhaul. The changing of the seasons can leave you feeling unmotivated and de-energised with a low mood - this is caused by the reduced sunlight, dark mornings and lowering temperatures.

So give your body a boost by making some simple, seasonal changes:

Eat What Is In Season

The colder weather and darker evenings may have you ordering more Dominos, snacking on chocolate and eating more junk food in general, but that won't make you feel any better. Autumn food should be all about seasonal produce that helps to support your mood and immune system. Think roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, and recipes such as creamy butternut squash risotto, beef stew, baked sweet potato with mixed bean chilli, apple pie with custard and pumpkin soup. Not only is eating seasonally a great way to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs, it's also usually kinder to the environment as seasonal food will cost less than imported, out of season things.

Support Your Immune System

It's that time of the year when everyone has a cough, and this week I have definitely been that person coughing in lectures and seminars... But in a university or work environment germs spread so easily, and it can feel like you just have one cold after the other! Help your immune system to work effectively by taking a probiotic supplement and making sure you eat plenty of natural immune boosters such as manuka honey (a product my nan swears by) and garlic. You could also look into echinacea, which can help prevent viruses taking hold. In addition stop eating too many carbs and ensure you are getting enough protein. 

If you're a vegan you could try a pea protein isolate to put more protein into your diet. Make sure you are also drinking enough fluids, and go for green tea and fresh lemon with honey (another family recipe to soothe colds) for a Vitamin C boost. Aim to eat foods that reflect the colours you see around you - deep green, dark yellow, flashes of red and bright orange. These foods will contain a variety of much needed nutrients and antioxidants which will get your skin, hair and nails glowing. 

Adapt To The Change In Season

Instead of fighting against it, embrace the changing pattern of the days to feel better fast. Autumn is the ideal time to change your routine to include more self-care, particularly if you're studying or working loads. It's time to bring out your cosy PJs and take more hot baths with some Epsom Salts, plug in an aromatherapy diffuser, listen to an autumn playlist and enjoy some hibernation haha. Don't be afraid to go to bed early to read a book or watch some Netflix, and slow down before the busy lead up to Christmas. If you're struggling to unwind, you could try a mindfulness app to help you to relax, or try out some yoga either go to a class or teach yourself with YouTube at home. Either way it's about getting cosy and relaxed, and making sure you get a good night's sleep will make you feel much better and give you your autumn glow!

x

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