We’re already well into autumn and it’s a great time to start thinking ahead and prepare your body for tackling cold-weather ailments that could soon be heading our way! Be it colds, flu, fatigue, or comfort eating; now is the perfect time to review your cold weather health routine. We outline our best tips for being at your body best, so you can stay on top of your health and wellbeing.
Immunity boosters
Now is the perfect time to boost your natural immunity and give your body the best chance at defending yourself against some of those pesky change-of-season bugs that will soon be floating around – not to mention, the dreaded cold and flu season. Autumn is the season for white foods; think root vegetables, pears, radish, onions, garlic, white beans, winter melon, tofu, and cauliflower (see our Recipe of the Month for inspo on this!). White foods are high in allicin, which reduces blood sugar and has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties purported to support the lungs and large intestine. Try also boosting your diet with foods that are naturally orange, red, yellow and deep greens – autumn-like colours. Think pumpkin, squash, oranges, carrots, lemons etc.
Cool weather fitness
As the days get shorter and the nights longer, motivation to keep up with your summer fitness routine can significantly drop. Exercising earlier in the day is one way of battling your change-of-season fatigue. Getting into an early workout routine will guarantee you stay on top of your health regimen and also free you up for more down time in the afternoons to relax and unwind. Another great way to keep moving as it gets cooler is by utilising household chores like gardening, raking leaves, cleaning out wardrobes, and packing away your summer gear. Including these jobs into your everyday activities will keep you moving all autumn long.
Avoid comfort food binging
The lead up to winter can be a bleak time for many dieters. Whether you’re trying to lose 10 or 5 kilos or just trying to maintain a healthy weight staying strong through the change of season is important.
While the cold weather makes most of us want to reach for our favourite comfort foods, there are ways to curb your body’s urges. Keeping up with a regular workout routine is the first, if you’re eating more you need to be moving more. You can also look for alternatives to your favourite comfort food by swapping the unhealthiest ingredient for something a little lighter e.g. swap unhealthy fries for sweet potatoes!
Keep your eye on the sun
Even though it feels like the sun has disappeared, never to be seen again, that doesn’t mean the damaging effects for your skin aren’t still there. Whether you’re heading to the park to walk the dog, catching up with friends for a coffee or planning on doing some gentle exercise over the weekend, remember to always slip on a t-shirt, slop on a hat and slip on some sunscreen to protect your skin from premature aging and even skin cancer.
