As the weather cools and the days shorten, our bodies naturally want to build reserves. It’s a clever response developed over thousands of years when fresh food wasn’t readily available during winter, but it’s nasty if you’re trying to lose weight or stay healthy. To make it worse, decreased sun exposure during winter months means decreased Vitamin D. It’s Vitamin D that’s essential for bones, teeth, muscles and mood regulation. A double hit.
Resist the urge to load up on carbs. Resist the urge to snuggle on the sofa and watch tv. Resist the excuses to over-indulge.
Here are my top five Autumn fit tips:
Eat warm: It’s cold outside, so keep your body warm inside. Think roasted veggies and lean meats.
Batch cook soup: Make enough to last several days. It takes minutes to heat-up, so you have no excuse for grabbing bread and butter instead. If your diet allows, add red meat for an extra boost of Vitamin D. Add sweet potatoes because they add richness and depth to any meal, but also because they’re high in Vitamin B6, C and D, as well as, magnesium and potassium—all of which keep your body strong and healthy.
Phone a friend: Excuses on your own are easy to make, but the buddy system keeps you motivated and prevents exercise boredom. Just go for a walk together if nothing else.
TV exercise: Another excuse eliminated. If it’s too cold or wet outside, then walk in front of the TV while watching your favourite programme. Throw in a few sofa squats too for a power boost to your legs.
Keep a food diary: The act of recording what you eat makes you more mindful and helps you understand if you are truly hungry or just bored.