HEALTH- 3 ways to keep that better you in autumn (and winter)
Just because the season is changing doesn’t mean you need to change your exercise habits, or fall off the healthy eating bandwagon. Honest.
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. An adult human decides to kick start a new health regime the moment Britain’s weather system starts to perk up, then once the clouds come back and make the sky that perpetual dark grey colour we have for most of the year they struggle, stumble and fall off their health bandwagon.
It’s a familiar story for a reason- it’s harder to maintain exercise routines and even a good diet when everything outside looks as appealing as spending the evening on a Yorkshire moor, alone, in a thunderstorm. The mornings are as good as nighttime, the air colder, the rain somehow wetter and the wind.. well, let’s not go into the wind. Literally.
The result is we could all do with a little extra help and motivation. With that in mind we’ve come up with a few ideas on ways you can keep your head up, and eyes on the prize; even when every lazy bone in your body is crying out to be left alone with some tomato soup, a duvet and some crap TV.
Learn about seasonal shopping
This can be easier said than done, but trying to shop seasonally is great for two reasons. Firstly, you reduce the environmental impact- so in the most selfish way of looking at things you’ll feel better about yourself. On top of that, it will improve your overall knowledge of what can be cooked and when, opening up new options for healthy, seasonal dishes and leaving microwave meals and pizzas in the chilled section.
Concentrate on your immune system
If things are getting darker, and it has been proven that our immune systems are less effective at night, then it’s probably wise to make sure you have yours as fully stocked as possible. This means focusing on foods with plenty of vitamins and minerals, and a great way to do that is with living, or ‘raw’ foods. And no, that doesn’t mean blue steak. Also remember taking in iron and zinc is important, if necessary consider supplements.
Yoga
We know what you’re thinking- another middle class wannabee bohemian ranting about striking admittedly difficult poses before probably heading off in their oversized, petrol-guzzling car to their desirable Victorian terrace that’s actually round the corner. Well, so what!? Yoga is a fantastic way to get really good exercise without having to brave the elements, offering a beneficial all-round workout, and can be helpful to anyone with back, limb and joint aches or pains (just consult an expert first).
Image credit: (C) Kosala Bandara
