Summer is over, and autumn is here! So how can you keep your summer glow as the nights become cold and dark?

I’m going to say something very basic. I love autumn (the fall for my North American readers). I love putting on thick tights and wearing my boots, and going out for bracing walks before wrapping up in the evenings.

Autumn isn’t considered to a ‘healthy’ season though. Now, this may have something to do with the abundance of pumpkin spice lattes and baked goods, not to mention that summer salads just don’t hit the spot when it’s cold and dark. But you can still be healthy…and here’s how.

Eat your roots

Seasonal food is cheaper, abundant (not to mention local and good for the planet) and so good for you! Roots like carrots, parsnips, potatoes and squashes are super versatile and perfect for filling, plant-based lunches.

What’s more, you can even have them for breakfast! Here’s my recent recipe for perfect parsnip röstis!

Get blending

Smoothies are great, but soups are better. They packed full of nutrients and fibre like their cold, sweet cousins but contain far less sugar. If you want to start batch cooking, you can get going by throwing the ingredients in a pot and blending away.

The world is your oyster when it comes to soup flavours. I recommend this Thai red sweet potato if you like something creamy with a touch of spice. I regularly have soups for lunch during autumn/winter, and always with a crusty bread roll or crisp crackers! Yum.

Think vitamin D

If you’re based in the UK between October and April, you’re going to need a vitamin D supplement. Our bodies just can’t make it during autumn and winter!

Awareness of vitamin D and bone health have been a trend for the past couple of years, and you can easily add a supplement to a daily routine, like when you’re making a cup of tea first thing in the morning. Just pop the kettle on and take your supplement with a glass of water.

Adapt your skincare

The cold weather can wreak havoc with skin, especially when you’re travelling between the cold outdoors and baking indoors. Invest in a durable moisturiser that keeps your skin feeling supple and fresh.

Whatever your skin type is, I recommend you take a look at this Refinery29 guide if you want to invest in a new moisturiser.

Embrace the change

As I said earlier, I love the changing season! But, not everybody does. Some people may just dislike the cold and dark days, but we also need to think about conditions like Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Now, SAD can be the but of the joke, or even used as an excuse for a bad mood, but it’s a recognised mental health disorder.

SAD, or even just general ‘winter blues’ tend to begin from September onwards. Self-care September is now well and truly underway, and it’s important to look after yourself and your wellbeing. That’s why I’m suggesting that you embrace the change, and take the time to look after yourself.

Enjoy the outdoors

A crisp autumn walk and a pub lunch may sound like a cliche, but my god it’s good. This simple activity is fondly remembered from my childhood, and it’s a great form of exercise and even entertainment.

Your natural instinct may tell you to spend the whole day in bed (trust me, mine does too). So believe me when I say that even a short 20 minute walk in the crisp air will make crawling back into bed or bundling up on the sofa even better!

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