It's so easy, with the weather getting colder and the nights drawing in earlier, to veer off the weight loss track.
If, like us, you are already reaching for the cheese, pasta and chocolate, you may want to take a look at these top 10 ways to keep your weight in check from Izzy Cameron, nutrition and weight management specialist at Diet Chef.
These aren't just good foods and tips to lose weight either, Izzy highlights some of the immune-boosting and cancer-fighting properties.
Apples
The nutrients found in apples can help prevent spikes in blood sugar and reduce the risk of a variety of chronic diseases. This fruit is in season during the autumn months and comes in a variety of flavours.
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Pears
Recent studies have shown that the skin of pears contains at least three to four times as many phenolic phytonutrients (essential compounds enhancing one’s health) as the fruit’s flesh. These phytonutrients include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory flavonoids, and potentially anti-cancer phytonutrients like cinnamic acids.
Winter squash
Butternut and Pumpkin are just a couple of varieties of winter squash which act as a natural accompaniment to autumn cuisine. Both rich flavour, and high in nutrients, winter squash one of the best buys of the season.
Cabbage
This seasonal vegetable has cholesterol-lowering benefits, and is also rich in fibre particularly when steamed.
Wild mushrooms
Mushrooms are really great to eat since they can help influence blood lipids, blood glucose, immunity, and weight control. They also offer many essential nutrients and antioxidants which the body needs.
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Pomegranates
Considered the ‘jewel of the autumn’ Pomegranates are a rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fibres. It is also a good source of Vitamin C.
Root vegetables
All different kinds of root vegetables are great – carrots, turnips and swede for example are real nutritional stars in both autumn and winter. Tasty beetroots are also great as they are jam-packed with Folate, Vitamin C and Magnesium.
Keep exercising
As soon as the nights start to get darker, our motivation to keep as active as we were in the summer months begins to wane. Try not to give into the sofa too soon though, and look for alternative ways to keep moving and burn those calories, such as a new exercise DVD or a local exercise class.
Keep an eye on cosy comfort food calories
As we start eating fewer salads and opt for more warming, hearty foods, people’s portion size tends to increase as well. Since this is also the time we start to reach for jumpers and cosy clothes, as well as become less active, the extra pounds gained from increased food consumption can slowly and steadily creep on. Enjoy the change in season; just be conscious of portion size.
Don’t forget to drink (water that is!)
When it’s warmer in the summer months we consciously drink more water. But when it starts to get cooler we don’t consider this as much. Drinking water helps keep skin hydrated and looking good. It maintains the body’s balance of fluids, but also helps keep calories in check as often we confuse hunger with thirst.