As we say goodbye to the hot summer months and start to welcome the cold winds of autumn and winter, I have some tips for you to make this transition a little bit more pleasant. Don’t get me wrong, I will definitely miss the summer, but there are also some great things to look forward to.

The weather might leave you feeling cold and chilly, but there are ways you can change your flavour combinations to help warm you from the inside out. Try adding these foods and spices into your diet to make this transition run a little more smoothly.

1. Spice up your life!

Use the power of spices to warm you from the inside out. Here are some of my favourite spices to add to your food:

• Cinnamon and nutmeg:

Two very versatile spices that can be used to add flavour to your morning porridge, or (for a savoury meal), to your sweet potatoes in the evening.

• Cayenne pepper:

Cayenne can heat both you and your meal up. Be careful - cayenne can be very hot. Start off small and add more if desired.

• Ginger:

Either fresh or ground, ginger adds spice and flavour to any dish—sweet or savoury

2. Don’t say goodbye to smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, and they don’t have to only be a summer trend! Add warming spices and seasonal vegetables to rev up your taste buds and prepare you for the cold weather.

How to make a warming smoothie:

• Say adios to the ice:

Ice can leave you feeling chilly and cold, so leave it out of your winter smoothies, a chilled plant-based drink should be enough.

• Add some cinnamon:

Does anything scream Autumn more than cinnamon? Add to smoothies for the winter warming feel.

• Incorporate autumn veg:

Pumpkin or butternut squash make great additions to a smoothie, pair with some cinnamon and you’re in for a real treat

3. Warm food is like a warm blanket

There is something so comforting about a plate of warm food when it’s cold outside. Here are my favourite warming meals to get you started:

• Chilli:

Chilli actual makes you feel the opposite of what its name suggests. A bowl full of chilli can be made with those warming spices listed above and leave you feeling cosy and comforted from the cold

• Soups:

I am a soup queen when winter hits. I’ll make anything and everything into soup! It’s warming, comforting, and a great way to incorporate some of those amazing winter veggies into your day. Roasted Parsnip Pear Soup is a favourite of mine.

• Pie:

Whether its covered in pastry or a nice mash topping, pie on a winters evening is the way forward. If you want to try mixing up the classics, try our take on Shepherd’s Pie – Red Dragon Pie!

4. Don’t forget to hydrate

You might feel less thirsty when it’s cold out, so drinking less water is a common mistake people tend to make as the seasons start to change. Hydration is always important – especially if you work out.

• Room temperature water:

It definitely doesn’t sound enticing to have an ice-cold glass of water when you’re already shivering from the temperature outdoors. Enjoy your water warm or room temperature to stay cosy.

• Herbal teas:

It always feels nice to wrap your hands around a warm cup of tea, and herbal teas can be a delightful option.

• Festive seasonal drinks:

Warm apple cider, chai tea, hot water with ginger or lemon, are all feel-good, warm you from the inside-out drinks.

Embrace the winter with open arms (and a blanket), and help yourself adapt to these winter months effortlessly.

How do you stay warm all winter?