Kristina Rihanoff on health and wellness in autumn
Here at Forever Living we love autumn! We might even go as far as to say it’s our favourite season. The return of cosy knitwear, pumpkin spiced lattes, Halloween and Bonfire Night are just a few reasons why the arrival of autumn is always very welcome in our office. Earlier this week we spoke with Forever F.I.T. Ambassador and professional dancer, Kristina Rihanoff, to find out what she enjoys about the onset of autumn and how she keeps herself healthy in the colder months.
What do you love the most about autumn?
I’m a big fan of the autumn months as there is just so much to look forward to! It’s my birthday at the end of September and this year I celebrated my big 40th on the 22nd with a big party which included loads of friends, a cake and of course plenty of dancing! There is also the excitement of Christmas being just around the corner, which is particularly magical with children in the house so I’m so excited for it this year! The colours associated with autumn are something which I really appreciate. The beautiful mix of scarlet, orange and golden leaves are such a wonderful sight and it always makes me feel very nostalgic since it reminds me of the wonderful autumns we would have in my hometown of Russia.
How do you stay healthy during the ‘common cold season’?
I always make sure I give my body the best chance of fighting off the dreaded cough and cold bugs by maintaining a healthy diet and taking ‘Vitolize for women'every day which is high in iron and essential folic acid. It also contains calcium, vitamin D and B12. When the temperature drops outside and the amount of sunshine we are exposed to is at an all-time low, it’s important to make sure we get enough vitamin D to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. I also need to ensure I take vitamin B12, as I’ve been a vegan for a couple of months now and a vegan diet can be very low in this vitamin so this gives me the nutritional support I need. I also ensure I continue to exercise throughout the colder months to support my immune system and yoga is my go-to fitness activity.
What foods do you eat during autumn to help you stay well?
When temperatures dip it’s only natural to want hearty and warming foods. As a recent vegan, I feel amazing and have so much energy. This autumn and winter I’ll be experimenting in the kitchen with seasonal soups, vegetable curries and stews. I also love to eat fruits that are in season for when I’m craving something sweet.
What is your advice for maintaining good lifestyle habits once summer is over?
It goes without saying that it’s incredibly important to stay fit and healthy throughout the year no matter what the weather! However, it can seem so much more difficult to stay motivated once the nights start to draw in and it becomes bitterly cold outside. My advice is to find something you enjoy that you can still access easily during the autumnal months, such as a dance class in a local village hall or a 30-minute yoga workout at home in your living room. It’s also important not to overindulge when it comes to food and to ensure you stay on track by cooking homemade healthy meals instead. Although, don’t feel guilty if you allow yourself the odd treat – everything in moderation is key!
What do you love about autumn? Do you have any tips for staying well during this season? Let us know by posting in the comment section below.
