Health

CRUISING THROUGH THE COOLER MONTHS WITH Vibrant Health

WORDS HEIDI JENNINGS

Ah, autumn is upon us. That magical season when Mother Nature casts her warm glow over the landscape and wraps us up in comfort and introspection; a symbolic time of transition and change where we can draw breath from the hustle and bustle of those glorious summer days as the weather patterns coax us indoors.

The cooler months are when we tend to become less active and find solace in comfort food. As with all living beings, we need time and space to recharge, restore and repair, but problems can arise when the scale tips too far in favour of sedentary behaviour and overindulgence in our stodgy favourites, and our physical and mental health starts to suffer.

A key consideration for staying vibrant and healthy at this time of year is keeping your immune system strong, and this happens naturally when our bodies are given the correct tools and support. Beautiful whole, fresh, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables (especially leafy greens) and wholegrains, are your most powerful ally to fight off coughs, colds and flus. They are jampacked with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and water content the body needs to thrive. Fresh foods also promote beneficial gut bacteria. Given that up to 90% of our serotonin (happy hormone) is produced in the gut, we can’t overlook the importance of a healthy gut for a stable and happy mood. Ideally, our food would give us all the nutrients we need, but this isn’t always possible due to our busy lifestyles and deteriorating soil quality. In our holistic coaching practice, we see wonderful results with four key supplements: vitamin B12, liquid zinc sulfate, spirulina powder and barley grass powder. These are incredible workhorses that promote overall health and wellbeing, are antiviral, potent detoxifiers and support the liver, brain and central nervous system. At this time of year, it’s also a great idea to add lypospheric vitamin C to boost immunity. Who loves high-intensity exercise? Me neither! If you’re 25 or feeling in top shape, then sure! If not, low-intensity exercise, such as walking, is ideal. If you can manage it, walk daily for at least 20–30 minutes. Fresh air, an elevated heart rate and time to clear the head will do wonders for your physical and mental wellbeing. Deep, restful sleep is the most under-coached cornerstone of the health industry, and without it, your immune system weakens and everything else falls apart. An effective pre-bed routine will help the body wind down correctly and sleep soundly. Chamomile tea (with a piece of dairy-free dark chocolate for the sweet tooth!), a warm bath with Epsom salts, switching off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed, lying flat with some light reading, and lights out by 10pm is our formula to help clients retrain their bodies for great sleep. Lastly, stress hormones in the body can manifest as physical symptoms, weaken the immune system and allow the perfect environment for disease to take hold. You must identify and address the root cause of stress to build strong immunity and move forward with optimal health and wellbeing. Changing seasons are inevitable, but the colder temperatures needn’t bring you down. Every day is a good one when you have vibrant health on your side.

HEIDI’S GREEN MONSTER SMOOTHIE

This smoothie not only tastes delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients and goodness to make your cells sparkle and insides sing! This recipe will make 1 very large serving or 2 smaller servings.

1 banana 1 handful frozen mango 1 large handful fresh spinach 1–2 tsp spirulina (available at Herbal Dispensary) 1–2 tsp barley grass powder (available at Herbal Dispensary) 1 cup coconut water 1 cup of plant-based milk of choice (rice/oat/almond/soy) splash of coconut milk (optional but will make it extra creamy) extra water to add volume (optional)

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass.

Heidi Jennings | 0275 431 387 jenningshealthcoach.com

Heidi Jennings is a holistic health coach, plant-based nutrition specialist and Amazon #1 bestselling author who empowers her clients to take control of their health and live a life they truly love.

Handmade dinners from our restaurant kitchen to your home

Oscar & Otto | 51 The Strand, Tauranga 07 2827879 | oscarlovesotto@gmail.com www.oscarandotto.co.nz