When the temperature drops it is tempting to reach for something comforting and sweet, instead, here are some helpful tips to get great taste and nutrition from your foods despite the weather outside. 

Eat Seasonally 

Fruit and vegetables grown locally and freshly harvested tend to taste crisper and are actually more nutricious, this is because they have spent less time in storage and being transported. For a hearty and fresh dish that's a great source of energy, try slowly roasting chuncks of vegetables in some olive oil and rosemary. This delicious meal is high in fibre and will warm you from the inside out, especially on a cold windy night. 

Frozen Fruit 

Shopping with the seasons is a great tip; however, if you want soft fruit in the winter and don't want to pay through the nose; stocking up on frozen fruit is essential. On a cold-morning add some frozen berries to your already cholesterol-reducing porridge or blitz up a smoothie to knock out some of your five a day! These can also be used in a crumble or fruit salad for dessert instead of opening a share packet of processed sugary sweets. 

Top up your Vitamin D 

During these months it is unlikely that we will get enough vitamin D from the sunshine. This vitamin is responsible for regulating our body's calcium levels and bone health. Vitamin D can be found in mushrooms, oily fish, fortified drinks, red meat and egg yolk. The NHS advises that people may wish to take a daily Vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months.

Bulk out with Grains and Pulses 

Nothing beats a winter warmer. Shop bought meals and soups can be salt-laden and might not be what you like, so make your own! Add grains such as barley or pulses like lentils to give your stock some fibre and cholesterol lowering goodness. 

To try making your own winter vegetable and lentil soup, follow the link - www.bbcgoodfood.com