Eat Well, Live Well - Why we love autumn

The clocks have gone back, the heating's on and those long summer evenings are a distant memory. But don't let the cold weather put a dampener on your spirits. Now it's time to celebrate all those wonderful things that only the colder months bring. From kicking leaves in the park to cosy evenings snuggled up with loved ones, here's our top reasons to love the season...

A warm drink at bedtime! They’re so comforting and they taste their best when it’s cold outside. Options Indulgence hot chocolate drinks are a wonderful treat – they weigh in at less than 61 calories a mug and come in gorgeous flavours, from Belgian Chocolate to Winter Spice!

Snuggling up on the sofa - whether it's with your kids, your partner, your pets or all at once (if you've got a really big sofa, that is). Invest in a soft, cosy throw, or just bring your duvet down. Indulge in your favourite silly TV programme, or catch up on all those summer blockbusters that you never got round to seeing in the cinema. And if you're looking for the ideal TV snack, try RYVITA® Minis - now with a great new recipe and an even crispier texture!

Getting ready for Christmas - but not getting stressed about it. Instead, enjoy making the Christmas pudding on Stir-Up Sunday, browsing the web for lovely gift ideas, and planning your dream Christmas Day menus.

Kicking leaves around on a bright autumn morning. Remember how good it felt when you were a child? It feels the same now. When the sun makes a rare appearance, get out there and burn off some energy with a good old tramp through the woods. 

Winter picnics. Make the most of those clear days by going for long walks - with plenty of sustenance. Baked potatoes are the perfect food to warm your hands as well as your insides - just wrap them in foil and they'll stay hot for hours. Take one flask of hot coffee or chocolate, and one of a warming soup. If you're looking for great soup ideas, visit the recipe section on our website for wonderful winter concoctions like Butternut & Sage or Tomato with RYVITA® Crispbread - break it up and throw it in your soup, and you've got a perfect alternative to croutons.

No pressure to go out - who wants to brave those cold, dark winter evenings? They're the perfect excuse to stay in and relax. If you're a social butterfly, enjoy daytime entertaining at the weekends. Get friends and family round for long Sunday lunches, followed by a brisk walk to burn off some of those roast potatoes.

Making your own fun. There's only so much TV you can watch, and long dark evenings are also the perfect time to read that book that's been sitting on your bedside table for months, or to take up a craft like knitting or crocheting - perfect to do in front of a roaring fire.

Cuddly hot water bottles, roaring fires, woolly socks and mulled wine. There's no doubt about it - warming up in winter is much more fun than trying to cool down in summer.

Winter colour. Wrap up well, get outside and enjoy the bright reds and golds of falling leaves, the intensity of a blue autumn sky or the bright beauty of the moon on a clear, cold night. And when you get home, you'll appreciate the welcoming glow in your windows!