September, 23, 2020
This week, 22/23 September saw the Autumn Equinox as the Sun crossed the celestial equator going south. This is one of two moments in the year when the sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are of equal length. This suggests the idea of balance – night and day sharing the 24 hours equally. It is also the point in the year from where the daylight hours begin to get shorter.
In terms of nutrition these two factors are important. Balance is key. Everyone talks about having a “balanced” diet – do you know what that means and do you consider yourself to have a “balanced diet”? Leave a comment on my facebook page.
As a nutrition adviser I think of balance in terms of the nutrients consumed; macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates and fats and micronutrients – the vitamins and minerals the body needs to sustain growth, development and general good health. The nutrients consumed work together, so back to our concept of balance.
The days are getting shorter, so what? Well from a nutrition point of view our main source of Vitamin D is the action of sunlight (UV) on the skin. It is very difficult to obtain enough Vitamin D from dietary sources. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It is also thought to have functions in the brain, nervous system, cellular growth and immune system. Make the most of the hours of sunlight we have and keep up your intake of oily fish and eggs - scrambled eggs and smoked salmon is my favourite breakfast – give it a try.
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