Reboot your diet

After months of al fresco eating, September cries out for a return to routine. If you're itching to pack in more nutrients, here are expert Dr Lena Larsen's top tips for getting back on track

- By Dr Lena Larsen

After a summer of barbecues, ice creams and picnics on the beach, it's no surprise many of us feel a little off track with our nutrition goals - and that's okay, as summer was made for treating yourself and making memories. But if you're now feeling sluggish, bloated, or just out of sync with your usual routine, a gentle health reset can work wonders.

September is the perfect time to reestablish some healthy habits. The good news? You don't need to do an extreme cleanse or overhaul your entire diet. Small, consistent tweaks can help you feel back on track and energised, allowing you to feel a sense of confidence and satisfaction with your routine again. Here are my top five ways to ease back into healthy eating this season.

1. START WITH SOME STRUCTURE
During the summer, our eating patterns often become more spontaneous - hearty brunches instead of breakfast, late-night dinners at festivals or reaching for unhealthy snacks when travelling. To support blood sugar balance, digestion and energy, reintroducing some structure can help.

Start by anchoring your day with three balanced meals at roughly the same time. That doesn't mean rigid rules - just a return to routine that makes planning and consistency easier. Aim for your meals to include protein (e.g. low-fat Greek yoghurt, eggs, tofu, chicken), a source of healthy fats (fish, olive oil, avocado, nuts), fibre-rich foods (wholegrain oats, beans, lentils, quinoa) and a colourful range of fruit and vegetables to top up on essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.