Autumn food tips for ostomates | by Anna
Now that the clocks have gone back and there’s an icy breeze in the air, I’m officially in comfort food mode. When the evenings get darker, all I want is something warm, cosy and nourishing but also quick and easy.
Here are some of my favourite go-to foods and tips for this time of year:
Soup
Soup is my absolute go-to! Honestly, I just tend to look in the fridge, see what veggies are left and throw them all into the blender. It’s warm, filling and smooth enough to avoid any blockages. The best part? You can make a big batch and freeze portions for quick lunches or post-work snacks.
I am all about the minimal effort but maximum enjoyment!
Ramen
To step it up a bit from soup, just add in some noodles. A bowl of ramen is pure nourishment – the perfect mix of carbs, fluids and protein, all in one bowl. I tend to skip the veggies just to be on the safe side, but if you can manage them, they make it so tasty. I quite like to add a boiled egg instead but honestly anything goes.
Slow cooker
In my opinion there is nothing better than lifting the lid off a slow cooker and being hit with that incredible smell of meat, potatoes, carrots and stock. It is such an easy midweek meal, especially when the days are shorter. Throw everything in before work (my favourite is pork, BBQ seasoning, and loads of filling vegetables), and by the time you get home its ready and waiting for you.
Veggies
There’s something about autumn that makes me crave orange and green foods. Some of my favourites are carrots, butternut squash and even pumpkin. They’re packed with vitamins that’ll keep you energised through the colder months. I always peel the skins off and make sure they are well cooked just to be cautious. Don’t forget your greens! Spinach is a great way to keep your folate levels up.
Breakfast
Mornings are usually a rush for me, so I often grab a cereal bar on my way out the door. But on slower mornings, I love making a big bowl of porridge – filling, warm and even better topped with something sweet like honey or jam. It keeps me full for hours and gives me so much energy!
Stay hydrated
Just because it’s chilly doesn’t mean you can skip your water. It’s surprisingly easy to get dehydrated in the colder months, so keep a water bottle nearby. I like to add a splash of cordial for some flavour or if I feel like something warmer, a nice cup of tea does the trick.
Eating out
If you’re going out for food, try checking the menu beforehand. It takes the pressure off when you’re ordering and helps you pick something you’ll actually enjoy. Plus, it means you can plan ahead to make sure it’s suitable for you.
Try new things
Autumn is a great time to experiment in the kitchen. Introduce new foods slowly and don’t give up on something after the first try. In my experience, even if my body doesn’t agree with something, I may have just been having an off day so it is always worth another go.
So let this be a reason to try something new this autumn, you never know you might find a new, staple meal.
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