Here’s What You Need In Your Autumn Gym Bag

I’m not sure how many posts I will start by pointing out the change in weather! But a change in seasons does constitute a change in eating habits, what to wear, how I train and of course, what gets packed in my {gym} bag} …it’s the only bag I have 😉

For Soft Skin. 
A new firm favourite in my gym bag and bathroom cabinet is the What Skin Needs range. Their range consists of 3 natural skin products; Skin Balm, Soothing Skin Gel & Cracked Skin Cream. The active ingredient in the range is PlantolinTM – an active plant extract which is proven to soothe, renew and protect. This cold weather (winds, snow & rain) actually dries out our skin so it’s even more important to moisturise well in the colder months. I’ve been using the Skin Balm on my face in the evenings after commuting home in the cold / hot tube / cold. I also applied it to a rash I got on my wrist from my fitness tracker and it really helped to soothe the itch and reduce the dryness. I then lather the Cracked Skin Cream onto my feet and wrap them up in warm socks for the night. These products would be perfect for anyone hitting the slopes this season. I’m yet to fully try the Soothing Skin Gel as a) the weather hasn’t affected me bad enough yet and b) I’m still acclimatising to the cold and the gel is ‘cooling’ to say the least!

For Your Sweet Tooth. 
I’ve been really conscious of not getting enough protein into my diet of late. I’ve also been focusing on cutting back on sugar so serving my sweet tooth has not been easy! I had a tub of ‘Prutella’ Chocolate Hazelnut Spread from Musclefood sitting on my kitchen table for the last couple of weeks and when I came across a nutella brownie recipe, I subbed the ingredients with what I have to make some yummy, high protein, high fibre brownies. Now, just as a disclaimer, I do believe brownies should be extra gooey but then that is down to the crazy amounts of chocolate and sugar; these ones come out a little more on the cake side and less sweet (thankfully). Mix 200g of prutella, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup of oat flour and a dash of baking powder/ Bake at 175 degrees (fan assisted) for 20 minutes. Cut into 10 squares (I eat 3 squares in one go totalling 243 calories. Winning.

To Stay Hydrated. 
Rather than just using a regular bottle, I upgraded my Acqublend Fruit Infusion Bottle to their new 900ml Jumbo bottle. The bigger bottle is great as it lasts longer! One of my favourite infusions is cinnamon sticks, mint & apple. It’s so refreshing to have a little extra flavour in your water, especially when like me, you rarely ever drink cordials or fizzy drinks!

For On-The-Go Energy. 
I don’t go anywhere without food; I seem to have an innate fear of starving to death so I carry food everywhere with me. During my first Whole30 in 2014 I discovered Nked bars. I only eat the ones made with fruit and nuts though as they are compliant with Whole30. Even when I’m not doing a Whole30 I continue to stick to that and keep one handy for pre workout (to stave off hunger) or post workout (to get me home / somewhere where I can eat something sensible!)

A photo posted by keep it simpElle (@ellelinton) on Nov 22, 2015 at 7:47am PST

For Tired Muscles. 
Brothers and Sisters. Deep Heat now comes in a roll on. Yes. ROLL ON. You no longer need to cry yourself to sleep after touching your eye post rub. And as I said to someone over on Instagram, with my current status being single, it was like a massage and warm cuddle rolled into one!

And people! Before I go; I have week two of my little advent thingy-ma-jiggy!! This week, I’m offering you the chance to upgrade your snacking with a huge bag of Strawberry Musclemouse worth £32.99 plus your very own (neon green) SmartShake Original which in my opinion is priceless!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What products have found a home in your gym bag now the weather has changed?!

Elle 🙂