Disclaimer: I live in San Francisco so I don’t really think we can claim to have a real winter.   The bottom photo is more of an accurate description of San Francisco Winters.

Sorry to my friends on the East Coast and Middle of the Country.

When it gets below 55 degrees here, it is too cold and people complain.

However, I do believe in changing with the seasons, and here are some of my Winter Routines and Products

Nutrition

Hot Foods

When the weather changes, it’s time to change up the nutrition routine and include more hot foods.

Some of my favorite things to make are soups with beans, lentils, and of course, Pho and Ramen are musts for me!

Chinese medicine teaches that when it’s hot you eat cold foods and when it’s cold you eat hot foods!  Makes sense!

More Protein, Less Sugar

I also believe in eating more protein during the winter because this is when it’s tempting to stay inside and eat sugary snacks all day.  Eating more Protein will help curb sugar cravings.

Tea with Honey

Nothing better than relaxing with a great cup of Tea with Honey in the evenings!! Chamomile, Turmeric, Elderberry, Ginger, and Peppermint Teas are great for the colder weather.  I also drink Throat Care Tea in the winter since the air is colder and drier and that makes my throat drier.

Supplements

I always keep some natural supplements on hand during the winter because that’s when the flu and colds are making the rounds of course.

This year we have the addition of Covid-19 so I’m definitely stocking up on Supplements.

I keep on hand:

  • Liquid Vitamin D3
  • Zinc
  • EmergenC
  • Elderberry Syrup
  • Elderberry Gummies
  • Zinc Lozenges (Take it at the first sign of illness)
  • Wellness Formula Herbal Defense (Take at the first sign of illness)

Fitness

More Stretching

Colder mornings mean stiffer joints and muscles so I do make it a point to stretch more.  A morning stretching routine does help. 10-20 minutes can really make a difference

More Strength Training

We tend to eat more during the colder months and so that’s great fuel for hitting the weights.  I like to focus more on Strength Training in the colder months.

Some of the best workouts you can have will happen post Holiday meal due to all of the fuel from Holiday Treats.

Skincare

I am Black if you haven’t noticed and when our skin gets dry it’s quite noticeable.

Everyone’s skin is drier in the winter due to the lack of moisture in the air.  A few years ago I found myself so itchy during the winter and it was all due to dry skin.

Some of my cold-weather skincare must-haves are

  • L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
  • Oil of Olay Ultra Rich Moisture Body Wash
  • Carmex Lip Balm
  • Burt’s Bees Lip Balm with Honey
  • Nivea or Other Thicker Body Lotion
  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliation Cleanser
  • Rosehip Oil (Awesome Facial Moisturizer)

Essential Oils

Frankincense

If it was good enough for Jesus, then it’s good enough for me.  It adds such a great fragrance for the Winter Season

Citrus Oils

The colder season can be a downer so I like to use citrusy oils because they are uplifting and smell great!

Peppermint

Cold and Respiratory Season is upon us so this is a great way to open up the lungs and help with breathing

Clothing

Ugg Boots

Even as I write this, I am hanging my head in shame.  If you know, you know….the awful trend of ugg boots and trucker hats in the Early 2000s brings back terrible fashion flashbacks.

HOWEVER

These Ugg boots are so comfortable and so warm that my shame soon gives way to how great my feet feel in these things. Oh my gosh, they are well worth the investment.

Yes, I said the investment because I’ve had my first pair of Uggs for almost 10 years now and they still look great.

As I’ve gotten older, I’m much pickier about what I buy. Cheap fashion is just that….cheap.  It doesn’t last and you end up spending more in the long run.  I would much rather buy a more expensive pair of boots that last 10 years rather than a cheaper pair that I have to buy yearly.

At least this is how I reconcile this purchase in my head.

North Face Winter Gear

Similar to Ugg Boots, North Face gear lasts and lasts.  I remember having a conversation at work once with co-workers about how long we’ve had our North Face gear.  I’ve had my raincoat for over 10 years and it’s just now looking worn in.

Again more expensive but worth the investment.

There we have the 2020 Edition!!