5 Winter Wellness Tips + Recipe

While it still feels like summer in Colorado right now, winter is closer than you think! This is the perfect time to get a winter wellness plan together, giving you plenty of time to get everything you need before cold weather –and cold & flu season– begin in earnest. Winter can be a tough time both for our bodies and emotional state. The days get darker, colder and shorter and we’re often surrounded by sick people and lots of re-circulated air. While it sounds tempting just to stay inside and hide from it all, being proactive about your health and wellbeing can help you to have a healthy and happy winter.

Here are a few tips from #PHBLife for supercharging your winter wellness!

1. Make sure your tea game is strong! Tea is a great way to hydrate, keep warm and get all sorts of supportive healing herbs into you. Our teas are popular to drink during winter, when inflamed joints, lots of shoveling and the flu tend to take center stage. Treat yourself to a soothing cup whenever you like!
2. Exercise: Lots of people find it tougher to go for walks in the winter- that cold weather doesn’t always feel so inviting! Even though you need to bundle up more, it’s worth every bit of discomfort.
3. Wash your hands: While it seems simple, it’s the number one way to stop the spread of germs. Experts recommend washing hands every few hours and in particular after using the toilet and before meals. Give them a wash after touching someone else’s phone or keyboard at work. You don’t know where those things have been…
4. Eat foods that support you: Iron, zinc and vitamin C are key to a healthy immune system. You don’t need to start raiding your local grocery for supplements- look at the produce aisle instead. Look for dark, leafy greens and red and yellow vegetables, which are all high in antioxidants. In my humble opinion, one of the best things about winter is all the creative chillis and soups! Boost up your nutrition by indulging in some cozy foods, filled with healing spices and delicious vegetables. Check the bottom of this article for a recipe!
5. Stock up on the things that make you feel good: This is the best time to stock up on our capsules, teas and tinctures! By the time the cold weather hits, you’ll be ready to relax in style. Stock up on winter-friendly fun as well- it’s the perfect time to finally try that Pinterest craft that you pinned ages ago but never seem to get around to trying!

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chilli Recipe (+CBD!)

adapted from: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/250222/sweet-potato-black-bean-chili/

Make a double batch of this quick vegetarian chili, full of black beans and sweet potatoes, and eat it for lunch the next day or freeze the extras for another night. We love the smoky heat from the ground chipotle, but omit it if you prefer a mild chili. Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread and coleslaw.

• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium-large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 4 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 dropper-full of our Pure Hemp Botanicals CBD Tincture (optional)
1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato and onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion is beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, chipotle and salt and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add water and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the sweet potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Add beans, tomatoes and lime juice; increase heat to high and return to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro and CBD Tincture.
3. Invite over some friends and enjoy!