Rethinking Treats: Inflammation During the Colder Months

As the temperatures drop and the colder months settle in, my inflammation has been acting up — a seasonal norm for my Psoriatic Arthritis(PsA). But even when you know what to expect, the discomfort doesn’t get any easier to manage. It’s had me rethinking some of the little weekend delights Iusually enjoy as a reward for all the hard work I put in during the week.

And before anyone jumps in with, “What hard work, Caitlin?You just sit around all day writing and working on financial models,” let me clarify. Work, health, and building a company is a lot.  Especially when you're also focused on self-care — aiming to maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle to minimize or even eliminate the need for medication. So yes, there's a lot going on over here!

Normally, my weekend rituals involve a well-deserved indulgence. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Chianti Classico — you can blame myhoneymoon to Italy for that one — paired with something rich and chocolatey like Milano cookies or chocolate-covered pretzels. Add a cup of rose hibiscustea to the mix (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it), and you have my idea of the perfect wind-down.

However, with inflammation flaring up, I’ve been questioning whether these treats are doing me more harm than good. Could the sugar andalcohol be exacerbating my symptoms? Is there a way to tweak my indulgences to better support my body during this time?

I’m not quite ready to part ways with these moments of joy, but I am considering alternatives that might be kinder to my inflammation.Maybe switching to dark chocolate with less sugar or exploring anti-inflammatory teas like ginger or turmeric blends could be a good start.And as much as I love my Chianti, a mocktail made with tart cherry juice (a known inflammation fighter) could be a fun, healthier substitute.

Living with a chronic condition like PsA often means striking a balance between treating yourself and treating your body well. WhileI haven’t landed on the perfect solution yet, I’m learning to listen to my body and adapt as needed. After all, self-care isn’t just about the things we enjoy;it’s also about making choices that help us feel our best in the long run.

What are your go-to treats when you’re managing inflammation or prioritizing self-care? I’d love to hear your tips — and who knows, maybeI’ll find my next favorite indulgence!