Before we begin, here is my TedTalk message: "Before you rush back to normal, think about what normal you are rushing back to."

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional and I suggested you doing your own research on any of the items I mention. — Although, you may be able to call me “Dr.” in a few years. 🎓 I think I'll be okay with people calling me "Dr. Ray" as opposed to using my last name...since people have a hard time with it and it's a whole mouthful anyway. Hell, most people don't even know how to pronounce my first name or even know what my first name is.

I'm finally getting around to answering some questions about a few ways to stay healthy and putting it all in one place for reference. I'm sorry, I know some of you requested a video, but honestly, I really don't like recording all that much and I always lose my train of thought. It's just better for me to write it out. I am also working on a draft for tips on how to buy, sell, and manage stocks, stay tuned for that.

*I hyperlinked each item so you can read more details.

Supplements and Detoxing. (There are many supplements, vitamins, and detox methods you can take, these are the main ones I use.)

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Available in gummies or liquid form and capsules. If you get the liquid, make sure it's with the 'Mother'.
  
  Detox Drink with ACV
  1 part ACV
  1 part lemonade (optional)
  2 parts water

  Lemons slices (optional)

  Grounded Cayenne Pepper (optional)

This drink helps with weights loss.

You've heard of the Freshman 15, yes? Well, the Quarantine 15 is just a real and I fell victim to it. I was so proud of myself in January, I was telling a friend that my number was getting lower and that I was close to my goal weight and now...well, now I shudder at the scale. Whatever number you may think I weigh, I'm willing to bet it's much less than my actual weight right now; even my friend thought I was much less and that was when I was at a "good" number -- add about 20 lbs to the number you're thinking. You may be saying there is nothing wrong with what I may weigh -- I've learned to wear my clothes well and the number I set for my weight is part of the standards I've created for myself....Plus, ya girl ain't no spring chicken, so I need to be very careful with how I take care of my body. I’m not trying to meet my 50’s feeling like I’m struggling in my 70’s.

• Elderberry: Available in gummies or liquid form and capsules. Helps boost immunity.

• Melatonin: I only use this when I have trouble sleeping, especially more so now with all that is going on. I get the gummy form and I get the kid's version of the gummies. When I took the adult version, I noticed I'd get bad dreams and then could not fall back to sleep…defeating the purpose. Also in capsules.

• B12 Vitamins (gummy): I don't take these often, but it does help with energy. Also in capsules.

• Iron Supplements (gummy): Same with these, I don't take often and they also help with energy. Also in capsules.

• Herbal Teas: Drinking tea helps with digestion, maintaining weight, and can help with lowering stress and anxiety levels. Chamomile with lavender tea helps clam the nerves. My go-to tea is green tea, I'll just add a dab of honey for sweetness (I use honey for my coffee too.) I also travel with teas and just ask for a hot cup of water.

• *Golden Milk (I drink this about once a week because of all its benefits): Improves memory and speeds learning, Reduces free-radical damage and oxidative stress, Relieves arthritis pain and inflammation, Improves blood pressure and reduces LDL cholesterol, Prevents or inhibits colon, breast, and pancreatic cancers

  Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups light coconut milk (you can also do almond milk or 1 cup coconut and 1 cup almond milk)

  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (turmeric does come in supplement capsules)

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • Pinch of black pepper

  Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon raw honey or agave

  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

  • Pinch of ground cayenne pepper

If any of you have problems with sore muscles or back/neck pain all of the above can help you get relive over time, but if you need the tension to go away faster, take a look at THIS. I use this item maybe every other week to help sooth tension between my neck and shoulders. I also use this acupuncture mat and pillow that has worked well for me. (No, I don't sleep on it. I just lay on both for about 30 minutes when I need to.)

Eating and Cooking.

Incorporate as much fruits and vegetables in your meals as you can. I eat a lot of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, leche, rambutan, kiwi, and a lot of the normal fruits such as apples, oranges, berries, etc. It's also best to cook with fresh herbs and spices. I started a garden in the last few months, below is what I'm currently growing. *The ones that are starred are plants I use most often when cooking.

Habanero Peppers / Jalapeno Peppers / Sweet Peppers / *Thai Chili Peppers / *Cayenne Peppers / *Sweet Basil / *Thai Basil / Sage / Cilantro / Lemongrass / Spearmint / Sweet Mint / Chocolate Mint / Oregano / Lemons / Limes / Tomatoes / Ginger / *Rosemary / *Thyme / Bell Peppers / Blueberries / Clementines / Leche / Aloe Vera

Beauty Routine. (The beauty business is a multi billion dollar industry! I used to be a strong advocate for Cover Girl, Revlon, and MAC -- although there are still a few beauty items I use and a few of my friend have their own beauty lines that I support, I refuse to spend more that $20 on one product. And I refuse to spend more than 10 minutes preparing my face for an outing.)

Honestly, I don't have a regimen I use daily. I also stopped wearing makeup about 3 years ago. I'll only make attempts at doing up my face for weddings and ceremonies. At best, I'll do a color lip and darken my eyebrows for everyday occurrences.

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school me or even first year college me, I'd tell her, "Pooh Bear, you are going to experience so much in life especially in your 20's which going to allow you to mentally grow faster than your peers. You are also going to meet so many amazing people and see some beautiful places. You will relocate a few times, but don't worry, you seem to always find a way to make new environments YOURS. You will get several degrees, create several small businesses, and be able to live the life you deserve. Enjoy the ride."

I mainly use 3 items on my skin.

1. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Pineapple Cleanser (Confession: I don't cleanse my face every day. Some days I just rinse with water. My skin has been doing very well since doing away with foundation and powders and resorting to natural oils. I still get blemishes here and there, but my face is a lot fresher, brighter and healthier.)

   I switch between the items below for moisturizers. You can use them in the morning or before bed.

2. Castor Oil

3. Rosehip Oil

4. *Aloe Vera Spray - This one is an extra and you can use it on your face or hair. If you have the plant, it's great for your skin to use on blemishes, cuts, and bug bites.

(Satin sheets and pillow covers are also good for skin and hair.)

Teeth.

Remember that I mentioned teeth are important? Well, here are the items I use including an amazing travel friendly pre-pasted toothbrush.

• Bamboo Toothbrush with Activated Charcoal Bristles

• Activated Charcoal Toothpaste - If you still want to use your normal toothpaste you can opt for charcoal powder and dip your toothbrush with your toothpaste into the powder.

• Disposable Travel Toothbrushes - This is my FAVORITE carry item. I always have a few on hand with me where ever I go. I also use the Colgate Wisp brushes and never had any issues, but the other brand individually wraps the brushes which I greatly appreciate.

Hair Care.

If you've seen me or met me when I had my natural hair color, then you've known me a LONG TIME -- Thank you for being here. Because my hair is heavily processed, I have to make sure to keep it moisturized.

At least once a month I do an oil mask on my hair. I use the following oils (separately):

• Tea Tree Oil

• Macadamia Oil

• Almond Oil

• Coconut Oil

• And here is an oil blend that is great for hair and skin. (Many oils can be used on both hair and skin. -- You really can't go wrong with natural products.)

Soak your hair in one of the oils and leave it for at least 30 minutes (sometimes I leave it in for a few hours) then rinse out with your choice of shampoo, no need for conditioner unless you want to. And I try not to use any styling products in my hair aside from leave-in conditioner.

Body.

I began using pure shea butter last year and swear by it. I add a bit of coconut oil to make the shea butter easier to apply and the combination of the two keeps my skin looking hydrated and really healthy. I usually get compliments on how soft my skin is, not in a creepy way, it was mainly while people shake my hand they'll comment, but this was even before I started using shea butter -- skin moisture has always been a top priority for me.

Previously, I used other brands such as Jergens and Vaseline. I've not had any issues with these brands, I just began preferring more natural products on my skin. 

For bar soaps, I love African Black Soaps and Tumeric Soaps.  These are great for maintaining healthy skin and helps with removing dark spot by evening your skin tone.

Comfort Food Suggestion: Oxtails (I used a dutch oven to make this)

1. Overnight marinade: Jamaican Jerk Seasoning / All Seasoned Salt / Black Pepper / Cayenne Pepper / Soy Sauce / Brown Sugar / Worcestershire Sauce

2. I braised the meat before putting into the pot.

3. In the pot: Garlic Cloves / Carrots / Yellow Onion / Scallions / Lima Beans / Scotch Bonnet or Habaneros / Beef Broth / Ketchup / Bay Leaves / Thyme

4. Cook Time 4 hours at 275° (If you use a pressure cooker you can make this is about an hour)