Eat your way to glowing skin

So, I hope you are all finding a way to thrive even with the cold, ice and snow! I have been well, except for one nagging problem that haunts me every winter season - dry, chapped skin on my hands and face.

Recently while I was getting a haircut, I eavesdropped on the conversation next to me. The woman and her hairstylist were talking about their issues with dry winter skin, and all about the dermatologists they've seen and the skin creams they had tried. I knew where they were coming from. In the past, I have used a prescribed steroid cream to deal with my chapped hands.

These days, I take a more holistic and natural approach to dealing with winter skin issues. You don’t need to spend money on expensive medications or creams in most situations. Instead, nurture your skin from the inside out by choosing to eat foods that will nourish and calm your skin. And, in addition to having great skin, by eating whole foods you’ll have more energy, better immunity, feel better, sleep better and protect yourself from chronic disease.

Before we check out this little list of foods that are amazing for glowing skin, let’s talk about hydration. It’s super important to keep yourself properly hydrated, and it’s something a lot of us slack off on when its cold outside. During the winter your best best bets are filtered or spring water, herbal teas and coconut water. I like to sip warm lemon water throughout the day.

Ok, now onto the list!

Pumpkin
Why it gives you a glow: Loaded with vitamins A,B, and C - all essential for skin health. It’s also high in carotenoids (protective antioxidants that gives pumpkins it’s bright color), which help reverse UV damage and improve skin texture.
How to eat it: Add pumpkin puree to a smoothie or oatmeal, pumpkin soup
*Check out my Pumpkin Smoothie recipe here*

Avocado
Why it gives you a glow: High in healthy fats, supports cellular repair and keeps skin from drying out. Learn more about healthy fats here.
How to eat it: Guacamole (is there anything better?), in a green salad, avocado toast, smoothies

Cucumber
Why it gives you a glow: Rich in silica which improves skin hydration (making your skin glow) & calming to the skin
How to eat it: Salads, green juice, green smoothies

Dark Leafy Greens
Why it gives you a glow: The most nutrient dense food you can eat for a healthy body and healthy skin. And, the antioxidants found in leafy greens help prevent inflammation, which can cause eczema and acne.
How to eat it: green smoothie (see recipe below), kale salad, sauteed with garlic and coconut oil

Glowing Smoothie
1/2 head Romaine lettuce
Large handful of spinach
1/2 avocado
1/2 cucumber (peeled if not organic)
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 Granny Smith Apple
10 almonds (best if soaked overnight)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
Optional add-ins: 1/2 frozen banana, 1 teaspoon spirulina, handful of parsley

Blend the lettuce and spinach with 2 cups of water. Add additional ingredients and blend! Expect comments on the beautiful green color of your smoothie:)