Seasonal Skin Saviors: a Skin-Saving Salad + a Skin-Boosting Smoothie
The end of spring is always a confusing time for our skin. In some parts of the world we are still experiencing major spring vibes with blooms and tons of rain, while other parts are starting to feel much more like summer with longer days full of sunshine. It may not be time to switch up your skincare routine quite yet from your winter routine but your body is definitely craving a change. This is when you can look to food to start balancing your body from the inside, out. With the seasonal foods that come out around May it is easy to introduce high content vitamins, along with immunity-boosting, water-based veggies. Here are two of my favorite seasonal skin-saving recipes:
SKIN-SAVING SALAD
This blend of antioxidants, minerals, and fats will help you stay full, hydrated, and glowing throughout the day. Arugula is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and will help add defense against UV rays, while carrots have tons of beta carotene, minerals, and Vitamin A. Apricots are rich in Vitamin C (and their seed oil extract is great for hair, skin, and nails). Beets are high in carotenoids and folates which are good for cellular repair, and cucumbers are hydrating, high in vitamin C, and help reduce inflammation. And lastly, the avocado dressing is high in healthy fats. *For an added hit of protein include grilled fresh caught wild salmon (with the apricots) or roasted chicken seasoned with lemon to complement the beets.
SKIN-SAVING SALAD INGREDIENTS
1 bed Arugula1 cup Shaved Carrots½ cup Chopped Cucumber½ cup Roasted Beets or Grilled Apricots
Avocado dressing:
1 cup Ripe Avocado, diced1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, loosely packed¼ cup Fresh Lemon Juice1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil¾ cup Cold Water½ teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt
SKIN-SAVING SALAD ASSEMBLY
Blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth, and then drizzle over the salad.
SKIN-BOOSTING SMOOTHIE
This antioxidant-rich smoothie will help you start your day with all the antioxidants and hydration you need to combat seasonal allergy triggers. Celery is known for its ability to help most skin conditions including acne and eczema since it contains Vitamins A, B, C, K, and B3 -- which are all great for collagen production and cellular repair. Cherries are super alkaline and regulate your body’s PH, while coconut water is great for electrolytes and sweetens the taste. Nut butter also helps the taste and is great to add fat for absorption. Spinach and kale are both nutrient dense and blend beautifully with all of the other ingredients.
SKIN-BOOSTING SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS
Half Chopped Cucumber ½ cup Blueberries ½ cup Cherries 2 stalks Celery1 cup Spinach or Kale1 scoop Almond Butter, (leave out if you’re sensitive or substitute with Sunflower Seed Butter) ½ AvocadoSpring Water or Coconut Water, to blend
SKIN-BOOSTING SMOOTHIE ASSEMBLY
Add all the items to the blender for two minutes or until smooth.Give these seasonal skin saviors a try and don’t be afraid to try your own version of these recipes. Use your taste buds and intuitive sense to create the perfect skin-boosting meals for yourself for every season change. Let us know what you think!
