The beauty industry would have you believe great skin comes from fancy creams, fish toxins, and high-tech things you do at the spa.
Sure, good quality and toxin-free topical products or treatments can definitely help, but glowing, healthy, and clear skin really begins from within.
These recipes include superfood ingredients that pack a ton of health benefits can be fun and delicious.
Kiwi and Quinoa Salad
Kiwifruit may not come in an attractive package but it is loaded with nutrients that may help prevent skin aging. It contains more vitamin C than oranges, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. These defend against skin degradation and the carotenoid lutein, which protects skin from UV light. This recipe has plenty of flavor and is even gluten-free.
- 1/2 cup (100g) white quinoa, rinsed
- 2 kiwifruit, peeled, coarsely chopped
- 1 shallot, cut into thin wedges
- 1/4 cup (35g) dried cranberries
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 60g feta, crumbled
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Cook quinoa following packet directions. Drain. Rinse under running cold water. Transfer to a bowl. Add kiwifruit , shallot , cranberries , parsley and feta and toss to combine.
Combine the oil , vinegar and ginger in a small bowl. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
Salmon and Sweet Potato Cakes
Adding beta-carotene starches to your diet can combat a dull complexion. Vitamins A & C are a skin-brightening combo that work to neutralize cell tissue-damaging free radicals. Salmon and sweet potatoes are also full of biotin, which stimulates hair and nail growth.
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed (about 1 c)
- 3 (6-oz) skinless salmon fillets
- 1 quart (4 c) chicken broth
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 T Old Bay or seafood seasoning
- 1-1/2 c whole wheat crackers, crushed into crumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 T finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 2 scallions or green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 c finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3 T extra-virgin olive oil
- Bring broth to a boil in a large skillet or pot over high heat; reduce to a simmer.
Season salmon fillets lightly on both sides with salt and pepper. Carefully lower them down into the liquid, making sure they are submerged. Poach until salmon is opaque, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the salmon to a mixing bowl and flake the fish with a fork. Add in the mashed sweet potatoes, seafood seasoning, half of the cracker crumbs, the egg, thyme, hot sauce, scallions, and parsley. Using your hands or a fork, combine until the mixture is firm enough to mold into cakes. (If too wet, add more cracker crumbs.)
Add remaining cracker crumbs to a plate. Form salmon mixture into four (4-inch) patties or eight (2-inch) patties and coat in the cracker crumbs on both sides.
Discard liquid from skillet and wipe clean. In that same skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmery.
Cook the fish cakes until light golden, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
Serve with tartar sauce for dipping or on buns with cheese on top, like a burger.
Edible Face Masks
- Coffee is not just to wake up in the morning. Exfoliate skin with coffee grounds to help unclog pores, scrub away dead skin cells, reduce inflammation, and protect against certain types of bacteria.
- For a super deep clean, try mixing equal parts Aztec clay and apple cider vinegar for a mud mask that cleanses and smooths skin. Allow the mask to harden before washing it away with warm water. This mask recipe has a proven track record—even Cleopatra used it.
- To brighten skin and prevent inflammation, mix one teaspoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of honey, apply to the face, and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Local honey is recommended, where available; it can shorten the length of a cold and fights against seasonal allergies.
- To moisturize your face and give skin a natural glow, mash one half a banana and mix with one tablespoon honey and one tablespoon orange juice. Mash until nearly lump-free, spread on the face, and leave on for 15 minutes.