As the cooler weather is upon us, it can be tough to feel motivated to drink as much water as we did in the summer. To help with that, I've put together a list of delicious cold season foods that not only taste great but also keep us hydrated, especially when the chilly air starts to dry out our skin!
Apples
The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" holds a lot of truth! Apples are often overlooked as a health and beauty powerhouse but they have remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. Packed with fiber, they aid digestion and promote a healthy colon, contributing to a radiant complexion and helping you feel satisfied for longer. The skin of the apple is rich in quercetin, a potent anti-aging agent that combats the harmful effects of UV rays, so be sure to enjoy your apples with the skin on. Additionally, the copper found in apples plays a crucial role in melanin production, the pigment that gives your skin its color and offers protection from the sun throughout the year. With a generous dose of Vitamin C, apples boost our immune system, especially during the cold and flu season. Looking to enhance your skin's brightness and hydration? Make apples a staple in your diet!
Zucchini
Zucchini is considered excellent for hydration and promoting glowing skin due to its incredibly high water content (around 95%), which helps replenish fluids in the body, and its presence of antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, resulting in a brighter and more even complexion; additionally, the lutein in zucchini can help reduce skin inflammation caused by sun exposure, further contributing to healthy skin.
I love eating slices of zucchini just like they're a cucumber. However, grilling these guys is also delicious! Zucchini goes great with any holiday dish and tossed in any salad as they take on the flavor of most anything.
Oh, how about making a delicious kale salad with zucchini, apples, broccoli and walnuts and anything else your craving!
Kale Salad
Kale is truly the champion of greens! Packed with nutrients, it nourishes the body while aiding in waste elimination. For a glowing complexion, dark leafy greens like kale are essential. They are rich in vitamin K, which is crucial for skin health. This powerhouse helps reduce facial puffiness and bloating, strengthens blood vessels, enhances circulation, and supports liver function. For those dealing with rosacea, kale can be a great ally in minimizing redness, so be sure to include it in your meals!
Additionally, kale offers protection against free radical damage and UV rays thanks to its lutein and zeaxanthin content, acting like an internal sunscreen. Plus, cooked kale contains more omega-3 fatty acids than raw kale, promoting a soft and nourished complexion from within. Consider eating some kale daily as an addition to your self-care routine!
Soups
From my kitchen to yours I love, love, love soups! Soups are a meal to me and all of mine are made with chicken based stock that starts with H20...like my Potato Leek soup.
This soup is so healthy for the entire body but especially to rehydrate and help your skin sparkle!
Leeks are particularly high in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body, which can provide increased protection from the sun and a lower risk of sunburn. Leeks are also natural diuretics, containing many sulfur compounds that help the liver gently cleanse the body. For anyone who experiences acne, efficient detoxification by the liver is essential for clear skin.
Fun fact:
Did you know that French women have been using a secret leek soup recipe for generations to reset their bodies after periods of indulgence? I was very intrigued and learned how to make an easy leek & potato soup. After all, if there are two things you can be certain the French know about, it's indulgence and beauty.
Here are some of the reasons this potato leek soup is so good for you:
*Chicken broth provides collagen. You can use any kind of chicken broth, but I like free range & organic broth.
*Leeks are a great source of sulfur. Sulfur can help protect your cells against damage.
*Potatoes are a strong source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps protect your cells against the effects of free radicals.
Recipe
2 tablespoon butter or ghee +
3 tablespoon EEVO
3 large leeks chopped roughly
3-4 garlic cloves
2 pounds Yukon Gold potato's (peeled & chopped in cut 1/2 in. pieces
7 cups chicken broth (use vegetable for vegan)
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon of Allspice
3 sprigs of thyme (I slide the thyme off the sprig and leave in)
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 cup 2% or 1% milk lactose free
Parmesan cheese, chive and croutons as a topper.
Melt butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add the leeks and garlic and cook until wilted. Add potatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper to pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are very soft. Get your hand beater and turn on high and whip ingredients until smooth or the consistency you like. Add the milk and blend again. If the consistency needs to be thicker, in a separate cup add 2 tablespoons of corn starch to 3 tablespoons hot water, stir for no lumps and add to soup mixture and boil stirring constantly until thicker.
Now that I have you hungry and craving these amazing foods just watch your skin sparkle and feel good eating it all! Needing a snack? Read my previous blogs for some skin-fabulous snacks!
Be sparkling inside & out!
Genelle
Licensed Esthetician
Nutrition Certified Esthetician
Founder of Face It Skin
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