Changing different aspects of your beauty routine can definitely change the way your skin appears. Switching to a makeup brand that is mineral based, or using professionally recommended products is definitely somewhere to start. When it comes to beauty, have you ever thought about what you ingest? Instantly, changing your beauty routine is the first thing that comes to mind. However, studies are showing that food can also affect your skin in a big way. Changing your eating habits can do wonders, so let us show you where to start! Eating pretty can make you feel the glow inside and out. We are here to answer your burning question... What can I eat to have good skin?
Starting off, in no way should this stop your inner foodie from coming out. You can still explore different foods, and different flavours but within reason. Instead of stopping off at the closest fast food joint to grab a bite, try creating something at home, with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Attached to this blog, we have added some of our favourite recipes that incorporate some of the foods that we have listed!
Yes, the horrid word is actually something that can be good for you. Instead of reaching for a box of pasta try Goji berries. Packed with amino acids and carbs that you don’t actually have to fear. This fruit is sure to increase your skin's’ hydration and also aids in tightening and firming your skin offering a radiant youthful glow. Interested? You can also incorporate these products packed with gogi and their topical benefits: Glo Daily Power C+ or Glo Phyto-Active Firming Serum.
Another great option is broccoli. However, when compared to something like Goji berries or sweet potatoes it may come in lower on the carb scale. Where it lacks in carbs it makes up for in nutrients. Some people may not enjoying eating broccoli, but it has great anti aging agents within. It can help with reducing stubborn fine lines, acne and pigmentation. So maybe eating broccoli isn’t such a bad thing after all? Not typically found in beauty serums or creams, but adding it to your diet is key! Picking a side of broccoli versus potatoes is an easy upgrade to your beauty regime.
Another word that comes across as something to steer clear of when grocery shopping. Even though some fats can be truly detrimental to your skin like trans fats, and fried foods, there is a wide variety of items that are considered good fats. Studies show that fats like Omega -3 is actually an unsaturated fat that can help with skin conditions such as acne.
Something to consider for a fat substitute is coconut, or avocado. An easy cooking switch to your kitchen is using avocado oil or coconut oil instead of the tub of butter sitting in your fridge. Not only does it do wonders for your skin, it also adds flavour!  Avocado can be easily added to so many different meals, and it has next to no taste, so it’s hard to even know its there! A great option for some of those pickier eaters out there.
Over the last few years coconut has become a large item in the food industry, coconut milk, water and oil have been great additions in the kitchen. But did you know it’s also great for your skin? Coconut reduces inflammation, keeping your skin moisturized and can also heal wounds. Coconut oil has medium level fatty acids that can actually help with acne. Used to treat the acne, and protect your face from harmful bacterias. We do not recommend using pure coconut oil on your face, but formulated in the right products with other important ingredients can be very beneficial. Interested? Try these products from Glo Skin Beauty: Purifying Gel Cleanser, Hydrating Gel Cleanser, Gentle Cream Cleanser, Phyto-Active Eye Cream, and more. For a complete list of items containing coconut, visit GLOW Beauty Bar! Our skin specialist is sure to suggest the right products for your skin's’ needs.
Another change to make your diet prettier is eating cold- water fish. Instead of getting fats from chicken, or beef try having fish. A great alternative for your skin, and a healthy fat you don’t have to be afraid of. Fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout and tuna are a few. Each is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, the kind of fat that makes your face glow!
Do you prefer to eat more of a plant based diet? There are also items that can be helpful that don’t come from animals! Items like flax seeds, and flaxseed oils, chia seeds, walnuts and spirulina. All of which are great for dry skin and prevent eczema! It’s great to know there are alternative options to ingesting fats that doesn’t have to come from an animal. Being vegan and vegetarian doesn’t mean missing out on good fats!
When you think of protein, typically your first thought is something like chicken or beef. However, studies are showing that there are plenty of other ways to find protein that doesn’t have to include anything from an animal.
Instead of adding meat to your salad, consider adding in chickpeas or avocado and topping it off with a garnish of algae. A different addition to the traditional salad style, algae can benefit skin hydration. It also aids in making your skin softer to the touch. Algae is an antioxidant which helps in making your skin look younger and wrinkle free while protecting it from environmental damage and stress. Packed with vitamins such as vitamin A,B,C, and E. The is definitely something you want to be in your skin care routine.
Interested? Try this product: Sorella yogurt kale eye cream. Or have a facial with the Casmara mask.
So there you have it. Three different words that have come across as scary before reading this blog. Don’t be afraid of of carbs or fats, because when chosen correctly your skin will thank you. Each section suggests a product carried by GLOW Beauty Bar, located on the Queensway in Etobicoke. Come by for a free consultation, and meet with our skin expert to see what she suggests for you! Each skin is different, so why not have someone show you what yours needs! If you don’t have time for a consultation, start off with ingesting the right foods. Doing so will help to guarantee refreshing results. All foods can be found at your local store, and beauty products at GLOW.
Try these recipes to kickstart your pretty eating! Featuring yummy foods featured above.
· 500g broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
· freshly ground black pepper
· 1/3 cup slivered almonds
· Place the broccoli in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside to blanch.
· Meanwhile, dice the avocado and place in a serving bowl. Drizzle over the avocado oil and lemon juice, sprinkle with pepper to taste and toss gently.
· Toast the almond slivers in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, tossing gently.
· Drain the broccoli and add to the serving bowl with the avocado. Toss gently to coat with the dressing, sprinkle with the almond slivers and serve.
Tip: Add your favourite hot sauce for added flavour.
No-Bake Protein Goji Berry Granola Bars
· 1 cup rolled or quick oats (gluten free)
· 1/2 cup cashew pieces, chopped
· 1/2 cup almond, chopped
· 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
· 2 Tablespoons protein powder
· 1/4 cup ground flax seed
· 2/3 cup peanut or almond butter (organic)
· 1/2 to 2/3 cup agave nectar
· 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (adjust based on which nut butter you use)
· 1 Tablespoon cacao nibs (optional)
· Mix oats, cashew pieces, chopped almond, sunflower seeds, protein powder, and flax seeds in a large bowl.
· Whisk together nut butter, agave, and sea salt. Pour into oat mixture and mix well, until everything is sticky and combined. If it’s too dry, add a bit more agave. Add the goji berries and mix well.
· Press mixture into a shallow 8" baking dish that you’ve lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Cover with more parchment paper or plastic wrap, press well into the dish, and refrigerate for 4 hours. Cut into bar shapes, and keep refrigerated. Makes 10–15 bars.
Typically a sweet eater and looking for an alternative? Use chickpeas or avocados instead of the traditional butter, flour egg set up.
Here is a recipe for Chickpea Blondies
· 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
· 1/2 cup all natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
· 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave nectar (you can also use honey if you're not vegan)
· 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
· 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
· 1/3 cup vegan (or regular) chocolate chips plus 2 tablespoons
· Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
· Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray 8x8 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
· In a food processor, add all ingredients except chocolate chips and process until batter is smooth. Fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips, I like to use dark chocolate because it has less sugar but it's up to you.
Note: Batter will be thick and super delicious, so you could actually just eat it on it's own!
· Spread batter evenly in prepared pan then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips on top. (The batter may stick to your spatula, so I like to spray my spatula with nonstick cooking spray first.) Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and edges are a tiny bit brown. The batter may look underdone, but you don't want them to dry out!
· Cool pan for 20 minutes on wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt then cut into squares. Makes 16 blondies. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
Or another alternative is Avocado & Black Bean Brownies
· 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
· 2 eggs or flax eggs (add an additional egg if you like cakier brownies!)
· 1/2 of a large ripe avocado
· 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
· 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon
· 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
· 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
· 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
· 2/3 cup coconut sugar or sub brown sugar (or sub 1/2 cup pure maple syrup)
· 1/3 cup chocolate chips + 2 tablespoons for topping
· Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 8x8 inch baking pan.
· Place all ingredients besides chocolate chips into blender or food processor. Process or puree until ingredients form a smooth batter. If the batter is WAY too thick and won't process then add in a teaspoon or two of water. This batter needs to be very thick in order to produce fudgy brownies. Add in 1/3 cup chocolate chips and fold into batter.
· Pour batter into prepared pan, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of remaining chocolate chips. You can also fold in nuts or swirl in peanut butter. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out somewhat clean and top of the brownies begin to crack. Cool pan completely on wire rack then cut into 12 delicious large brownies!
