(BPT) – As schedules pick up and temperatures drop, fall is a natural time for women to rethink their skincare routine. Yet the right products are just one piece of the puzzle in being kind to skin. A healthy diet, rich in leafy greens, and a holistic approach to skincare can also have complexion-beautifying benefits. You can turn over a new leaf this fall by incorporating more skin-loving “power greens” (full of vitamins and minerals) like kale, spinach and bok choy into meal time.
Registered dietician nutritionist Ellie Krieger, a New York Times bestselling author and host of the Food Network and Cooking Channel’s hit show, “Healthy Appetite,” is a member of the Simple Advisory Board – a panel of lifestyle experts that educate others on the benefits of adopting a holistic approach to skincare. As kitchens across the country prepare for a healthy reset to mark the start of fall, Krieger offers these easy ways to sneak more leafy greens into your daily dishes.
Start the day with a smoothie
Breakfast smoothies and pressed juices are an increasingly popular choice for on-the-go types. These liquid meals deliver an assortment of health benefits since they’re chock-full of fruits and vegetables. Add kale to a breakfast smoothie or juice (without even knowing it’s there) to experience the superfood’s nutrients – such as antioxidants, calcium and potassium – and beauty benefits like healthy skin and hair. “If you’re looking for an energizing way to start the day, try my superfood smoothie recipe,” says Krieger. “Blend 1/2 frozen ripe banana, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, 1/3 cup chopped fresh kale leaves, 1/4 cup sliced almonds , 1 cup nonfat milk, 1 teaspoon honey and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.”
Elevate the lunch salad
The lunch hour offers a great opportunity to pack a meal that includes several distinct leafy greens – iceberg, be gone.
Arugula, which belongs to the mustard family of plants, is a salad staple that adds a lovely peppery flavor and plenty of vitamin C. Up the ante with nutrient-dense spinach, which contains lots of beta carotene shown to promote healthy, glowing skin. Top off the health benefits with radicchio which is rich in lutein and antioxidants known to help preserve vision and protect skin from sun damage. Make a savvy salad by combining these three leaves (arugula, spinach and radicchio) and tossing with a can of light tuna in olive oil (drizzling in some oil from the can). Add the juice from half a lemon and some salt and pepper for flavor.
End the day with a skin-benefitting routine
A healthy spinach dinner dish doesn’t need to take a million years to prep. Buy prewashed baby spinach, toss into store-bought pasta sauce after it’s heated and serve over whole grain pasta for a dish that’s quick, delicious and good-for-skin. Spinach contains vitamin C, which is important for collagen production. The result is skin that’s smooth, supple and elastic. Post-dinner, it can be tempting to hit the sheets immediately, but supplement the overnight benefits of a healthy diet by taking a moment to remove makeup with kind-to-skin cleansers and facial wipes from Simple Skincare before heading to bed (so skin starts with a glowing base in the morning). Try Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash – it contains vitamins B and E (the same skin-loving ingredients found in leafy greens). It cleanses gently, removing dirt and oil without drying skin and contains no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh chemicals that can upset skin.
For more recipes from Krieger and information on how to be kind to skin, visit http://www.simpleskincare.com.
