HEALTHY LIVING—FOODS THAT NOURISH YOUR BODY INSIDE AND OUT

Did you know there are foods that are good for you in more ways than one? These foods both lower your risk of disease when you eat them AND give your skin a radiant glow when you apply them topically.

Avocados—Studies have shown that these fruits (yes, the avocado is a fruit, not a veggie) can lower your bad cholesterol.  Avocados also contain about 13 grams of fiber, and we all should know by now that a diet high in fiber is a good for our health.

Because it contains protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and D, avocados are also a natural moisturizer.

Avocado Facial Mask

half an avocado

2 tsp. olive oil

1 T. honey

Mix together and apply to skin. Leave on 5-10 minutes. Rinse.

Oatmeal—Another food high in fiber, oatmeal slows the absorption of glucose and can help keep your blood sugar in check.

When used on the skin, the vitamin E in oatmeal alleviates itchiness (Remember when you were a kid and contracted poison ivy? Mom had you soak in an oatmeal bath, right?) and will smooth rough skin.

Oatmeal Face and Body Mask

1/2-cup oats

2 T. hot water

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp. dark brown sugar

Mix into thick paste. Apply to skin. Leave on 5-10 minutes. Rinse.

photo by Hegwig Storch

Grapefruit—An excellent source of potassium, grapefruit aids in reducing water retention and bloating.

When applied topically, the citric acid works to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. The high vitamin C content can counter damaged skin.

Grapefruit Mask

1 egg white

2 tsp. fresh grapefruit juice

2 tsp. sour cream

Beat egg white until fluffy. Fold in grapefruit juice and sour cream. Apply to skin. Let sit 10 minutes. Rinse. 

BEAUTY WITH NICOLE-- EAT YOUR WAY TO BEAUTIFUL SKIN

Beauty editor Nicole Emmerling is here today with a snack recipe to keep our skin looking young, beautiful, and wrinkle free. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. According to dermatologist David Colbert, “Skin is a matrix of proteins, water, and fats that need a non-processed food supply for replenishment.” So the next time you have the munchies, grab something that will not only crave your hunger but also help you maintain your skin’s health.

When you were growing up, were you told to stay away from chocolate because it causes acne? Lots of us were, but it turns out that’s an old wives tale. Dark chocolate with 72% or higher cacao content is full of antioxidants that are good for your skin. 

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that helps prevent UV damage. A handful of almonds will supply you with a one-two punch of both vitamin E and the fat your skin needs to stay healthy.

 Then there’s the blueberry, full of both antioxidants and vitamin C, which protects collagen.

So mix up a batch of your own very special, skin protecting snack mix -- equal parts almonds, blueberries (dry or fresh) and dark chocolate chips. Your skin will thank you.

Sounds like a great recipe. Thanks, Nicole! Maybe Cloris can whip us up some chocolate-almond-blueberry muffins. -- AP