When you think about a daily “beauty routine,” sitting down to hearty lunch isn’t probably the first thing that comes to mind. We (and yes, I’m speaking about both women AND men here) are bombarded by ways to look our best selves via skin products, lotions, creams, sprays, appliances and more. I’m far from against external beauty care, as my bathroom cabinet will surely tell you, but any topical routine is always a form of secondary treatment. My primary treatment comes directly from nourishment.
An invigorated presence, bright eyes, glowy skin, and a nimble body far surpass anything we could ever buy to put on. That’s because nothing is as beautiful, and precious, as a healthy being. Health may come in all shapes, sizes, and forms … but you know it when you see it. Moreso, you certainly know it when you feel it.
Personally, there’s a lot that goes into my edible beauty practice … not in terms of work, but in regards to diversity. It’s fun and exciting to utilize superfoods, which promote beauty in all kinds of ways, including radiant skin, shiny hair, clear eyes, and especially, anti-aging. It can be hard to pick a few, but here are some of my favorite ingredients for edible beauty:
Hemp Seeds | The high concentration of essential fatty acids and vitamin E in hemp seeds serve as a crucial element in the development of new cells and promote vibrant skin. Plus, the omega 3 fatty acids act as an anti-inflammatory agent at the same time.
Olive Oil | This oil is a go-to for monosaturated fats, which enhance skin-elasticity — a kind of fat “hydration,” if you will. Other sources of this friendly-fat include olives, avocados, and nuts like almonds.
Spirulina | Spirulina is huge on my list; I look at it as a “package-deal food” in terms of benefits. It’s an excellent way to consume a condensed amount of chlorophyll, which increases circulation, detoxifies the body, and replenishes tired cells with a plethora of needed minerals. At the same time, it also provides complexion-enhancing carotene, as well as many other antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help fight the harmful effects of sun damage. Clean body = clear skin.
Goji berries | These red berries have concentrated amounts of antioxidants that help fight against cellular oxidation … otherwise known as disease and aging. In particular, their lycopene content (also found in tomatoes) improves internal skin protection against UV rays.
Soy | Soy foods contain a special compound called aglycone, which helps support smooth, firm skin by protecting against collagen break down. (Always buy organic soy products to avoid GMOs!)
Water-packed Vegetables | Hydration is key to beauty – no surprise there. But there’s a difference between drinking a glass of water, and getting the vitamin-rich, mineral-rich water from a crisp cucumber or crunchy radish. Go for the bonus nutrients whenever possible!
These elements need not be overwhelming, or impractically cumbersome. In fact, quite often, I will combine many components to make delicious recipes. My “Glow Bowl” below is a great example of a flexible recipe I typically make, swapping in new ingredients as I feel inspired. This is true, functional food that leaves you feeling better and better with every bite.
The Glow Bowl
A balanced, energizing meal packed with anti-inflammatory, beauty-boosting nourishment.
Makes 4 servings
For the Millet:
1 cup dry millet
2 cups water
1 teaspoon Hawaiian Spirulina
2 tablespoons olive oil, or hemp oil
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon tamari
¼ cup hemp seeds
For the Salad:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons ume plum vinegar
1 teaspoon lime juice
¼ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 teaspoons toasted black sesame + extra for garnish
½ bunch curly kale, stemmed and chopped
¼ cup dried goji berries
½ orange bell pepper, diced fine
1 cup shelled frozen edamame (unsalted), de-frosted
1 english cucumber, sliced thin
Handful radish sprouts, for garnish
Pinch ground turmeric, for garnish
Place the millet and water in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer, and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, or until all the water is evaporated and the millet is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the spirulina, and toss until millet is evenly coated. Add the olive oil, tamari, and hemp seeds, and mix to combine.
While the millet is cooking n a separate medium mixing bowl, combing the olive oil, sesame oil, ume plum vinegar, lime juice, ginger, and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds. Whisk well to combine. Add the kale, and massage the dressing into the leaves, by hand. Add the goji berries, bell pepper, edamame and cucumber. Mix well.
To serve, divide the millet amongst 4 serving bowls. Top each bowl with a quarter of the salad mixture, sprinkling with fresh sprouts and turmeric just before serving.
Nutrex Hawaii has generously offered a discount to all JulieMorris.net readers for all spirulina purchases: Use code SFJULIE at Nutrex-Hawaii.com to receive 20% off up to $75, 30% off up to $149.99 and 40% off above $150.
This post was sponsored by Nutrex Hawaii. All opinions here are 100% my own
