From RECIPES

5 Foods For Glowing Skin

October 7th, 2020

Want health, glowing, youthful skin? Yes – me too! I’ve noticed that what I eat plays a huge role in the health of my hair, nails and skin. When I’m eating loads of fruits, veggies and healthy fats I find my skin is dewy and I feel like I even look younger. The opposite is also true -when I’m dehydrated and not eating as I normally would my skin pays the price. It’s dry, dull and not at all youthful.

That’s no coincidence. Enjoying fresh, whole foods offers the nutrients needed for clearer, more youthful looking and glowing skin. With that in mind here are my top 5 faves for glowing skin:

1. Spinach

Leafy greens like my fave, spinach, are an excellent source of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A. These vitamins are beneficial for cellular repair and regeneration which can show in the look and feel of your skin. Smoothies are a great way to get more greens into your day. One of my faves is this glowing skin green smoothie!

2. Pineapple

Pineapple is a great source of an enzyme, called bromelain, which can help reduce inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by a number of things from what we eat to stress to not getting enough sleep. Inflammation isn’t a bad thing, in fact it is a wonderful thing for helping the body heal, short term. What we want want to stay away from is chronic inflammation which can show in the skin as acne and wrinkles. The skin is offers us clues as to how we are doing on the inside. When we see signs of inflammation in the skin that could be a sign that not only or skin but our whole body could use a bit more love. Good news though – the foods that can help beautify the skin are working from the inside out and can help support overall health!

As we age skin loses some of its elasticity and firmness which is partly due to loss of collagen. This loss can lead to fine lines and wrinkles! You can boost your collagen production with nutrients such as vitamin C, found in pineapple. Try adding pineapple to your fave smoothies, salads and salsas.

3. Coconut Oil

The healthy fats in coconut oil are important for youthful, soft and dewy (aka glowing) looking skin. Coconut also has antioxidant vitamin E, which is important for healthy skin. Find ways to incorporate coconut oil into your routine here.

4. Nuts

My fave nuts for skin health are Brazil nuts and walnuts. Brazil nuts contain antioxidant mineral selenium which is beneficial for healthy skin because selenium can aid in supporting skin that has been exposed to sun damage. Walnuts are another fave because of their healthy fats. I keep these nuts around for snacks and for adding to smoothies and salads.

5. Chia Seeds

These little seeds are full of healthy Omega-3 fats that help keep your skin soft and dewy; giving you a glow from the inside out. I add chia seeds to overnight oats, smoothies and more. Try making a chia seed pudding like this one!

Bonus: Water

While water isn’t a food we can’t talk about beauty without talking about water. When you are dehydrated it shows in your skin. Stay hydrated with leafy green veggies such as spinach and chard and fruits such as pineapple and watermelon and by drinking water all throughout the day.

What are your fave foods for beautiful, glowing skin? Let me know!

Coconut photo cred here

 

Chocolate Pecan Pie Smoothie

October 7th, 2020

Make this chocolate pecan pie smoothie even more decedent by topping it with whipped cream, chopped pecans and chocolate!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 Maca Chocolate bar (chopped)
2 Tbsp pecans (chopped)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Optional: top with your fave whipped cream. I like this vegan coconut whipped cream!

Directions:

Blend all ingredients
Top with whipped cream, chopped pecans and chocolate

Pumpkin Smoothie

October 7th, 2020

Once fall hits I’m all about pumpkin. All pumpkin everything! This pumpkin smoothie is perfect for cozying up on the sofa with a blanket and a good book.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 tsp maca
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla
Granola (to taste; I used my fave homemade peanut butter granola)

Directions:

Blend all ingredients (except granola)
Top with granola

Chocolate Caramel Protein Balls

January 12th, 2017

This chocolate caramel protein ball recipe will leave your taste buds happy, and as an added perk, each serving has 5 grams of protein! As originally posted on MyVega.com.

 

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup dates, chopped and pitted
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 scoop Vanilla Vega Sport Protein
2 Tbsp almonds, finely chopped
1/2 cup almond butter
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
Sprinkle of salt

 

Directions

In a food processor, blend dates until smoothed out and starting to form a ball, scraping sides as required.
Add maple syrup, Vega Protein, one tablespoon of almonds, and almond butter.
Process until combined, scraping sides as required. Depending on how sticky your dates are, if the mixture feels too dry, add maple syrup and adjust until you have a slightly sticky consistency.
Roll into balls.
Melt coconut oil and chocolate chips then coat the balls in melted chocolate.
Spread chocolate covered balls out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Top with a sprinkle of salt and remaining almonds.
Freeze for at least 30 minutes or until chocolate hardens.
Store balls in an air tight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.

DIY Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Spoons

December 5th, 2016

Typically I fall into the DI-Don’t category. My DIY attempts are good for a laugh and that’s about it. Unless it involves food—then watch out. I’m a DIY boss. So even if you don’t consider yourself a DIY’er I encourage you to give this easy gift project a shot. If you’re a seasoned DIY’er then feel free to jazz this up as only a DIY master like yourself knows how.

Love peppermint spoons more than anything? Pick up a silicon spoon shaped candy mold. Crush candies as you’ll be directed, add to molds, and heat until melted.

This recipe can be halved (use an 8oz. Mason jar) or quartered, for single-serve mini jars (use 1a 4oz. Mason jar). As originally posted on MyVega.com.

 

Ingredients

Hot Chocolate

8 Tbsp cocoa powder
4 tsp sugar
8 Tbsp dairy free chocolate chips
4 Tbsp mini vegan marshmellows
Optional: Sub 2 Tbsp cocoa powder for 2 Tbsp Chocolate Vega® Clean Protein

Peppermint Spoon

Crushed red and white swirled peppermint candies or candy cane (12 candles or 2 to 4 candy canes, size dependent).
Wooden cutlery spoons (if you can’t find these you can substitute popsicle sticks)

Directions

Hot Chocolate Mason Jar Directions

Carefully and evenly layer cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chips and then mini marshmallows in a 16oz. Mason jar. Top with lid.

Peppermint Spoon Directions

Unwrap candies and place in a food storage bag.
Using a kitchen mallet (or anything hard you have in your kitchen – I used the back of a metal ice cream scoop) coarsely crush the candies.
Roll out a piece of parchment paper.
Remove a half of the crushed candies and melt in microwave-safe dish (alternate option: melt at 300°F degrees in the oven).
Dip a spoon into the melted candy, filling the spoon (act fast – it hardens quickly), and sprinkle with coarsely chopped candy pieces.
Lay flat to dry on parchment paper to cool and harden. Note: For longer storage and transport, place spoons in decorative bags.

Usage Directions

Remove marshmallows from jar.
Add one cup water and remaining ingredients to pot and stir over medium-high until desired temperature reached. Optional: For even creamier hot chocolate sub your favorite non-dairy beverage.
Pour in mug and top with marshmallows.
Add peppermint spoon and stir.

 

Papaya Boat

November 27th, 2016

I’m on a boat. A papaya boat…

Ingredients:

1 papaya (cut in half, seeds removed)

1/2 cup fresh berries

1/2 cup coconut yogurt

1 scoop Vanilla protein powder

1/4 cup almonds (chopped)

Shredded coconut

 

Directions:

Mix yogurt and protein until combined

Fill center of papaya with yogurt mix

Top with berries, almonds and coconut

Hearty Fall Potato Soup

November 24th, 2016

Hearty and inviting, this soup is perfect for when the great indoors are calling your name. This recipe can be made on the stovetop in 30 minutes, or you can toss everything in your slow cooker in the morning to enjoy when you get home from work. It can easily be cut in half or doubled. As originally posted on MyVega.com.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp vegan butter (stovetop only)
2 carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 leek, chopped
1 garlic clove, shopped
1 300-400 gram package of vegan sausage, chopped (Italian or kielbasa style) *omit if gluten-free
4 cups of vegetable broth
2 cups nugget potatoes, diced
1/2 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to your taste
1 small head of green cabbage, cut into strips
Optional topping: Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Stovetop Directions

In stock pot, melt vegan butter over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, and leek. When onion starts to soften, add garlic and sausage. Cook until onion is translucent.
Add liquid, potatoes, dried parsley, salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-high and cook potatoes in a low boil until slightly tender.
Add cabbage, reduce to low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to wilt cabbage.
Serve topped with fresh, chopped parsley.

Slow Cooker Directions

Layer potato, carrot, onion, garlic, leek, cabbage then sausage in slow cooker.
Add salt, pepper, parsley and vegetable broth.
Cook on low for 8 hours.
Serve topped with fresh, chopped parsley.