What an inspiring event! Above is a picture of my salad the next night. I was compelled to use lots of color thanks to Krista; this salad has lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, fennel, pomegranate seeds, and for dressing, a pomegranate vinaigrette. Thank you Krista, such inspiration!
It was a rainy Saturday afternoon when we gathered in the lovely home of Krista Kiley to learn all about food and its relationship to the health of our skin. Upon arrival we found healthy snack stations all over; the living room, dining room and kitchen filled with yummy, healthy treats for our sampling pleasure. Next came tons of information, demonstrations, recipes and beautiful, tasty food.
One of my favorite Krista quotes was “eating fat does ≠ becoming fat!” Here’s to that! Good fats are good for us, especially for our skin!
“All the cells in our body (including skin) are surrounded by a membrane that is made of fat. So, we need good fats in our diet–like vegetable fats from avocado, nuts seeds, and olive oil as well as fatty fish like salmon and mackeral–that will keep those membranes flexible and allow nutrients to penetrate in. Eating good fats at the start of each meal is probably one of the very best things you can do for your skin and the rest of you, too.”
Krista suggested shopping by color, and fixing meals including many different colors. She also said to merchandise our cupboards and refrigerators. What does that mean?
- Prepare ingredients as soon as you get home to make them easy to use, and then put them in clear containers so you can see what you have and be inspired to use it.
- Organize your shelves so you won’t be overwhelmed by your larder, but instead inspired. Merchandise it – easy to see and beautiful!
- Put healthy snacks in a visible place so you’ll go for them first and maybe skip the junk food.
Below find some recipes from Krista. Be inspired, and let us know the results in the comments below. Also as you find places to purchase super healthy ingredients, please share with us all. Thanks again Krista; you provided such a warm, enriching space on that rainy afternoon. We’re all looking forward to Skin Food II!
You Have to Seed It To Believe It!
What is it?
1/2 avocado, completely peeled, rolled in a variety of seeds & salts (chia, sesame, sunflower, and flax, for example). In the hole of the avocado is salmon (fresh, cooked and shredded or smoked, chopped in little pieces).
Connection to Skin:
Salmon–high in omega-3 essential fatty acids that block the body’s production of nasty little inflammatory chemicals–like arachidonic acid, so you minimize chances of allergies and skin disorders that are more likely during stressful times.
Avocado–contain the anti-oxidant combo of Vitamin C and E, a powerful skin anti-aging duo fighting free-radical damage. Avocados are also high in omega-3 essential fatty acids which keep the skin nice and lubricated.
Seed Mix–seeds are little tiny wonders! Here we have flax seeds (rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha linoleic acid (ALA which the body does not product itself), chia seeds (The word “Chia” comes from the Mayan language and means strength. Chia seeds are a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber), and sunflower seeds (replete with vitamin E — a powerful antioxidant that decelerates the aging of skin cells; Vitamin E is also known for its ability to diminish the appearance of scars).
Enjoy! Knowing that your cells are being bombarded with the right fats to allow nutrients in and keep the harmful stuff out
Wrap It Up, Baby!
What is it?
A hand-held wrap “sandwich” made of nori superfood (same wrapping as in sushi rolls), white meat chicken breast, spinach, red cabbage, sprouts and a little bit of sesame dressing. Under 300 calories and super low-glycemic index!
Connection to Skin:
Nori Superfood–this roasted seaweed is high in minerals that the skin lacks when you only eat foods grown on land. This one has the highest protein content of any sea veggie and is high in Vitamin A to help with skin’s moisture retention & promotes wound healing.
Spinach–contains mega-doses of various mineral salts (like potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc) and Vitamins (A, B, C, E, K, folic acid). Notably, Vitamin B, which helps with skin firmness and controlling insomnia. Plus, it calms the nervous system, which helps under stress.
Sprouts–have an alkalizing effect on the body. Cancer cells, bacteria and viruses have a hard time living in an alkaline environment.
Red Cabbage–has wonderful internal cleansing properties, and when you’re clean as a whistle on the inside, you’ll also be clear on the outside!
Enjoy! Knowing that your cells are being wrapped in amazing anti-oxidants, lying down their electron lives to save and protect your face!
Thanks for the update. Enjoyed reading about skin food.
Looks like it was a fun event. My husband and I have been looking for recipes that are healthy. I will have him look at this to see if he would like to try it out.