Healthy Skin on the Menu Part 4

Skin's Best Friend introduce

Salmon

These meaty fish contain high levels of omega-3 fats which are known for their ability to fight inflammation — a damaging process that causes acne, premature aging, and irritation. Plus, researchers have found that oily fish like salmon can help reduce psoriasis symptoms and reduce the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

This pasta salad becomes a beauty treatment when you add salmon to the mix.

Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
2 cups bow tie pasta, whole wheat, dry
1 1/2 cups tomatoes, cherry, halved
1 cup snow peas, chopped
4 oz. salmon, smoked
2 Tbsp oil, olive
3 Tbsp vinegar, white wine
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper, black, ground
1/3 cup cheese, feta, crumbled

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and stir. Cook for 10 minutes, or until al dente.
2. Transfer pasta to a colander, rinse with cold water, and drain well.
3. Allow pasta to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare tomatoes and snow peas and slice salmon into bite-sized pieces.
4. Once pasta is cooled, transfer it to a large serving bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss gently to combine. Refrigerate until serving.

Shrimp

These tiny shellfish have big nutrition benefits. They contain a potent antioxidant (it's what gives them their pink color), and they contain omega-3s for additional antioxidant power. Plus, these little guys also contain zinc, an excellent anti-inflammatory that scientists have found can help reduce acne breakouts.

Toss together this refreshing salad for a tasty way to keep your skin healthy.

Garden Salad with Shrimp
Servings: 1

Ingredients: 
2 cups lettuce, red leaf
1/2 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
1/2 medium cucumber, sliced
1/2 medium pepper, red bell, sliced
1/4 small avocado, sliced
2 Tbsp lemon vinaigrette
3 oz. shrimp, medium, pre-cooked

Directions:
1. Rinse and thoroughly dry lettuce. Place in a large serving bowl.
2. Add carrot, cucumber, pepper, and avocado slices.
3. Add lemon vinaigrette. Toss to coat ingredients evenly.
4. Top with shrimp and serve.

Spinach

This leafy salad staple is another source of omega-3s, the nutrient that our skin can't get enough of. And high levels of lutein mean these greens provide additional defense against damage caused by UV rays. Plus, one study found that women who ate the most green vegetables showed a decrease in skin wrinkling.

Walnuts, beets, and goat cheese load this simple salad with major complexion benefits.

Summer Spinach Salad
Servings: 1

Ingredients: 
2 cups spinach, baby
2 Tbsp Balsamic vinaigrette
2 Tbsp cheese, goat
1 medium beet, roasted, chopped
1 Tbsp walnuts, chopped

Directions:
1. Rinse and thoroughly dry spinach leaves. Place spinach in a serving bowl.
2. Add vinaigrette and toss to combine.
3. Top with goat cheese, beets, and walnuts and serve.

Sweet Potatoes

A healthy alternative to plain potatoes, sweet potatoes contain high levels of beta-carotene (what gives these tubers their trademark orange pigment). In addition to its antioxidant benefits, beta-carotene helps to encourage skin cell turnover, so the skin's surface looks smooth and fresh.

If you're not sure how to handle a sweet potato, follow this easy recipe for the super spud.

Baked Sweet Potatoes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:
2 medium potatoes, sweet
2 tsp butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
1 tsp sugar, white, granulated
2 Tbsp yogurt, Greek, non-fat or low-fat, vanilla (optional)

Directions: 
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Wash sweet potatoes, scrubbing them thoroughly.
2. Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in pre-heated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a knife can be easily inserted into the center.
3. Cut each potato down the middle. Top with butter, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
4. Serve with a dollop of yogurt, if desired.

http://www.dailyglow.com

Skin-Shmallow 

Make your skin like a Marshmallow!