Beauty from the Inside Out

clean eatingLaurence Annez
Beauty from the Inside Out
You must have heard that beauty comes from within. And it's really true. Your outer health will reflect your inner health, which is why it's so important to feed your body with the right nutrients to feel and look your best. 
 
We all want to have clearer skin, fuller hair, stronger nails, and overall healthy looking bodies. 

But a lot of us tend to reach for external remedies and quick fixes that don't address our inner ecosystem. 

When you experience symptoms such as acne, eczema, cellulite, early wrinkles, dry or brittle hair, weak nails, or hair loss, these are symptoms of imbalances in the body as well as poor nutrition and lifestyle choices. So you need to address what is going on internally.

If you are constantly stressed, eating poorly, lacking sleep, or not moving enough this will start to show up on the outside. 

 
So how can you start to support your body from the inside out? With food, of course!

Check out our favourite foods to add to your beauty regimen below!

 

 

Coconut 

Fermented coconut yogurt is rich in probiotics, which supports a healthy microbiome. Coconut water contains electrolytes and alkalizing nutrients. Coconut oil has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties that support digestion and immune function.

Coconut is so versatile, you can use it as food but also as part of your beauty routine! 

You can use coconut oil it as a hair mask by utilizing a small amount as a conditioner and rinsing well with shampoo, as a moisturizer for dry skin, or as a teeth whitener by practicing oil pulling.

How to make your own probiotic coconut yogurt:
 
Ingredients 
    • 1 can of full-fat coconut yogurt
    • 1 medium-sized glass jar
    • 2 probiotic capsules
Instructions
Shake the coconut well in the can, then pour into the glass jar. Empty the probiotic capsules into the jar with the coconut yoghurt and stir well with a wooden spoon. Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or a very thin dish towel that lets air in. Let the coconut yogurt sit on your counter for 24-48 hours. Then store in the fridge for consumption.

 



Lemons

Lemons are high in vitamin C, which supports collagen production and immune function, and zaps free radicals as a potent antioxidant. Lemons are a nutritional powerhouse supplying magnesium, fibre, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium and additional antioxidants such as ß-carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein, that all support healthy-looking skin.

Squeeze half a lemon in warm water in the morning as a hydrating tonic to promote healthy digestion and flush out toxins. Add some honey, cayenne and turmeric to get more of a kick and for immune-boosting benefits. 

Berries

Berries are lower glycemic fruits that are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from free radical damage, which accelerates aging and increases the risk of numerous diseases. 

Berries also contain ellagic acid, which helps to reduce the breakdown of collagen, while strengthening the skin's barrier and improving skin elasticity. 

Berry Smoothie bowl
 
Ingredients 

 

Instructions
Blend the berries and coconut milk (optional to add protein) in a high-speed blender until smooth. It should make a thick, creamy texture, add ice or more milk if needed. Pour mixture into a bowl, then top with the granola, shredded coconut, and almond butter.

 

 Leafy greens

Add these to everything. High in fibre, low glycemic, digestion promoting, and liver cleansing, leafy greens should be a part of every healthy diet. These vegetables help nourish our beneficial gut bacteria, reduce inflammatory markers, and support blood sugar regulation. 

When it comes to overall nutritional content, leafy greens are rich in an abundance of vitamins and minerals - they are the ultimate beauty food! 

Top leafy greens to choose from include: kale, beet greens, arugula, spinach, swiss chard, collard greens...

Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar that contains the "mother" can help improve skin conditions like acne, enhance blood flow, stimulate digestion, fight yeast and bacteria in the body, and boost detoxification pathways. 

You can dilute apple cider vinegar with some water on a cotton pad to apply to breakouts as a facial toner, use as a hair rinse to fight dandruff, or take internally for its many benefits.

Apple cider vinegar dressing
 
Ingredients
Instructions
Add all ingredients into a bowl and mix well, or add to a mason jar and shake to combine. 

Bone Broth

 Bone broth has become all the rage lately, and for good reason! 
 
It contains a variety of medicinal properties and valuable nutrients in a form that your body can easily absorb, including calcium, collagen, glucosamine, and glycine, great for those with poor digestion.

Not only is it calming and soothing, but bone broth also helps reduce inflammation, provides amino acids essential for growth and repair, and its gelatin content supports collagen production and has even been shown to eliminate cellulite. Bone broth is an important addition to any gut healing protocol as it helps rebuild the intestinal lining and provides foundational building blocks for health.

Make your own bone broth or buy high-quality already made bone broth from organically raised, pastured or grass-fed animals.
 

 

Turmeric

This ancient spice has become popular in western countries, specifically for its anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it has been used for centuries in traditional Indian cuisine and for its many therapeutic effects.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also antibacterial, antiseptic, and high in antioxidants. Its benefits? Anti-aging, fights acne and dark spots, and helps reduce skin conditions like eczema. 

Make a warming turmeric latte or bone broth for a satisfying boost in the winter! 

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are potent beauty boosters and hormone balancers. They contain I3C, which helps to break down and eliminate excess estrogen as well as lower inflammation.

Sulforaphane is another compound found in these vegetables that contains potent antioxidant properties, promotes detoxification by increasing cellular glutathione (our master antioxidant), and activates heat-shock proteins that can help slow aging.
Make these a part of your weekly menu to reap the benefits:  broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, kale, bok choy, kohlrabi, turnip, arugula, watercress, radish, and mustard greens.

Toss cauliflower into a smoothie, or roast brussels sprouts with coconut oil, salt and pepper as a delicious side dish!

 

 

 

 

 


Laurence Annez is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and Health Coach, specializing in PCOS and women's hormones. She also holds a degree in Creative Writing and has extensive experience writing on health and wellness topics. Laurence's mission is to inspire and motivate individuals to take control of their own health and reach their ultimate health goals. 

 
Tags: Clean eating, Digestion, Digestive health, Food, Health, Health tips, Healthy eating, Lifestyle, Natural, Nutrition, Recipe, Recipes, Superfood, Weight management, Weight-loss, Wellness