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Winna's musings and experiments on the strange and weird of the culinary world.

Ever had century egg and buttered toast?

Too tame?

Stir fried caterpillar cocoons, perhaps?

This blog will probably feature a combination of eating, tasting, experimenting, recipes, how-tos, research, history and nutrition/health all relating back to food.

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Saturday, June 18, 2011

Eating for Healthy Skin

As some of you may have heard, I've got a full time job now and it is increasingly difficult to regulate my diet on the daily basis while waging war with my new work/life balance. Not to mention the awful weather we're having here in Sydney and we've got ourselves a very dry and flakey person.

Today I want to talk about eating a healthiER diet that will not only help clear up your skin from this lame dry, cold weather, but also serve as healthy snacks so that you're at least making an effort to eat more balanced. Instead of just relying on creams with "added vitamin C for extra conditioning!", help make your skin glow from the inside while also being good to your body.


I love this stuff, but it can't be the only thing I rely on for nice skin.



1. Go to your local supermarket right now (or put it on your buy list!) and buy some almonds.
Unsalted and un-caramelised, please. Preferably with the skins as they contain most of the antioxidant that reduces redness but they are a bit bitter, it's up to you but I buy them with skins.

Have a sandwich bag or container of these lying around the house and at your desk, and snack on them instead of chips. Almonds are rich in vitamin E (lovely skin), fibre (so you won't get constipated), magnesium (lowers emotional stress and converts vitamin D), zinc, calcium and good fats, not to mention crunchy and addictive.

Do note that they are not low in fat/kilojoules/calories, however the point is not to lose weight but to eat nutritious food for good skin.


2. Replace your roast potatoes with sweet potatoes, sometimes.
It's a better vegetable for you! Rich in vitamin A, C and B6, iron, calcium and protein (phew!) and very good for your skin.

Also, you mustn't discount the fact that they taste freaking awesome lightly salted and with thyme. While you're at it, throw in some broccoli and carrot to roast. If you microwave them for 2mins and chuck it in the grill you'll be ready to eat in 10-15mins. Too raw? Then eat them raw, there's nothing wrong with raw broccoli or carrots. EAT YOUR SUPERFOODS.


3. Kiwi fruits are in season.
Lots of vitamin C and some vitamin E, they are plentiful and cheap now that they are in season. I'm currently eating yellow kiwis, which are sweeter and less tart with no "fuzzy mouth" feeling. I chop them in half and eat with a spoon while watching Masterchef.


4. Have a tuna sandwich or tuna sushi roll for lunch.
Tuna, even the canned stuff, is a great source of omega-3. Increase your intake and get a tuna sandwich or tuna sushi roll instead of your usual meat. To get rid of the "fishyness", sprinkle with something acidic like lemon juice or vinegar and some pepper.

Alternatively, salmon is also a great choice full of omega-3 and omega-6.

5. Eat more Vegemite!
More is better ;)


6. Drink water, of course.
It's hard sometimes, when you're craving something with more flavour like tea and soft drinks. But if you want supple, hydrated skin, you need to drink more liquids. Water is best, you don't need nor do you really want the extra colours, flavours and sugars.



These are all steps I am making to clear up my skin. If this works, great. If not, well at least I'm still eating yummy and nutritious food.



References and further reading:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/skin-food

1 comment:

usa dealer said...

You forgot to have a daily morning dose of sunlight. It synthesizes vitamin D in our skin that helps promote maintaining health of our skin.