22 Jul Seasonal Beauty Foods: Energizing Summer
Seasonal Beauty Foods: Energizing Summer
Summer is the season of high energy, sunshine, and lots of activity. It brings us back out into the world, through all of its social events, outdoor activities and travels. To fuel it all, we can use the seasonal foods of summer for natural energy, while getting all the beauty benefits these foods offer.
Eating seasonally means more flavor in your foods because they’re fully ripened in the sun–more sun exposure means more anti-aging antioxidants for skin! It’s also less expensive when the supply is high and food grown outside of their season need a lot more chemicals and pesticides to grow, so the more organic the better. The natural cycle of produce is designed to support our health. One of the best parts of eating seasonally is that it inspires us to get creative in the kitchen and cook more.
You can shop at the local grocer, farmer’s market, or do a CSA box, and plan meals around what’s fresh. My favorite summer spot is Westport Farmer’ Market – knowing where our food comes from and being able to build relationships with the farmer’s and vendors, is a wonderful thing.
I’ll share my top summer favorites to give you inspiration in the kitchen and ideas for snacks on-the-go to seamlessly bring them into your active life.
First up, all the summer fruits. I like to have a variety of colorful, antioxidant-packed berries pre-washed and stocked up in the fridge throughout the week – blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and peaches, plums and mangos. They’re so easy to throw in a morning smoothie or bring for snacks in the day. Summer fruit is like natural candy and they’re loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that keep skin clear, youthful and glowing in the summer months.
Chickpeas are a favorite in the summertime and they’re so easy to prepare for hot days – I love hummus sandwiches with fresh sourdough and avocado, or just dipping fresh, crunchy veggies in hummus as a snack. Chickpeas are high in iron and boost the immune system.
Cucumbers are a daily go-to, with quick prep. I might throw one in a smoothie or just chop in pieces for a simple snack with a splash of apple cider vinegar. A refreshing summer snack made up of 95% water, they’re a natural hydrator, so skin can stay supple. They even contain multiple B vitamins which improves mood and lowers stress, which is always a plus for skin.
Summer squash and tomatoes are nice to mix in a light, colorful, festive pasta for dinner. Add basil or chile peppers, for extra summer flavors and color. Or blend up your own homemade pesto in minutes. Basil helps to alkalize the body and improve digestion – many skin issues crop up when we have poor gut health and a system that is too acidic and not alkaline.
To compliment your summer beauty foods, the Suntegrity Sunscreen is both moisturizing and efficacious. VOYA Maskerade Face Mask nourishes after a day out in the sun and soothes sun burns. When you need an extra energy boost, use the UMA Aromatherapy Energy Oil. Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream (with a built-in SPF 30) and De Mamiel Daily Hydrating Nectar make the perfect moisturizing combo.
Get started on some simple summer foods this week – a delicious hummus sandwich + homemade pesto from Oh She Glows.
recipe: Ultimate 4-Layer Vegan Sandwich
Ingredients:
For the Sun-dried Tomato Hemp Basil Pesto: (makes 1/2 cup)
- 1 large garlic clove
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (about 6)
- 1/4 cup hulled hemp seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1-2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the sandwich:
- sprouted-grain bread (or wraps or Bibb lettuce)
- 2 tablespoons hummus
- 2 tablespoons Sun-dried Tomato Hemp Basil Pesto (from above)
- 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1-2 thin tomato slices
- lettuce
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- pinch of salt & pepper
Directions:
- For the pesto: Mince garlic in a food processor. Add the rest of the pesto ingredients and process until the pesto is smooth, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Toast the bread in a toaster.
- Spread bread with hummus and pesto (one on each). Layer on the avocado, tomato, and lettuce. Sprinkle on red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Slice in half and enjoy!
– Siobhan
ORGANIC BEAUTY BEGINNING WITHIN