Fight signs of ageing and keep skin glowing by nourishing from within
It’s
true that beauty starts from within and by embracing a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables you can enjoy a youthful and glowing complexion, and say goodbye to dull, lacklustre skin. To get you started we’ve picked five skin-loving lunch recipes to fill you up each day of the week.
Tuna, Edamame, Potato and Macadamia Buddha Bowl
The tuna in this dish is marinated with lime juice, which along with the potatoes, gives a boost of vitamin C, a nutrient that plays a key part in collagen synthesis. The dish also contains goji berries or pomegranate seeds – both rich in antioxidants which fight skin-damaging free radicals. This is a winning combination when it comes to fighting signs of ageing!
Spring Tabbouleh
When your skin starts to feel dry and a little lifeless, upping your intake of plant-based omega 3 fatty acids could be the answer. Your skin’s outer layer is partly made of lipids, and when this lipid barrier is damaged it can lead to dry skin, rashes and breakouts. The omega 3 fatty acids in this recipe, particularly from the chia seeds, will help keep your skin strong and resistant to environmental damage.
Smoked Mackerel and Avocado Paté
If you’re looking for a quick lunch option, this is the recipe for you. By spreading this avocado-laden paté on a slice of wholemeal toast, you’re topping up on free-radical-quenching carotenoid antioxidants. Carotenoid antioxidants help to protect your skin from environmental damage that leads to fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll also be boosting your vitamin E intake, which can reduce the effects of UVA and UVB radiation on your skin, and omega 9 fat which can help regenerate damaged skin cells and reduce redness.
Hot-Smoked Salmon and Watercress Salad
Watercress is a rich source of beta carotene, a free radical fighting compound. For beta carotene to work at its best, it needs to be combined with a high concentration of vitamin C, and watercress is full of it. These little green leaves are just what you need to be adding to your diet if you want to fight signs of ageing from within. This recipe is ideal for a light, fresh lunch as we move towards the warmer days of summer, and not only is it tasty and full of goodness, it will set you on your way towards a more youthful glow.
H
alloumi, Courgette and Strawberry Skewers Does your sweet tooth kick in around lunchtime? Try satisfying it at the same time as topping up on skin-friendly nutrients with strawberries. Strawberries can keep wrinkles at bay with ellagic acid, an antioxidant that prevents collagen destruction and helps to protect against UV damage. Strawberries are also rich in folic acid, which aids in cell regeneration, keeping your skin feeling fresh and healthy.
If you’re looking for a quick and simple way to top up on skin-loving nutrients, supplements are an easy go-to. Try adding one of these award-winning gems to your diet for improved skin tone, a clearer complexion and to help fight lines and wrinkles.
Vida Glow Beauty Blend, £39.95, uk.vidaglow.co ; Skinade, £105, skinade.com ; Rejuvenated Collagen Shots, £39.95, rejuvenated.co.uk