As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, we often begin to see some changes in our skin. No matter YOUR skin type, keeping it moisturized is very important because this allows your skin to look younger and fresh!
Thankfully, there are a myriad of ways that you can keep your skin naturally moisturized from the inside out this winter. Here is my list of simple yet fantastic foods that can moisturize your skin (without clogging your pores).
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be applied topically to both your hands and feet. This oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and has a wide range of benefits from weight loss to immune enhancement. It can also support numerous skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin infections.
Avocado
One way to easily treat dry skin is by consuming foods with healthy fats and oils. This makes avocados your go-to food! Healthy fats help keep your skin supple and soft. Essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s are the building units of healthy cell membranes, and they also support the skin’s natural oil barrier. This is vital in keeping skin plumped, hydrated, and looking young.
Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fats, which can reduce redness and inflammation. The fatty acids in this fish help your skin clutch onto water, which keeps it glowing. If you’re not a fish fan, then opt for a quality fish oil like Standard Process’s Tuna Omega oil.
Herbal Concoctions
Drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated is a must. But to boost your hydration to the next level, I recommend drinking caffeine-free herbal blends. One herbal blend that can help heal dry skin is a marigold and rose infusion. This duo is effective thanks to their healing and moisturizing properties.
Related Post: 6 NATURAL + DIY MOISTURIZING TECHNIQUES FOR YOUR SKIN AND HAIR
Probiotic Foods
Prevention is better than cure, and consuming probiotics can be a key to a healthier body! Probiotics are live strains of bacteria, which keeps your gut healthy. When you are healthy on the inside, it will show up on the outside (especially on your skin). Choose options like komboucha, kimchi and sauerkraut. Don’t want to eat those foods? Instead, take a quality full spectrum product that has both pre and probiotics, like the Standard Process ProSynbiotic.
No matter what kind of skin problems we have, we can always count on Mother Nature’s natural resources to moisturize! I would love to hear what your favorite foods for your skin are – drop your favorites in the comments section below.
Cheers,
Dr Stephanie Zgraggen
Bonus Recipe: Chicken Cauliflower Rice – Keto and Paleo Friendly
Below is one of my favorite cauliflower rice recipes. This one is great if you love Asian inspired flavors. This recipe substitutes coconut liquid aminos for soy sauce and cauliflower rice for the real thing so its low carb, paleo and keto friendly. If you leave off the sriracha and egg, it’s also AIP friendly too. The links in the recipe are for the exact ingredients and tools I use in my own kitchen at home – Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
· 1 small head of cauliflower, riced
· 1 tablespoon coconut oil
· 1/2 cup onion, chopped
· 1 pound uncooked organic chicken breast, cubed
· 2 cloves garlic minced
· 1/2 inch ginger, finely chopped
· Salt and pepper, to taste
· 1 tablespoon sriracha
· 2 tablespoons coconut liquid aminos, divided (tastes like soy sauce)
· 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
· 2 tablespoons water
· 1 egg
· 2 stalks green onion, sliced
· 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Remove core and leaves from cauliflower. Cut into florets and place into food processor. Pulse until rice-like texture, set aside in large bowl. You can also use a bag of pre-riced cauliflower, if preferred. Approx. -4 cups.
2. In skillet over medium heat, add coconut oil. When melted, add onion, garlic and ginger to pan and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add chicken to skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté chicken until cooked through and golden.
4. Pour sriracha and half of liquid aminos into pan to coat chicken.
5. Add broccoli and water to pan and cover. Allow to steam for about 5-7 minutes, until it begins to soften.
6. Place cauliflower rice in pan, sprinkle with a little salt and add remaining liquid aminos.
7. Gently stir so cauliflower rice is coated. Continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes until broccoli is fork tender and cauliflower rice is soft.
8. Push the cauliflower rice and veggies to the edges of the pan leaving a hole in the center. Crack the egg open in the center of the pan. Let it fry, breaking the yolk apart with a fork. Once the egg is completely cooked, gently mix it in with the cauliflower rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen – a chiropractor and clinical nutritionist, is the director of Lime and Lotus Healing Arts Center in Charleston, South Carolina. She is also an author and leading expert in women’s hormones and health. Her private practice is centered on functional endocrinology, lifestyle modification and whole food supplementation. Her expertise includes functionally evaluating thyroid, adrenals, male and female hormone imbalances, and digestion. Her mission is to empower women to transform their lives naturally to balance their weight, energy and get their sexy back! She has written for national publications such as Chiropractic Economics, Natural Awakenings and Nutrition Perspectives and has shared the stage at events with Elizabeth Gilbert and Marianne Williamson. For more information on Dr Z and her programs and services visit –
