This blog was created in partnership with the National Mango Board, but all opinions are my own.

 This time of year, I am paying extra attention to my skin. The winter dryness is finally subsiding and I’m looking forward to hitting the beach for more sunshine (wearing sunscreen, of course). Sunshine aside, your diet also plays a huge role in the health of your skin.

One part of eating for skin health is backing off on foods that work against a healthy complexion like candy, fried foods, alcohol and salty snacks. The more enjoyable part of eating for skin health includes getting more of these 3 delightfully, skin pleasing foods.

Mango

Juicy mangos help keep me hydrated plus they have several skin loving nutrients. More research is needed to make a direct connection about mangos and skin health but mangos have nutrients in all the right places. Mangos are an excellent source of vitamin A, a nutrient vital for skin and eye health. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C which may help improve the texture, moisture and elasticity of skin.  Vitamin C also plays an essential role in the syntheses of collagen – the protein that gives skin strength and structure.  Mango coleslaw and fruit leather are my warm weather go-to recipes, but one of the best ways to enjoy mango is in this inflammation fighting smoothie where the sweetness of mango is teamed up with the cool freshness of mint See recipe below

 Salmon

High in inflammation fighting omega-3 fats and low in mercury, I have committed to eating more salmon in 2019! It makes for a healthy and fast weeknight dinner when roasted or after (my new favorite) a quick cook in the Instant Pot.

Nuts

With healthy fats and plentiful amounts of vitamin E, nuts like almonds, walnuts and pistachios can promote heart and skin health. Add nuts to smoothies, salads, trail mix and homemade granola. For a decadent, lower guilt treat try chocolate bark.

Minty Mango Smoothie

Serves: 2

1 cup chopped fresh mango

1 frozen banana

3-4  fresh mint leaves

2 tbsp hemp seeds

1 cup orange juice

2 tbsp dried unsweetened coconut

Ice

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Nutrition Per Serving: Calories: 248; Total Fat: 9 grams; Saturated Fat: 4 grams; Total Carbohydrate: 42 grams; Sugars: 30 grams ( 0g added sugar); Protein: 6 grams; Sodium: 4 mg  milligrams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Fiber: 4

There’s always time for breakfast! This grab and go option is ready in less than 3 minutes. To drop the calories a bit serve on a whole grain English muffin or flatbread instead of a bagel 

Serves: 1

1 bagel, toasted

2 large eggs

Pinch salt and black pepper to taste

¼ cup shredded cheese

Optional add-ins: spinach, chopped tomato, broccoli, cooked potato, bacon or turkey

Place eggs in a microwave safe bowl; scramble with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Microwave on high for 60 seconds, scramble gently and top with cheese and other add ins, if desired. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until eggs are set and cheese is melted. Place egg mixture on bagel and enjoy.

Nutrition Information Per Serving

Serves: 2
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 medium clementine
2 tsp chia seeds

1. In a blender, combine almond milk, mango, pineapple, clementine and chia seeds.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses and serve.

Nutritional information
137 calories, 2g fat (0g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium,
32g carbohydrates (25g sugar, 0g added sugar, 5g fiber), 2g protein

It’s the holidays – TREATS HAPPEN. Here is a round up of low guilt goodies for your next party, gathering or cookie swap.

I admit I have a sweet tooth. Instead of over indulging, I find ways to enjoy the foods I love while giving them a healthy(ish) spin.

For the Choco-holics……

White Hot Chocolate (pictured above)

Turtle Bark

White Chocolate Pistachio Crunch

30-Second Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding

Strawberry Crunch Bark

Chocolate Dipped Clementines

Cookies, Pie and Frozen Treats……

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Matcha Shortbread Cookies (above)

Oatmeal Cookies

Apple Cinnamon Crostada

Zeppole with Cannoli Dip

Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches

What’s your favorite holiday treat?

Make a batch of cold and creamy green tea spiked ice cream to cool off this weekend. No machinery needed! Matcha green tea powder is filled with cell-protecting antioxidants and has a subtle earthy flavor that is perfect with vanilla. I first made this for a July 4th celebration served atop a blueberry crostada– needless to say my guests were pleased. A 1/4 cup serving on top of a fresh fruit dessert is all you need.

No Churn Matcha Ice Cream
Makes 20 (1/4 cup) servings

2 cups heavy cream
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons matcha powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form (like whipped cream for a sundae). In a separate bowl whisk the sweetened condensed milk, matcha and vanilla until well combined.
Using a rubber spatula, pour the matcha mixture into the whipped cream and gently fold until combined.
Pour mixture into a freezer safe bowl (I like to use a standard loaf pan), cover with a layer of parchment paper directly on the top of the mixture.
Place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Calories: 155; Total fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Carbohydrate: 13g; Protein: 2.5g

I love making homemade gifts for family and friends. Simple ingredients and printable labels are are all you need! If you’re looking for last minute gifts that are still personal and creative – check out this list!

1.) Homemade Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub – recipe compliments of the lovely Kelly at New Leaf Wellness.

2) Herb Salt – this recipe for Basil Salt from Food Network magazine FN Dish is my fave.

 3.) Infused Vodka – most varieties only need a few days to steep. Cranberry-Orange is pictured above – see more ideas in this Healthy Eats post.

4) Homemade Ornaments – a great way to use school pics and popsicle sticks (just add some glue and stickers). What grandparent wouldn’t love these?

5) Custom Photo Crafts – photo printer and some fun frames can work wonders for a teacher or neighbor.