8 Top skin foods for summer

Summer weather is officially here and fire season has started with a terrible whoosh. With temperatures hitting the 40’s, it seems a struggle to cook because it’s just way too hot to be in the kitchen. More often than not, we don't have the right ingredients on hand to whip up something cool and fresh and opt for processed food and sugary or salty snacks as a quick way to eliminate that hunger craving, most likely knowing but beyond caring that what we actually eat, takes a large toll on our skin. So we thought we’d come up with a little list reminding you of some summer foods for your skin. Think fresh, nutrient dense ingredients, simple no cook recipes and that way, you can keep your energy levels and youthful glow all summer long! Almonds:Almonds contain heaps of goodies like calcium and zinc, and is an excellent source of wrinkle fighting antioxidants Glycoside & vitamin E which together will keep your skin soft and supple this summer + help heal dry cracked skin & lips. Calcium helps to strengthen nails & hair. Eat almonds as a snack (6-8), or add to salads, yoghurt, muesli and the like. For more almonds Avocados: They are rich in luscious lipids, B vitamins, C and E, as well as containing antioxidants, iron and potassium and which are all beneficial in keeping skin soft & hydrated and slowing tissue deterioration.. Try it as a spread in your sandwiches, add it to salads, or even in sushi. For more on Avocado Berries: Contains a whole bucketload of anti-oxidants designed to fight against ageing and sun damage. Make a fruit salad, smoothie, or eat them raw to enjoy. See more Leafy salad greens (lettuce, cabbage, bok choy, spinach): Enjoy these leafy greens in salads guilt-free because they are incredibly nutrient-rich, containing Vitamin A, C, Chlorophyl, calcium, folate and fibre. Real skin food. Not only that, they're low in calories. Or add to a green smoothie and you'll never know they are there! Mangoes/orange stone fruit (apricots, peaches, nectarines): A great source of Vitamin A and anti-oxidants that curb ageing by fighting free radicals. Salmon: A rich source of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids for repairing cells and keeping skin smooth & moist to retain that youthful glow. Water: Drink about eight glasses of water every day, and your skin will love you for it. By drinking water, your skin stays hydrated and keeps its youthful glow. Avoid drinks that dehydrate your body, such as caffeine and alcohol or those laden with sugar or numbers. Squeeze in some lime or lemon juice and add some crush herbs from the garden such as mint or lemon myrtle. Whole Grains: Spelt,quinoa, buckwheat, black or brown rice are 'brown' foods containing selenium, which allows your skin to be better equipped against the damaging rays of the sun. Whip up some quick salads or bowl of noodles with an asianslaw. While staying true to this list don’t forget when you’re out and about in the sun to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, or all this will be in vain. Have a fabulous summer!