Superfood Salads that are Great for You and Your Skin

One of our favorite things about summer is all the fresh ingredients that flourish this time of year.  Whether it’s an at home garden, or a local farmer’s market, we love to take advantage of the natural foods available around us.

And because we’re feeling so inspired, we thought we’d bring you some refreshing summer salad recipes to keep you feeling energized through your fun-filled days.

So, here are two of our favorite superfood salads that are easy for anyone to make at home.  And, psst, these salads are just as good for your skin as they are for your taste buds.

superfood salad

Blueberry Kale Quinoa Salad

This hearty salad is packed with all the nutrients you need.  Kale’s high in fiber, blueberries are high in antioxidants, and quinoa’s high in protein.  It also has avocado and almonds, both sources of the good fats you need to fuel your body throughout the day.  And not to mention, avocado, kale, and blueberries are among some of the best foods for your skin.

So, here’s all you need to make this healthy summer snack:

  •      Blueberries
  •      Quinoa
  •      Kale
  •      Avocado
  •      Almonds
  •      Goat Cheese
  •      Lemon Juice
  •      Olive Oil

And, it’s so easy to make.  Just cook your quinoa and let it cool, remove the kale leaves from the thick stalk, and slice your avocado.  Then, mix it all together and you’ve got a summer salad that will nourish both you and your skin.

Superfood Salad

Pomegranate Broccoli Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and pomegranate are also some of the best foods for your skin.  Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C, while sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, all important for good skin health.  Pomegranate helps hydrate skin, and also combats breakouts and inflammation.  So, after eating this salad, both your stomach and your complexion will be thanking you.

Here’s what you need:

  •      Sweet Potatoes
  •      Broccoli
  •      Pomegranate
  •      Olive Oil
  •      Salt & Pepper
  •      Sprouts
  •      Mixed Nuts
  •      Balsamic Vinegar

This summer salad takes a little bit longer than the last, just because the potatoes need to roast in the oven after being chopped and brushed with olive oil, salt and pepper.  But we promise, it’s worth the short wait.  Once the potatoes are tender, after baking from anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes, you’re ready to toss together your ingredients and enjoy.

What we like most about these summer salads, other than the fact that they’re so awesome for our skin, is that they’re simple.  You can play around with them, adding and changing different ingredients to make the superfood salad you like best.  And, since they’re so easy, they make the perfect side dish or starter to bring to a summer barbeque.

So, if you want to show off those chef skills, then try one of these superfood salads this summer.

Is Sweating Good for You: The Best Exercises to Sweat It Out

Unfortunately, some people still question: is sweating good for you?  Well, luckily, we’re experts when it comes to sweat.  And to answer that age-old question, sweating isn’t just good for you, it’s crucial.  We understand that, yes, it can be uncomfortable being hot and sweaty sometimes.  And, sweating can leave you dehydrated if you’re not properly nourishing your body.  But not sweating is so much worse.

Sweating is one of our most important bodily functions.  Not only does it rid our bodies of toxins and regulate our immune systems, but it also boosts our moods, and clears our skin. Yeah, hot and sweaty doesn’t sound so bad anymore, does it?

And while you obviously break a sweat when you’re out for a run, or in your favorite yoga class, these are the three exercises that physiologists deem sweatiest of them all.

is sweating good for you

Spinning

Riding your bike is a great way to get sweaty, but spin class is on an entirely different level. The high-energy instructors keep your legs moving the whole time.  And we think the fast-paced, fun music helps get that heart rate pumping and sweat flowing, too.  Taking a spin class instead of spinning solo just adds to the fun, because what’s better than really sweating it out?  Sweating it out with a bunch of new spin friends.  

Circuit Training

Circuit training is one of the sweatiest exercise styles because it is a high intensity workout. With this type of exercise method, you may not be working out for as long (only about 30 minutes), but don’t let that fool you.  The reason why circuit training is so quick, and why you get so sweaty, is because you perform a bunch of quick reps within each individual exercise in the circuit, with little rest time in between.  This keeps your heart rate up, and stimulates your metabolism to keep working, even after you’ve finished sweating

Kickboxing

Another high intensity workout, kickboxing mixes balance, coordination, cardio, and strength training.  And, while most of us probably don’t plan on getting in the ring anytime soon, kickboxing classes are a great way to learn how to stick-and-move while sweating it out.

These high-sweat exercises are a fun way to flush out toxins, but, contrary to popular belief, it’s also important to sweat, even when we’re not working out.  

is sweating good for you

Sweating in the summer sun is just as crucial for our bodies.  Our bodies need to respond to our environments in order to remain healthy and happy.  Sweating is the body’s way of adjusting to the changing environment, and this adjustment is what helps our immune systems regulate.  Even something as small as too much exposure to air conditioning can throw our bodies off.

So, now when your friends ask, “is sweating good for you,” you’re an expert on the topic, too.  You can give them the rundown on why it’s so great, and then invite them to your spin class.

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How To Eat Healthy On Vacation

With these warmer months now upon us and with so many fun destinations in your near future, you want to keep feeling your best.  You’ve been working hard to get your body spring break and summer vacation ready, and while now is your time to indulge—which, please do, you deserve it—there are some simple steps you can take to treat yourself, while still treating your body right. 

Because we tend to eat out a lot more when we’re on vacation, we also tend to eat worse, without even being aware of it.  Here are a few of our favorite tricks to eating healthy on vacation, while still fully enjoying yourself.

1. Share Some Small Plates

While on vacation, of course you should be trying all the great foods a new place has to offer.  But let “trying” be the keyword. Try ordering a bunch of small plates to share amongst your friends and family.  This way, everyone gets to try a couple different things and you avoid overeating.  Not to mention, it makes your overall dining experience a lot more social. 

2. Treat Yourself…Once a Day

As we said before, you should be indulging, you’re on vacation.  It would honestly be cruel to ask you to say no to a specialty drink or a dessert menu.  But try to limit yourself to one “treat” a day.  Choosing one thing to splurge on each day gives you the leeway you need to be healthy, while still enjoying the perks of being (and eating) on vacation. 

3. Don’t Forget About Fruits and Vegetables

This probably sounds silly, but yes, make sure that you’re still getting your daily serving of fruits and vegetables.  This tip is exceptionally fun when you’re traveling to a warmer destination (um, can you say tropical fruit platter).  While you’re busy sampling all types of new snacks, remember to order a salad for the table as well, or start your day with a smoothie, and rejuvenate your body with those tasty nutrients it needs.

4. Lots of Water, Lots of Walking

Drink a lot of water, as this is our number one tip on how to keep yourself feeling good.  When you’re on the go, forgetting to keep your body hydrated happens more easily than we think.  So, whether you’re running around sight-seeing or lounging on the beach, bring a water bottle to remind yourself to stay hydrated.  And as an added bonus, drinking water helps burn more calories.

It all really just comes down to moderation.  You shouldn’t deprive yourself.  You’ve worked hard, you live healthy, and you’re on vacation, so let yourself snack a little, and order that dessert you’ve been dying to try.  Just remember there’s a difference between treating yourself and overdoing it, and your body will thank you for being aware of this.