Is it possible to enjoy leafy greens?

Again and again we are told to eat more of them, but they’re not exactly inspiring.

I just don’t see the appeal. 

Until I started learning about how they can impact my skin.

I’m sharing some of the yummiest leafy green recipes I have found that are also super-nourishing for your skin.

Recipe links:

Lettuce: https://plantbasedjess.com/vegan-tofu-fajitas-easy-sheet-pan-recipe/#recipe

Rocket: https://rainbowplantlife.com/vegan-pasta-salad/#recipe

Kale: https://minimalistbaker.com/kale-falafel-hummus-wraps/#wprm-recipe-container-43293

Eating leafy greens has been shown to increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

Which is both good and bad news. 

Good news because loss of collagen continues every year from our mid to late 20s.

Bad news because leafy greens feel more like a chore than a pleasure.

But don’t worry, we won’t be talking about salad or massaged kale today.

Recipe links:

Kale chips: https://minimalistbaker.com/30-minute-cheesy-kale-chips/#wprm-recipe-container-35535

Edamame dip: https://thefirstmess.com/2020/07/01/edamame-dip-jalapeno-mint-lime-vegan-recipe/#recipe

Kale and sweet potato fritters: https://minimalistbaker.com/kale-sweet-potato-fritters/#wprm-recipe-container-81069

If there was one perfect thing you could eat or drink for your skin, what would that be?

One, it would have to help you prevent UV damage, because UV exposure leads to sooo many other skin issues as we age, and

Two, it would act quickly, once in your body

Three, be super easy to make and fit into your life, and finally

Four, be really affordable too.

And one thing does meet each and every single one of those criteria is…

Your skin needs it’s daily dose of Vitamin C to to help manage inflammation, protect collagen, and slow visible ageing.

In this episode, I’m sharing five Vitamin-C rich recipes that are warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying.

Perfect for winter and magnificent for your skin. 

Recipe links:

Rocket: https://thefirstmess.com/2025/03/05/roasted-sweet-potato-salad-warm-olive-chickpea-dressing/

Kale: https://minimalistbaker.com/curried-potato-lentil-soup-1-pot/#wprm-recipe-container-35113

Broccoli: https://minimalistbaker.com/creamy-vegan-broccoli-cheddar-soup/#wprm-recipe-container-114885

Brussel Sprouts: https://frommybowl.com/fall-farro-salad-butternut-squash/

Capsicum: https://rainbowplantlife.com/creamy-coconut-rice-with-five-spice-tofu/

Fruit can help your skin in so many ways. 

Eating more fruit can literally increase how attractive you are perceived. In the long term, eating more fruit is linked with UV-induced facial ageing, including wrinkles. 

BUT there are five common mistakes with fruit that limit the benefits you can get for your skin.

Luckily, the solutions are simple. Discover them here.

Sugar accelerates an ageing pathway that skincare products are absolutely no impact on. And the truth about sugar for the quality of your skin as we age is much more alarming than i had anticipated.

This episode is for the brave, and those who truly want the best outcomes for their skin.

Otherwise check out episode 30: Why I'm no longer scared of the sugar in fruit for a youth-promoting way to sweeten your diet!

Recipe mentioned:

Dump and bake Coconut Tofu - https://plantbasedrdblog.com/2020/10/dump-and-bake-coconut-tofu/

Healthy eating is often difficult, but beauty food? I like to keep my beauty food easy...and it doesn't get much easier (or more delicious!) than a hot cocoa.

Discover all the ways you can feel better about yourself for indulging in a comforting chocolatey treat here, as well as the very best recipe recommendations for the skincare nerds out there.

Recipes

Extra chocolatey option: https://plantbasedrdblog.com/2021/12/vegan-hot-chocolate/#tasty-recipes-6943-jump-target

Seriously luxurious option: https://rainbowplantlife.com/vegan-hot-chocolate/#wprm-recipe-container-28569

Pigmentation can be a really annoying thing to manage, and it takes a lot of skincare effort. But you can also improve your skin with the right foods, and I know you're busy, so i've collected the simplest most effective ones...and thrown in some delicious recipe recommendations if you have the energy for that too!

RECIPES

https://minimalistbaker.com/carrot-cake-baked-oatmeal/#wprm-recipe-container-77735

https://frommybowl.com/roasted-broccoli-quinoa-salad/#wprm-recipe-container-17301

https://plantbasedjess.com/vegan-pumpkin-swirl-brownies-healthy-and-fudgy/#recipe

It's your wedding day and your skin deserves the best...and a list of 10 different things with no practical guidance is NOT that.

Instead I work up to your wedding day realistically with:

Phase 1: Enabling your glow (aka edible retinol)

Phase 2: Clearing the path for glow (aka pigmentation and inflammation), and

Phase 3: Amplifying your glow (the very best and brightest foods)

All while avoiding the common 'glow up' mistakes most people make.

I've take the very best of this podcast and what I do for my own skin to make this as easy and practical as possible, fitting in with most dieting requirements as well. You will be absolutely radiant!

RECIPES

https://plantbasedjess.com/simple-carrot-and-celery-soup-healthy-recipe/#recipe

https://rainbowplantlife.com/roasted-carrots-and-dates/#wprm-recipe-container-19054

https://frommybowl.com/sweet-potato-smoothie/

https://eatwithclarity.com/vegan-tomato-basil-pasta-sauce/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#wprm-recipe-container-4118

And I rely on it more than skincare (and even calorie counting!).

https://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/oven-baked-crispy-white-beans/#recipe

Crispy Black Bean Tacos: https://plantbasedjess.com/crispy-baked-black-bean-tacos-simple-and-quick-recipe/#recipe

Instant Pot Rice and Beans: https://frommybowl.com/instant-pot-rice-beans/

Bean Veggie Burgers: https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-grillable-veggie-burgers/