Sweater: Free People | Jeans: Free People | Camisole: Topshop | Ring: David Yurman

Today I am excited to be sharing something a little different with y’all!  We are stepping into my kitchen and combining two things I am passionate about, food and beauty! I’m sure you have all heard that saying ‘beauty starts from within’.  Well in this case, that’s 100% true.  As a beauty enthusiast, I am always looking for new ways to improve the health of my skin.  After doing some research, I found that what you eat can dramatically change the skin’s appearance and texture.  That being said, I put together a beauty elixir that incorporates a hand full of superfoods.  I typically drink this smoothie a couple times a week because 1. the health benefits, and 2. because it tastes damn good!

This smoothie is so easy to make – just throw all the ingredients into a nutribullet, blend, and you’re good to go!  The ingredients I used are all organic and purchased from Trader Joe’s.  I highly recommend buying from there because they have a great selection at affordable prices.  However, you can find everything at your local market.  Below I have listed the ingredients along with their beauty benefits.  Enjoy!

1 handful of berries:  The antioxidants in berries protect from premature aging, help alleviate flare-ups and keep acne at bay.  In addition, they are a source of Vitamin C which functions in the cross-linking of collagen.  Collagen is super important because it helps skin retain its elasticity, keeping you looking younger for longer! In this smoothie I used blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.  Some other great options are goji, acai, and blackberries.

1 banana:  Contains potassium which helps to regulate fluid levels under the eyes.  Bye bye dark circles!  Bananas are also a strong source of Vitamin A which fades dark spots and evens out skin tone.

1 handful of spinach: The most magical ingredient, spinach seems to do it all. This leafy green is a source of Vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids.  Together these have a number of benefits including anti-aging, skin repair, rosy glow, and hydration.

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk:  Almond milk contains vitamin E which keeps skin glowing.  Make sure to stay away from any added sweeteners as these can cause breakouts.

1 scoop of chia seeds:  Small but mighty, these little seeds are a triple threat containing protein, fiber, and omega 3.  Together they are great at reducing inflammation.  Another health benefit of chia seeds is that they absorb 10-12 times their weight in water, keeping you fuller for longer.

When making this smoothie, keep in mind there is no ‘right way’ to do it!  It’s important to remember, this is your body and you choose what you put in it.  Experiment by adding more or less of certain ingredients, or by throwing in something new like lemon, kale, or even a scoop of coconut oil.  The options are endless!

Thanks for stopping by!

XO, Audrey