Eat Dessert, Get Glowing Skin: 4 Healthy Treats with Beauty Benefits

Who doesn't love a sweet treat from time to time? However, traditional desserts are often high in processed sugar and dairy, which can contribute to acne, oily skin and ageing - definitely not what you want when it comes to achieving a clear and youthful complexion. Removing refined sugars and carbohydrates, along with dairy products, from your diet is one of the best things you can do for your skin.

But what if we told you that when it comes to beauty, you really can have your cake and eat it too? You don't have to go without dessert, you just need to choose the right ones. In fact, our favourite healthy treats are full of beauty-boosting, skin-loving and anti-ageing nutrients that will actually help to leave your skin glowing radiantly from the inside out! 

Chocolate lovers can rejoice, because cacao is a superfood with some wonderful skin benefits. Loaded with antioxidants to help combat free radical damage, plus vitamin C, magnesium and enzymes that support cellular repair and assist in keeping the skin healthy, including some quality raw chocolate in your diet can help prevent premature ageing and support a beautiful complexion. 

Make sure you select a brand that is raw, vegan and sweetened with a natural healthy alternative to sugar, such as stevia or coconut nectar. Going for at least 70% cacao will ensure you're getting plenty of the good stuff. Perfect enjoyed alongside a cup of our No.4 Golden Glow beauty tea.

It's also easy to make your own cacao-rich sweets, such as our Coco Chocolate Bark or crowd-pleasing Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies. Yum!

The humble chia seed is a “skin food” star and a nutritional game changer when it comes to achieving glowing skin. Chia seeds are abundant in fibre which removes excess oestrogen and toxins (along with cholesterol if that is an issue) AND they are one of the best ways to get your bowel motions regular again. When your body is healthy on the inside, this shows on the outside and your skin - the body's largest organ - will look its best.

Chia seeds are also a complete plant-based source of protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids required by the body, which play a key role in building and repairing healthy tissue structures, plus help stabilise blood sugar levels to prevent unhealthy cravings and keep you full.

Making your own chia seed puddings is very easy to do. Simply mix them with liquid and add-ins of your preference, then let sit until a delicious, thick texture forms. We are currently loving this Butterfly Pea Blueberry Chia Parfait for breakfast or dessert.

A dessert made from avocado? Yes, this dreamy, creamy wonder food makes the perfect mousse base. When blended smooth with a dash of almond milk or coconut water and combined with your favourite healthy sweetener and natural flavourings, such as lime, vanilla or cinnamon, you will no longer see avocado as a savour food. We are currently loving Olivia's Raw Avocado Lime Mousse recipe. Trust us, this is just as good as avocado toast, if not better!

Rich in healthy fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, Avocados work to improve your skin from the insides out. These antioxidant properties help protect the skin from environmental damage that causes fine lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of ageing. This delicious fruit also assists in the production of collagen and elastin, to maintain skin’s structure and firmness. Filled with healthy fats, avocados are deeply moisturising to leave skin soft and hydrated.

Too much avocado? There’s no such thing! Try it on the outside too, with our & Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse that contains avocado oil derived from plant esters. Incredible for balancing the skin, it’s the perfect skincare ingredient for anyone struggling with hormonal acne or an oily t-zone.

 

 

So this one is technically a drink but it sure hits the spot when you're craving something sweet after dinner. Plus, any delicious way to get  turmeric's famous skin rejuvenating effects in is a welcomed opportunity for your beauty.

Turmeric is loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that have been linked to everything from lowered cholesterol to improved joint pain. When it comes to your skin, this ancient spice helps to reduce redness and acne scarring while calming conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.  It can help to soften lines and wrinkles, giving the face a more youthful appearance. 

We love enjoying a Beauty & Immunity Coco Latte before bed, or if you fancy something cold, you could get the beautifying benefits of turmeric by adding it to a smoothie, such as our favourite Golden Glow Beauty Smoothie. Either can also be enjoyed anytime of the day. Hello, radiant skin!