Probiotics: A Spring Celebration Recipe
Good morning and happy March!
First! It's the day after Mardi Gras. And in days of past that would mean I'd be going on a serious cleanse or detox plan to combat all of the sugar fueled foods and drinks I'd consumed over the past several weeks.
This year, however, is different. I've been at our home in Nashville quite a bit, and traveling still too.
In Nashville the weather is still fluxing between grey cold winter vibes and hints of sunshine on occasion, and even last week in Los Angeles temperatures were cooler than I've ever experienced there. Soon, however, Spring will be here. And for a sunshine loving girl, it couldn't come soon enough. (YAY!) After days of travel and a pretty serious halt in my usual self care routine I'm committed to re-upping my health game this week.
Sugar filled foods, blasting heat, moisture sucking air travel... I've had a case of it all.
(Must I remind you of that king cake that's been on repeat at my house. Le sigh!).
If you're in the same boat and feeling like your skin is showing it, I find the fastest way to recover that healthy glow is by working nutrient rich, probiotic filled foods and drinks into the daily routine. You'd have to truly be living under a rock to have not heard of the benefits of probiotics to your over all well-being. Probiotics are the "good" kind of bacteria that help maintain total body wellness - however while you might know that probiotics keep the gut healthy they're also effective in improving our skin health. (HANDS UP!)
I honestly hear girlfriends of mine talking regularly about the topical products they're using to care for their skin. In the meantime, the wellness world is sharing more and more about the importance of what you eat and drink in regards to how your skin looks. I'm a serious advocate for considering what you're ingesting (green smoothie obsession over here) when it comes to your outer glow. However, if you're out on the road like I am so often, and skipping a day of smoothies here and there, my recommendation is to consume lots of leafy greens (challenge yourself to adding kale to every meal, and minimally order a salad when all else fails) and add probiotic rich foods to that.
Here's a list of 5 probiotic rich foods that are easy to find anywhere:
Yogurt
Dark Chocolate
Miso Soup
Pickles
Tempeh
Each of these foods are quick menu additions and things that, as a traveler, I can get anywhere.
Want to know a little more about how it works?
A way probiotics support skin health is by aiding our natural moisture levels through the production of hyaluronic acid. HA is a "natural substance our body produces and is a major contributor to the elasticity, tightness, and strength of our skin."
According to Dr. Roshini Raj of Mind Body Green "probiotics strengthen our skin so that it can act as a physical barrier to the negative effects of winter by keeping out pathogens, bad bacteria, pollution, and other toxins."
I definitely need all of that. Count me in.
And, because, hey, I am from New Orleans and even though Mardi Gras is over we still have the oncoming Spring days to celebrate (and c'mon! cocktails are a serious part of my culture) I've got a fun little probiotic cocktail recipe for you too!
Pomegranate Blueberry Probiotic Mimosas
1 bottle of champagne or prosecco
2 - 1 liter bottles of Indian River Select Brand Prohealthy Blend Orange Juice
1/4 cup wild blueberries
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
Oranges, sliced
Squeeze of lemon
1/2 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Dash of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Add the bubbles to a large pitcher first, and then top with the OJ and stir. From there, add the berries, pomegranate and orange slices. Mix in the ACV, squeeze a bit of lemon and garnish each drink with a dash of cayenne. If you're not an OJ lover you can sub in Indian River Select Brand Prohealthy Blend Grapefruit Juice.
The ACV increases nutrient absorption, reduces water retention and has antioxidant properties.
The Indian River juices (both are available in 1 liter bottles at Harris Teeter) are non GMO and have GanedenBC30® Probiotic. I'm also stocking the 59oz grapefruit and 1 liter OJ on my brunch bar for this recipe this coming weekend (good to have extra for those that want several rounds of mimosas)!
I hope these beauty tips have been helpful to you guys. I'm seriously committed to living my healthiest life, while having a bit of fun along the way! Btw - send your ideas my way. I love hearing from you.
Here's a few probiotic skin care products I'm testing out too.
Enjoy the coming Spring days you guys. I'll see you outside!
Wanderfully yours,
Andi
This post is in partnership with Indian River Select Brand. As always, creative direction and content is my own.
