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Wrinkles, fine lines, dry skin. It can be worrisome, or even alarming, when you notice changes in your skin, but peptide skin care products might just be the answer. Peptides may feel like a buzzword in skin care, but they’re so much more than that — they’re a reliable way to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for visibly smoother, plumper and youthful-looking skin. Let’s explore the effects of these ingredients, their benefits, as well as spa treatments with similar collagen-boosting effects.

What Are Peptides?  

Peptides are a vital active in skin care products, leaving skin looking plump and youthful. When applied to the face, peptides activate the production of protein (such as collagen) in the skin. Collagen is essential when it comes to improving our skin’s appearance. It acts as a building block for skin, bones, joints, teeth, muscles, joints and connective tissues, and gives our skin its firmness and elasticity. Unfortunately, collagen production declines as we age, leaving the skin less youthful-looking. By including peptides in your skin care, you can dramatically improve the appearance of the tone and texture of your skin. 

Curious about the effectiveness of these ingredients? Let’s take a closer look at product options as well as spa treatments below. 

Best Peptide Skin Care For Smooth-Looking Skin

Now that you’re well-versed in the benefits of peptides and collagen, it’s time to explore skin care products that help your skin look healthy and strong. Here are a few of our tried-and-true favorites to enhance and protect the look of your skin.

The Marine Flower Peptide Collection 

The botanical peptides and algae extracts found in our Marine Flower Peptide Collection are designed to leave the skin looking firm and elastic. The Marine Flower Peptide Serum and Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream can be added to any skin care routine to deliver significantly smoother skin that looks truly ageless. This eye cream can be applied morning and night and will not only target the look of fine lines, but dark circles as well. According to Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar, the Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Serum both “refine pores and smooth the look of the complexion.” 

The Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate supports the benefits of the Marine Flower Peptide Serum by further increasing the appearance of skin firmness and targeting the visible signs of aging. This luxurious, lightweight gel gives your skin a revitalizing boost revealing more supple-looking skin. 94% of users noted smoother skin in just 4 weeks!

If you want your skin care to work while you sleep, the Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream is a velvety formula containing two unique plant peptide technologies. Within 4 weeks, an incredible 91% of the night cream users noted firmer skin. Like overnight magic, this rejuvenating cream locks in moisture and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles for fresh, hydrated, firmer-looking skin. 

Your lips may not be the first thing you think of when investing in skin care, but your pout is worth taking care of. Plump and smooth your lips with the Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum. Formulated with marine flower and botanical hyaluronic acid, this silky serum improves the appearance of lines around the lips and surrounding area. It can be applied throughout the day or layered under lip balm or lipstick. Users of the lip serum reported a 37% reduction in the appearance of lip furrows.

Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System

The Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System includes three products, all containing our Peptide Illuminating Complex that uses botanical peptides derived from hibiscus seeds. Slough off dead skin cells with our Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant and Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator MA10 and lock in moisture with our Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. This blend of antioxidants and botanical peptides minimizes the appearance of aging and gives skin a firmer and smoother-looking appearance. 

Applying a thin layer of our Marine Flower Peptide Serum prior to our Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream each night is a powerful combo for skin that feels smooth and healthy. Our Eminence Organics Product Support Representatives explain that this serum will “also help treat redness from dry skin and improve the look of skin tone and texture overall.”

While the exfoliating treatment should be only used one to two times per week, the peptide cream can be used daily during your morning and night skin care routine. Also available for purchase on its own, the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream can be used by all skin types, including sensitive, to help battle the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

You can also receive the professional Arctic Berry Treatment by visiting your closest Eminence Organics spa. This professional peptide treatment will leave your skin looking smooth and radiant. A boosted version of the home care system, the pro treatment “features multiple acids to exfoliate the skin, allowing you to reap the maximum benefit from a unique botanical peptide complex.”

Citrus Lip Balm

If vertical lip lines are among your top skin care concerns, you can also pair the Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum with our Citrus Lip Balm which contains botanical peptides derived from hibiscus seed, as well as shea butter and sunflower seed wax for deep hydration. With daily application for four weeks, lip lines will appear minimized and lips are left looking smooth and full. 

The Citrus Lip Balm is also part of our Lip Trio designed to erase the look of dryness from the lips, alongside the Lip Comfort Plumping Masque and Citrus Enzyme Lip Exfoliator. Keep reading to learn more about the Lip Comfort Plumping Masque.

Lip Comfort Plumping Masque   

As mentioned, you’ll find the peptide-packed Lip Comfort Plumping Masque as a part of our Lip Trio. This deeply hydrating mask contains rich shea butter and avocado oil, as well as peptides, to encourage the appearance of firmer and softer-looking skin.

Watch Natalie in this In The Mix video to learn more about peptide skin care products.

 

Spa Treatments For Smooth Skin

Skin care products containing peptides aren’t the only solution for skin that looks strong and supple. Support your skin with collagen-boosting spa treatments; you can contact an authorized Eminence Organics spa near you to see what services they offer.

Microneedling

Microneedling (or collagen induction therapy) is designed to stimulate collagen production. This treatment creates thousands of microscopic punctures in the skin to induce wound-healing. These micro-injuries trigger the skin’s fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen and elastin. Stefanie Williams MD tells Get The Gloss: “Medical needling gives skin a gentle nudge to remind it to keep making fresh collagen. It’s a very natural regenerative treatment that helps the skin help itself.”

Laser Treatments

Fractionated lasers are another go-to. These work similarly to microneedling in that they cause tiny, controlled injuries that trigger the creation of new collagen. In this case, rather than using medical needles, the skin care professional will use resurfacing lasers to stimulate collagen production. Dr. Zeichner tells Harper’s Bazaar: “Lasers work by punching microscopic holes in the skin, creating a controlled burn and taking advantage of the skin’s ability to heal itself after wounds.”

Microcurrent Therapy

If your skin is in the early stages of the aging process, microcurrent treatments can be beneficial. This type of spa treatment is best for skin that is showing the earliest signs of aging, as it conditions the skin’s fibroblasts to function optimally and continue to produce healthy, high-quality collagen. In microcurrent therapy, two metal rods that conduct low-level electricity are drawn over the surface of the skin to stimulate and energize facial muscles.

Have you ever received any of these collagen-enhancing treatments, or used peptide products in your skin care routine? Let us know in the comments below or on social media!

by Caitlin H,

Jun 3, 2024

Name: Rodney Arnold
Age: 73
Occupation: Retired Code Enforcement Officer
Meal Plan: Keto-Carb30/Mediterranean
Favorite Meal: Short Ribs
Start Date: November 2022
Starting Weight: 365
Height: 6
Pounds Lost: 105
When I get a craving, my go-to trick: A Honeycrisp apple

For many people, a medical scare is the catalyst for making a big life change. That was certainly the case for 73-year-old Rodney Arnold, a retired Sacramento code enforcement officer from Hawaii who has shed more than 100 pounds with Diet-to-Go.

“My hips are pretty much shot, and I found out I had to have hip surgery,” Rodney said, remembering a doctor’s visit in late 2022. “They wouldn’t touch me unless I lost a lot of weight and my BMI was 30.”

Rodney said that was the push he needed to commit to dropping to 250 from his then-current 360-pound weight — a change he needed to make to return to his former lifestyle that brought him the fulfillment he desired in his retirement.

‘I’d love to get back to it’

When Rodney retired in 2008, he and his wife spent time touring the western United States in their RV. He golfed. He swam. He played with his 10 grandchildren. He walked his dog. He wore his favorite Hawaiian shirts.

“Part of the problem is I can’t step without support,” he said. “I have to use the walker. Because of [that], we sold the motor home and stay in a home.”

Rodney added that his immobility severely limits his ability to enjoy any activities he loves.

“During summer, we have a pool,” he said. “Since I can’t put pressure on my leg all summer, I trod water for an hour daily. But in the winter, there’s no pool, no exercise, no way to work out.”

Having the hip surgery—something only possible if he lost weight—was vital for Rodney to return to the things he loves. However, Rodney said that not exercising or being able to move initially made his weight loss extremely challenging.

“I dropped to 1,000 calories a day,” he said. Experts recommend eating a minimum of 1,200 calories a day to avoid going into starvation mode, which can ultimately negatively impact weight loss.”

‘The selection is incredible’

Rodney knew eating just 1,000 calories a day wasn’t sustainable. He and his wife, Donna, began researching weight-loss meal plans.*

“We came across Diet-to-Go, and the meal variety, their selection, really appealed to me. That’s why I chose it,” Rodney said.

Enjoying his wife’s delicious cooking and wine in large portions played a significant role in Rodney’s weight gain, so he said variety and taste were essential to ensuring a successful diet and weight loss plan.

“It was easier to let that go because Diet-to-Go food was so tasty,” he said.
 

‘The customer service is outstanding’

Rodney also found that Diet-to-Go’s customer service supported his goals.

“Everyone is so willing to accommodate your requests,” he said. When I wanted to switch two meals a day or when I got too many breakfasts, they said, ‘no problem,’ and fixed the issue,” he said.

Rodney added that the Diet-to-Go online portal makes it straightforward to substitute meals and understand his weekly nutrition.

“I’m minimally tech-savvy; I get myself into trouble if I get too into technology,” Rodney laughed. “[The portal]. speaks to the way Diet-to-Go is organized. It’s easy for an old person like me to use.”

 

‘Pain is a great motivator’

Rodney said one of the most significant things  that’s kept him on track since he started with Diet-to-Go in November 2022 is the end goal of achieving the necessary BMI to make hip replacement surgery a reality.

“There wasn’t much doubt because of my goal,” he said. “I had to lose weight. I had to get my BMI down. Pain is a great motivator. ,” In March, he did just that.

“At first, I was very scared of my weight and realized that my BMI had to be 30 or below before surgery. But, I met that BMI,” Rodney said, adding that his surgery is now scheduled for May 2024.

Rodney said his physical therapist and other medical professionals have been amazed at his achievements.

“I went into different doctor’s appointments along the way, and they saw my weight loss and were very impressed, Rodney said.

The results are something he wholeheartedly credits to leveraging Diet-to-Go.

“​​The meals have been prepared and planned, which was the most critical issue,” Rodney said. “It took all the thinking of what to do and what to make out of the picture. You did all the prep, work [and] the meal planning, and it made it very easy to stay on the diet.”
 

‘I’m much more aware.’

Rodney plans on sticking with Diet-to-Go until he reaches his goal of 250 pounds and gets both hips replaced.

“After that, I can get more physically active and be able to burn calories for the food intake,”
Rodney said. “Having Diet-to-Go meals, I’m also much more aware of portion control [and] much more balanced. I’ve gotten used to having cauliflower [and] broccoli. I plan to be much more aware of those things.”

He’s enjoying little victories like fitting back into his favorite clothing for now.
“I was born in Hawaii. I’m a Hawaiin shirt, shorts, and flip-flops guy,” Rodney said. “I had to pack away my Aloha shirts for a while, but now I can wear many of them again. I missed that. I’m proud I get to wear those shirts that I’d thought I’d have to give up forever.”
 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

It’s that time of year when body image tends to worsen (lookin’ at you summer!). Follow these three tips to help improve body image during the challenging summer months but keep them in your back pocket to pull from all year ’round!

What is body image?

I talk about this in my best body image books post. There are so many different ways we could describe body image but I think of it as the mental picture you have of your body, which includes thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs toward your body.

Body image is influenced by so many factors including systemic oppression (the culture telling you that thin bodies are best and fat bodies are bad), your genetic makeup, your history (including any trauma), your values, and so on.

Body image healing work is a practice – it’s not a destination you arrive at and then you can kick back on the lounge chair and drink margs all day (although wouldn’t that be nice?!). It’s a journey. A practice of continuing to come home to yourself and to your body.

Some days/weeks/months will be more challenging than others and will require more attention, energy, and grace, and other seasons will feel a little easier and lighter – maybe you won’t have to think about it all that much.

Body image healing work is about being in right relationship with your body. Think about other relationships you’re in – maybe with a partner, child, or friend. Some days you feel really connected with and supported by that person and other days you might feel at odds with them or disconnected.

You might feel lots of love toward that person one day and be completely frustrated with them the next. It’s the same experience for the relationship you have with your body.

And as I’m sure we’ve all experienced at one point or another, relationships take work. Sometimes hard work. Being in right relationship with your body takes work too. And that work can look like these three tips I offer up below (and of course can look like other things I don’t mention below – I only have so much space in one blog post!)

Tips to work toward better body image

1. Get curious about what your beliefs about bodies are.

Before you dive in, I find it can be helpful to have a baseline understanding of your body image today and how you got here. What are the factors that have shaped how you feel about your body today? This will give you a sense of context, understanding, and maybe even compassion for your thoughts and feelings about your here-and-now body.

Isn’t there a saying that in order to know where you’re going, you have to understand where you’ve been? I feel like I didn’t just make that up and I’m not sure who to attribute it to but I think it applies here :).

Maybe you create a body image timeline where you map out early childhood, school-age, pre-teen, adolescence, young adulthood, adulthood, and jot down any memories of experiences or events during those times in your life that influenced how you felt about your body (positive, negative, or neutral). Maybe you changed a behavior or took some action (i.e. started dieting) because of it and you can write about that too.

And/or maybe you do some journaling on the following reflection questions:

What are your current beliefs about bodies?

Who handed you those beliefs?

Are those your beliefs or someone else’s?

Where did you learn that some bodies are better than others?

How strong is each of those beliefs (rate on scale of 1-10)?

2. Get clear on what makes you feel better (and worse) in your body.

Alright ya’ll. Here’s what makes body image so tricky. It’s dynamic and perceptual in nature – it’s constantly changing based on internal and external factors.

Here’s an example of how this plays out: 

You wake up in the morning, you put on a pair of baggy sweatpants, and you sit down next to someone who is bigger than you. In this moment, you might feel smaller and maybe better about your body.

Later in the day, after you’ve eaten a couple of meals, you’re feeling a little bloated, and now you’re wearing tight jeans. You hop on the train and sit down next to someone who is smaller than you. In that moment, you might feel bigger and maybe worse about your body. Your body size hasn’t objectively changed over the course of a day but the perception of your body has significantly changed.

Because body image is so perceptual in nature, it can be helpful to have a solid understanding of your perceptual body image triggers – what are the things that make you feel more positive to neutral about your body and what are the things that make you feel more negative toward your body?

Here are some examples of things that might make people feel better in their bodies:

hiking

cooler weather

wearing cute comfortable clothing

relatively low stress levels

yoga

getting a massage

taking a shower

skincare

Here are some examples of things that might make people feel worse in their bodies:

social media

stressful life events

PMS or being on their period

being bloated / experiencing GI distress

comparisons or body checking

warmer temperatures

sweating

not getting dressed in the morning

What would it feel like for you to make your own list? What would go on it?

You can use this perceptual body image map to help better understand your experience. If you’re feeling negative toward your body, you could reference your list to help you get a sense of what else might be going on that influenced that. You could also use the map to help you remember what tools or activities help you to feel slightly better in your body so you can pull from them.

Typically these things aren’t magic fixes that make you suddenly love your body but if you notice they make you feel 5% better about your body, that’s a win! We’re aiming for small subtle shifts, not perfection (because spoiler alert: perfection doesn’t exist).

3. Lead with self-compassion.

Self-compassion is part of the foundation of body image healing. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, being mindful in the moment of emotions without judgment, and remembering that your lived experience is part of being a human and others are struggling with the same things. If you want to learn more, check out my blog post that dives deeper into the the 3 tenets of self compassion.

Self-compassion can be used every step along the way of your healing journey. This too is a practice though so give yourself grace as you hone this skill.

Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness – this includes your body. This may look like:

nourishing your body with enough food that feels good

not punishing your body with rigorous exercise but instead engaging in movement that feels good

showering regularly and washing your face

going to bed early so you get enough sleep

resting when you’re tired or something aches

Self-compassion can also be utilized when you’re having a tough body image day. Rather than beating yourself up for experiencing negative body image, can you talk to yourself with warmth and kindness – “I’m sorry sweetheart, it’s so hard to sit with these negative feelings.”

Can you remind yourself that there are so many other people around the world that are also having a tough body image day and can you connect to the collectiveness of this very normal human experience to feel less alone?

Can you sit with the uncomfortable feelings and let them move through you rather than pushing them away?

Self-compassion can also be practiced when you’re not further along on your body image healing journey or when you feel you “should” be further along. Can you kindly remind yourself that body image healing is a practice and journey, not something to perfect or a destination to arrive at?

Can you appreciate this part that tries to manage your healing and wants what is best for you? Can you remind yourself that everyone is on their own healing journey and everyone is circling their own mountain to see the same face over and over. Remind yourself you are not alone on this journey.

What would you add to this list? What has helped you improve your body image? Tell me in the comments below!

For more support around body image, check out my other posts below:

Best Body Image Books

5 Tips to Cope with a Bad Body Image Day

3 Ways to Navigate When Clothes Don’t Fit You (without another diet!)

How to Make Your Social Media More Body Positive

Classic Chicken Waldorf Salad (With No Added Sugar)

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Acne is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Depending on its cause, acne may manifest as occasional pimples or as a more chronic, lifelong issue. In fact, up to 80% of people will experience acne at some point in their lives. One of the best ways to combat acne is to address its root cause. Here are five common causes of acne, along with our tips for banishing breakouts for good.

What Causes Acne?

As International Trainer Brian Goodwin explains, acne is an inflammatory skin disease that’s caused by things like excess production of sebum, dead skin cells or harmful microbes colonizing the skin. To complicate the matter, you may be dealing with a combination of these issues. Let’s review these factors and discuss how they play a role in the emergence of breakouts, blemishes and more chronic acne: 

1. Clogged Pores

Every pimple begins the same way: with a clogged pore. Each of our pores is made up of a hair follicle containing a sebaceous (oil) gland which performs a key function for skin health. Sebaceous glands release sebum, a waxy, oily secretion that helps to lubricate and soften the skin’s surface. While this is necessary for keeping the skin properly balanced, there can be issues with this process. When sebum travels along the follicle towards the skin’s surface, it can get trapped by dead skin cells blocking its path. Acne occurs when oil and debris combine with trapped bacteria, causing the infection and inflammation that we call a breakout.

2. Excess Oil Production

Is your skin extra oily? Oily skin is thought to be caused by a genetic predisposition to overproduce the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Sebum, while often seen as an annoyance for oily skin types, plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier and protecting it from harmful environmental factors and microbes. However, when the skin produces too much oil, its pores enlarge and stretch in an attempt to contain the surplus. If excess oil becomes trapped, it can combine with the dead skin and bacteria that have settled inside the pore, causing breakouts. The severity of your acne breakouts can depend on your body’s propensity for excess oil production. 

3. Bacteria

Everyone has acne bacteria living on their skin, but not all acne bacteria trigger pimples. According to Medical News Today: “Research suggests that the severity and frequency of acne depend on the strain of bacteria.” The strain of bacteria that contributes to acne is called Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes. This bacteria is generally harmless, but under certain conditions (such as in a clogged pore, surrounded by oil and no air) can trigger an immune response that causes inflammation of the surrounding tissues.  

4. Hormones

Hormones influence acne at all ages, with hormonal fluctuations often increasing sebum production and leading to breakouts. Changes in the body’s androgen levels, which are common during puberty, menstrual cycles or pregnancy, can trigger acne. Typically, hormonal acne appears on the lower half of the face, such as along the chin and jawline. It’s no secret that many teens struggle with acne. Teen acne, a form of hormonal acne, is caused by changing hormones affecting sebum production. The key difference is that teen acne is closely associated with puberty and often clears up at the onset of adulthood, explains Brian. Acne that persists beyond the age of 25 is referred to as persistent acne. Teen acne can appear on the face, neck, chest and back, while adult acne is more often localized to the face.

As Brian explains, hormonal fluctuations can alter the balance of sebum’s components, such as fatty acids and triglycerides. Additionally, hormones influence cellular turnover rates and the skin’s inflammatory response, leading to congested pores and potential infections.

5. Genetics

Unfortunately, your own unavoidable genetic makeup often comes into play when it comes to breakouts. Some people are genetically more prone to their sebaceous glands getting inflamed by hormones, oil and bacteria. The odds are that if one of your parents had moderate to severe acne, you are likely to experience symptoms as well.

Acne Treatment Options

One of the best ways to tackle the causes of acne is through your skin care routine. To keep your skin clear and blemish-free, we recommend using our Acne Advanced 3-Step Treatment System. The products in this innovative collection are designed to treat acne and prevent future breakouts, with results in as little as 28 days. 

For best results, contact your favorite Eminence Organics Spa Partner for a consultation or an acne facial to get a routine tailored to your skin’s unique needs.

Do you suffer from acne? How has it affected you, and what has helped you find relief? We’d love to hear your story. Share it with us in the comments and join the conversation on social media.

by Caitlin H,

Jun 10, 2024

Dog owners will be the first to tell you that their beloved furball is more than just a pet to them — in many ways, it’s like a child. There’s a good reason for this. Dogs have their own unique personalities, traits, and quirks. They thrive under routines. And they are capable of loyalty and love beyond most people’s expectations.

Read on to learn more about why dogs are good for your health, plus several fun ways to work out with them.
 

How Dogs Impact Your Health

According to a ​​Harvard Medical School report, owning a canine provides a host of benefits that include:
 

Companionship
Security
Fitness incentive
Stress relief
Mindfulness

Several other studies focused on the benefits of owning a dog find similar results: Dogs help us feel less lonely, relieve anxiety, encourage movement and exercise, get out and be social, and even lower the risk of death by improving heart health. Dog owners must ensure their pooch gets exercise, and thankfully, there are many fun ways to do that.
 

5 Ways to Work Out with Your Dog

 

Whether you live near the ocean, on the plains, or near the mountains, there are likely trails close enough for you to explore. Most cities and suburbs create trails as part of their parks and recreation initiatives, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore new places with your dog. Build a once-weekly to twice-weekly one-hour trail excursion into your schedule, and take the time out to walk and explore with your four-legged pal.
 

This classic game of throwing a ball or frisbee for your dog to grab and bring back to you is an excellent way to get out and exercise. But don’t be fooled! Although it may seem like your dog is getting most of the exercise, you might be surprised by how much you find yourself jogging around grassy expanses to grab the ball or chase your dog. It’s a win-win!
 

Dog parks provide a safe area for pups to be social and roam free. They’re also a great place for you to get moving! Take laps around the dog park while your pooch runs around it. Dog parks are also an excellent place to meet new friends and up your social game!
 

Have you always wanted to challenge yourself by running a 5K? Here’s your chance! Use your dog as an excuse to train for a race—they must work their way up in mileage, too! Many cities host races specifically dedicated to you and your pup, and most races allow you to run with your dog regardless.
 

Most dogs love wading through rivers or splashing around in lakes or ocean waves. Take your dog to a nearby spot where you can swim and they can play in the water right along with you. Even walking in the water is a good low-impact exercise, giving you and your pooch a chance to get in some fitness.

Ultimately, you should look at your dog as the beloved family member they are — a loyal friend and the perfect workout buddy. Use them as the push you need to get in the recommended amount of exercise while enjoying the fresh air and outdoors. You’ll both be glad you did!
 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

This one pot blackened salmon pasta is made with seared salmon, tender mushrooms, spinach, fettuccine, and a mouthwatering sun-dried tomato sauce. Make this your next recipe for pasta night!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love pasta night. Pasta is one of those foods I’ll never get sick of because it’s SO versatile. Just think of all the different shapes, sauces, proteins, veggies, and other ingredients that you can combine for endless possibilities.

It’s also the perfect vehicle for nutritious toppings like veggies, proteins and nourishing fats.

This pasta dish packs in baby spinach and cremini mushrooms for a kick of veggies, seared salmon for protein, and the sauce is decadently silky and loaded with flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and blackened seasoning.

The cream sauce is light and not heavy at all (we use broth to thin it out), making it a perfect dish for all year round. 

This pasta makes an impressive meal that comes together in just one pot but yields restaurant quality. 

Pasta night here we come!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

fettuccine: I like to use a long pasta shape for this dish like fettuccine, spaghetti or linguine, but any pasta will work.

salmon: I use fresh salmon for this recipe, but frozen could work too. Salmon is a flavorful and versatile fish that pairs well with a variety of veggies, seasonings and sauces. 

sliced cremini mushrooms: lend savory umami flavor.

shallot: adds aromatic flavor. 

garlic: packs in the flavor.

sun-dried tomatoes: provides a sweet and tart flavor that adds to the taste of the sauce. 

white wine: works to deglaze the pan and maximize the overall flavor of the dish. Feel free to omit and double the amount of broth if needed. 

heavy cream: for creaminess and contributes to the rich flavor. 

chicken broth: you can substitute for vegetable broth to make this recipe pescatarian.

blackened spice seasoning: I like to make my own blackened spice seasoning using smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, brown sugar, salt and pepper. 

baby spinach: adds a pop of green color and a nutrition boost

grated parmesan cheese: enhances the flavor of the dish, lending more umami flavor

Nutrition Benefits of Salmon

Salmon gets a lot of praise in the media and as a registered dietitian I can confirm it’s for good reason! 

Salmon is a great source of lean protein and it boasts-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful for heart, brain, and cardiovascular health, and are found in high quantities in fatty fish like salmon. 

Salmon is also a fantastic source of vitamin D, B-vitamins, selenium, potassium, and antioxidants.

Equipment You’ll Need (affiliate links – if you make a purchase I receive a small commission)

Dutch oven

How to Make Blackened Salmon Pasta

To cook the pasta and the salmon:

1. Cook pasta. Boil 2.5 quarts of salted water in a Dutch oven and cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and rinse pasta. Set aside.

2. Prepare blackened seasoning and coat salmon. In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, brown sugar, salt and pepper until combined. Pat salmon dry with a paper towel and then cover it with the spice rub, reserving some for the pasta.

3. Cook salmon. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in dutch oven over medium heat and once hot, place salmon flesh side down and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip salmon and cook until it flakes easily or until it reaches temperature of 125 degrees F, about another 5-7 minutes (depending on the thickness of the piece of fish).

4. Flake salmon and set aside. Set salmon aside and flake it using a fork.

To prepare the sauce and rest of recipe:

5. Sauté mushrooms. Add mushrooms to the pot, season with salt, and cook for 3-5 minutes before turning over. Cook until browned, an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove and set aside.

6. Sauté shallot, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pot then add shallot, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until shallot softens and garlic is fragrant.

7. Add wine. Add wine to the pot and let it reduce to about half the volume.

8. Add cream, broth, blackened seasoning, and spinach. Stir and bring to a simmer. 

9.  Simmer and add mushrooms back in. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted. Add back in mushrooms.

10. Add in pasta and salmon. Add pasta to sauce and toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed. Top with flaked salmon and parmesan cheese and cook, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese as desired.

Expert Tips

Reduce cooking time to 25 minutes by using two pots / pans. Use a pot to boil the pasta and a large pan to cook the salmon, mushrooms and sauce. Or use one pot to save on dish cleanup and do all your prep while the pasta is cooking.
If you don’t have any wine on hand, simply omit and double the chicken broth.
To make this recipe pescatarian, swap the chicken broth with vegetarian broth.
Prep the blackened seasoning ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.

Storage and Preparation

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

The blackened seasoning can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six months.

For weeknight meal prep, you can make the spice rub, salmon, and pasta ahead of time and then make your sauce the night of!

Recipes That Pair Well

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Instant Pot Asparagus

Beet Salad with Feta

Air Fryer Cauliflower

For more pasta inspiration, check out my other recipes below! 

Caprese Pasta Salad

Easy Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Local Kale and White Bean Pasta

Spring Vegetable Pasta

If you like this recipe, please be sure to comment and give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on Instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!

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Budapest, a city renowned for its stunning architecture and rich spa culture, has become a favored destination for Hollywood’s blockbuster productions. Among the city’s many accolades, it now stands out as a backdrop for major films and TV series, bringing together the glamor of the silver screen and the luxury of world-class skin care. 

Eminence Organic Skin Care has proudly contributed to the beauty and wellness of cast members and makeup artists on set. From Academy Award-winning films like Poor Things to thrilling action movies such as Chief of Station and highly anticipated TV series like Dune: Prophecy, Eminence Organics products have graced the faces of Hollywood’s finest, all while capturing Budapest’s rich history in beauty and skin care expertise.

Eminence Organics On The Set Of Chief of Station

The thrilling action film Chief of Station, filmed in Budapest, stars Golden Globe Award nominee Aaron Eckhart as a former CIA European Station Chief. The film follows his intense journey to uncover the truth behind his wife’s death. Joined by co-stars Olga Kurylenko and Laetitia Eido, the movie delivers gripping espionage and action sequences, including fistfights, gun battles and car chases.

During the filming in Budapest, our products were used by makeup artists on the set. This ensured the stars had prepped skin before their intense shoots. 

Dune: Prophecy

The HBO Max series Dune: Prophecy delves into the origins of the Dune universe, set 10,000 years before the events in the movie series starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson. Budapest served as a key filming location. Much of the interior scenes were shot at Origo Studios, one of Europe’s largest film studios, which has hosted numerous blockbusters like Blade Runner 2049 and Atomic Blonde. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Parliament Building and Fisherman’s Bastion, provided stunning backdrops that seamlessly blended into the series’ elaborate set designs.​ 

Eminence Organics had the privilege of contributing to this production by providing our products to the makeup artists and cast members, including Mark Strong, Emily Watson and Olivia Williams. This ensured that the actors’ skin was perfectly prepped for their scenes, maintaining their radiant appearance throughout the demanding filming schedule. 

Poor Things

During the filming in Budapest, Eminence Organics gifted our skin care products to the makeup artists and cast members on the set of the Academy Award-winning film Poor Things. The film received accolades for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, thanks to the expertise of award-winning makeup artist Nadia Stacey and her team, as well as a Best Actress award for Emma Stone. Namely, products were gifted to Oscar-winner Emma Stone and multi-time Oscar-nominee Mark Ruffalo. 

All The Light We Cannot See

The Netflix TV mini-series All the Light We Cannot See brings the acclaimed novel by Anthony Doerr to life. The story follows Marie-Laure, a blind French girl and Werner, a German soldier, whose paths cross amidst the turmoil of World War II. We gifted products to the makeup artists and cast members, including A-lister Mark Ruffalo. 

The Red Sparrow

The spy thriller Red Sparrow, starring Jennifer Lawrence, prominently features Budapest’s diverse and iconic locations. The film follows Dominika Egorova, a former ballerina turned Russian intelligence operative, as she navigates the dangerous world of espionage. During the production in Budapest, Eminence Organics provided our skin care products to Jennifer Lawrence, ensuring she maintained a flawless appearance on set. 

Key scenes were filmed at several notable sites in Budapest including Heroes’ Square, with its grand statues and monuments, the opulent Boscolo Budapest Hotel and the historic Lotz Hall in the Book Café. Other significant locations included the Danubius Hotel Gellért and the Semmelweis University tower, each adding unique visual elements to the movie. 

Eminence Organics is proud to support the numerous cast members filming in Hungary, helping them maintain radiant and healthy skin throughout their demanding schedules. You can learn more by viewing our Celeb Love Page and see what many celebrities are saying. Or, explore our full range of products by visiting your nearest Eminence Organics Spa.