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2-Week Healthy Winter Meal Plan With Grocery List – The Real Food Dietitians

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“TikTok told me to” seems to be enough of an excuse to try new beauty trends these days and we’re here for it. The platform has taught us about skin cycling, the ancient art of gua sha, the pros and cons of slugging and how to look like a glazed donut (in a good way), among many other skin care hacks and beauty shortcuts. And while these trends are not all ideal for all skin types or beauty goals, many of them are full of benefits. With over 4.2 million results on TikTok (and counting), skin flooding is one of the newest skin care trends to flood our feeds. Let’s see what it’s all about. 

What Is Skin Flooding? | How To Perform Skin Flooding | Is Skin Flooding For Everyone?

What Is Skin Flooding? 

Skin flooding involves layering moisturizing products in a particular order to provide deeper, longer-lasting hydration. The purpose of the exercise is to quench dehydrated skin, with the help of the star of the show: hyaluronic acid. Essentially we’re loading up the skin with a combination of humectants (aka substances that attract water) and then doubling down on moisturizing serums. The last step is locking everything in, all with the goal of achieving hydrated, plump and glowy skin. This ritual can be done before bed to let it really sink in or in the morning to prep your skin for the day. It involves four simple steps: gently cleansing your skin, spritzing on a mist, applying a serum (or two) and then locking it all in with moisturizer.

A Guide To Skin Flooding 

Step 1: A Gentle Cleanse

For best results, you’ll want to start with a gentle face wash that cleanses your skin without stripping it of natural oils. This will leave a perfect skin canvas, ready to receive the onslaught of moisture coming its way. Some good options for a gentle cleanse include our Stone Crop Gel Wash which cleans away impurities without drying out the skin. As well as the hydrating and nourishing stone crop plant, it contains chamomile, which revitalizes, calms and balances the appearance of skin, prepping it for the tsunami of moisture coming for it. Another great option for this step is the Coconut Milk Cleanser. This gentle cream cleanser uses rich coconut milk, coconut oil and calendula oil to nurture skin for a dewy, fresh finish. 

Our Lemon Grass Cleanser is another gentle option. The olive oil, sunflower and flax seed in this mild formula gently remove impurities from skin while organic and Biodynamic® herbal ingredients help calm and soothe dry skin. 

Step 2: Prep The Skin With Moisture 

Applying skin care products like moisturizers and serums on damp skin is always a good idea. According to Byrdie: “Moisturizers absorb water more effectively with a water source to draw from, so damp skin is more effective in this step.” Keep the skin moist after cleansing or double down by spritzing the face with a face mist, toner or essence. A great option is the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, which is full of nourishing ingredients, including that stone crop again. Another option we love is the Birch Water Purifying Essence.

Product Picks

Step 3: Double Up On Serum

Now that the skin is ready for the main event, let’s open the floodgates with not one, but two serums! The first one should be heavy on the hyaluronic acid, aka the molecule that attracts and holds water. This moisture magnet is the molecule around which skin flooding was built.

The Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum is ultra hydrating thanks to our unique Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex that preserves and replenishes moisture in the skin. It also contains other hydrating ingredients like cica and marshmallow root. A thin layer on damp skin will get the flood started. A second layer works too if you want to be extra. More is more when it comes to this routine. 

Layering another serum on top of the hyaluronic layer(s) is the next step in flooding the skin with moisture. We recommend the potent hydration found in our Stone Crop Serum. If hyaluronic acid is the star of the skin flooding trend, stone crop is a great supporting character for its intense hydrating properties. 

Step 4: Lock It In With More Moisture 

Once your serums have absorbed, it’s time to apply a moisturizer to really lock in the hydration. There are a few options that will work for this step. If you’re flooding your skin during the day and hoping for a glass or dolphin skin effect, then your final step can include a moisturizer with SPF. The Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 adds hydration while it protects. Another really moisturizing SPF is our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid. This all-mineral sunscreen goes on smooth and leaves skin with a dewy look and feel.

If you’re more into skin flooding as a nighttime ritual, you have a few options. To stay on the hyaluronic acid train, finish up with our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator. This lightweight gel-cream hydrates and locks in moisture. Our customers love it too. Self-proclaimed skin care junkie, Katie, left a review on our website calling it: “The best skin care product in the universe,” and continuing, “I have tried every product on the market. NOTHING compares to this! … The hydration and glow it gives is equivalent to what you normally need 4 products to do … It’s my absolute favorite step. The glow it gives daily makes you look fresh out of a facial!”

The Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream is a richer option that adds yet another heavy-handed dose of moisture and locks in the benefits of all the products preceding it. 

If this trend is reminding you a bit of slugging, you’re in the same wheelhouse. Layering up products and then sealing them in is the basis for both trends. So as a last step, instead of a traditional moisturizer, why not go with the Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque. Melt it in your hands, and evenly roll it over the face. Containing shea butter and beeswax, the mask will act as a coating to lock in hydration and prevent moisture evaporation from the skin. You will wake up with a glow!

Product Picks

Is Skin Flooding For Everyone? 

Like with many viral beauty trends, skin flooding has a target audience. While it’s not irritating and doesn’t involve active ingredients — making it safe for most skin types — it might not be ideal for sensitive skin because it increases product penetration and might just be A LOT. Give it a try but go slow at first. Acne-prone or oily skin might not respond as well as drier skin types because layering multiple moisturizing products could lead to breakouts. That said, the genesis of this idea — applying products to clean, damp skin for maximum absorption — is a takeaway that we can all get behind. 

Are you ready to give this skin trend a try but not sure where to start? Visit your local Eminence Organics Spa Partner to get started. 

A hearty and comforting one pot meal, this creamy Instant Pot Chicken Stew is made with chicken thighs, carrots, garlic, green beans, and spices like rosemary, thyme and sage.

Why I Love This Recipe

A thick savory stew is the perfect meal to cozy up with during the cold winter months.

This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is comforting, hearty, and satisfying on its own or when paired with a crusty slice of bread. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and loaded with lots of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley. 

Made with chicken thighs for protein, tons of veggies like carrots, celery, green beans and potatoes, and heavy cream for creaminess and a boost to its satiety factor, this stew is a meal the whole family will love.

I love making this stew in the Instant Pot because it saves time and energy. Set it, and forget it! It tastes as if you’ve been simmering it all day long, when it really only took you less than an hour from start to finish.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this in the slow cooker or on the stove top. However you make it, you’ll have a one pot meal that’s warm, cozy, nourishing, and delicious. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I like using chicken thighs since they’re more flavorful than breasts, but you can use either. You could also make it vegetarian or vegan by substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils and swapping the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

butter: aromatic flavor enhancer used to coat the veggies for sautéing.

yellow onion: adds aromatic flavor. 

celery: part of the aromatic foundation for the broth. 

carrots: adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the flavor of the broth.

garlic: packs in the flavor. 

white wine: deglazes the pan which maximizes the overall flavor of the stew. 

baby potatoes: potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6. Feel free to substitute for other potato varieties as needed. 

dried rosemary: adds a piney, peppery flavor. 

dried thyme: provides a subtle minty, sweet, and earthy flavor.

dried sage: provides a full, earthy flavor that is slightly lemony and minty.  

dried parsley: adds a fresh, bold flavor.

bay leaf: adds another layer of flavor to compliment the dried herbs.

salt and pepper: essential flavor enhancers.

chicken broth: can substitute for vegetable broth but the flavor might be different. 

frozen cut green beans: green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium. I like using frozen green beans here for added convenience. 

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

cornstarch: used to thicken the stew. You can swap with flour or arrowroot starch if needed

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

Instant Pot

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Sear chicken thighs. Heat olive oil on high Sauté setting and once hot, add chicken thighs and sear until browned, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Sauté aromatics. Set Instant Pot to normal Sauté and melt butter. Once melted, add onions, celery and carrots and cook until onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, then add wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom as needed. 
Add ingredients. Turn Sauté off and add chicken back into the pan followed by the potatoes, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir ingredients together.
Cook. Secure cover onto Instant Pot (make sure set to sealing) and set to Pressure Cook for 10 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes before using quick release.
Shred chicken. Remove chicken from the pot to shred then add it back in. 
Add heavy cream and green beans. Stir in heavy cream and green beans. Remove bay leaf.
Make cornstarch slurry and add to pot. Whisk cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl until combined. Add cornstarch slurry to pot, stir to incorporate, and set to Sauté until soup begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Serve hot! 

Expert Tips

Be sure to cut the potatoes small enough (think bite-sized pieces) so that they cook all the way through to fork tender.
Allow heavy cream to come to room temperature before adding to soup to prevent curdling.
Green beans can be swapped for any frozen vegetable of your choice. Corn, bell peppers, peas, broccoli or cauliflower would all work well.
If you’re making in the slow cooker:

Add all ingredients (except olive oil, butter, green beans, heavy cream, and cornstarch) to slow cooker and cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and potatoes are tender, about 3-4 hours on high and 7-8 hours on low.

Stir in green beans, heavy cream, and cornstarch slurry to help thicken.

Recipe FAQs

Is stew better in the slow cooker or pressure cooker?

Both definitely work and will taste delicious, so it depends on your preference, which appliance you have, and how much time you have. Pressure cookers are great in a pinch whereas slow cookers run all day. A slow cooker is great for hands off cooking, while a pressure cooker involves a few more steps that require your attention. In terms of overall taste, some people feel that flavor is better retained in a pressure cooker, but again this is subjective. 

How do you make a stew thicker?

The key to achieving a thick, creamy stew is creating a cornstarch slurry. I typically mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water and stir until combined. With the Instant Pot set to Sauté, add the slurry and let the stew come to a simmer, allowing it to thicken, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes. 

Can other vegetables be added to the stew?

Why not!? I recommend sticking to frozen veggies here because they require no prep and are super quick to add in at the end. Corn, bell peppers, peas, broccoli or cauliflower would all work well.

Can you put raw chicken in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can put raw chicken in the Instant Pot. The cooking time for chicken varies depending on the size of the breasts/thighs but 8-10 minutes on high should do the trick. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees before you eat it, and if you’re not sure that it’s cooked through, test with a cooking thermometer.

Storage and Preparation 

Instant Pot Chicken Stew leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat on the stovetop, use a small saucepan and heat over medium-low until reaches desired temperature. To reheat in the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and reheat for 1-3 minutes, depending on the microwave. 

Leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipes That Pair Well

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Beet Salad with Feta

Air Fryer Cauliflower

Holiday Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

For more instant pot inspiration, check out my other recipes below!

Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup

Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Easy Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili 

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto

Instant Pot Guiness Beef Stew

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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Chinese-Inspired Chicken Salad (Mandarin Chicken Salad) – The Real Food Dietitians

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Is the skin on your face and body feeling itchy? This could be an annoying and uncomfortable side effect of winter dryness or something else entirely. Read on to uncover the root cause of your issues and learn about skin care solutions to ease the discomfort you may feel from dry, itchy skin. 

What Causes Itchy Skin? 

Figuring out the cause of your itchy skin can be a bit of a scavenger hunt since there are all sorts of possible culprits. Some of these issues are environmental — like seasonal changes (especially in winter), bug bites or irritants like poison ivy — while others are allergic reactions to things like foods or animals. Others still can be blamed on skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. 

Weather 

Itchy, dry skin is very commonly caused by weather and environment. In the winter, when the air gets dry and cold, we often exacerbate things by turning up the heat and taking long, hot baths. This combination can do a number on the skin. And it’s not only in the winter. Any seasonal change can disrupt the epidermis and lead to inflammation. A vacation to the arid desert can suddenly rob the skin of moisture, as can hot sun (and sunburns) or other abrupt changes in air temperature and moisture levels.

Allergies

Another common issue that can show up on the skin is an allergic reaction. Certain foods and medications, pet dander and fabrics could send your skin into the red zone. It may feel itchy and dry and can also develop hives, rashes or a burning feeling. Other symptoms like swelling of the face or airways can be dangerous and you should consult with your doctor if you’re concerned. 

Age

Wisdom comes with age. Unfortunately, so does dry skin. Over time, the skin’s stores of hyaluronic acid diminish as a result of the body’s natural aging processes. This naturally-occurring substance, which attracts and retains moisture, is crucial for keeping skin soft and supple. Without lipids or sebum, dry skin cannot stay lubricated, leading to the skin barrier becoming compromised. Since skin also becomes thinner with age, this can be a recipe for disaster. 

Other Lifestyle Factors

Skin that feels or looks dry can also be caused by lifestyle factors. Dehydration can happen when you’re not consuming enough fluids, and this can show up on your face. Everyone is susceptible to dehydrated skin because, unlike dry skin (which is lacking in oil), dehydrated skin (which is lacking in water) is caused by external factors like what you eat and drink. 

Not enough liquid in your diet can lead to dehydrated skin. This can show up as dark circles under the eyes, flaky patches, dull skin and sensitivity. An unhealthy diet can also lead to dehydrated skin. Fresh fruits and vegetables, plus healthy fats like wild-caught salmon, nuts, avocado, olive oil, eggs and meat from grass-fed animals, can make a big difference. These foods include essential fatty acids and mono and polyunsaturated fats that contribute to both your skin and your overall health.  

Skin Conditions

Some common conditions that cause the skin to feel dry and itchy include dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. Dermatitis can exist in many forms and can show up on the skin as dryness, itching, rashes and sometimes swelling. Causes include environmental triggers, stress, hormonal changes and irritation from things like detergents and certain ingredients in beauty products, contact with irritating plants like poison oak, poison ivy and certain grasses.

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that includes itchy, scaly rashes. Causes aren’t easy to pin down (many blame irritants that can cause the immune system to overreact). Triggers can include stress, food sensitivities, temperature changes and contact with certain chemicals or preservatives. 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin discoloration and irritation in the form of scaly, dry and itchy skin on the hands, feet, neck, scalp and face, among other areas of the body. 

If you’re concerned that your dry, itchy skin is more than just a reaction to the weather or inherent factors, relying solely on skin care or skin care products may not be the solution. We recommend seeing your doctor for diagnosis and products to help treat these conditions.

Products To Treat Dry, Itchy Skin 

If your dry skin is not due to a medical condition, it can still cause discomfort as well as further issues. Dry skin can become irritated, especially when it’s accompanied by itching. Skin on the face and body can become raw and red, and can even crack. This is why it’s important to treat dry skin and to make sure it’s done with the right products. 

Body

Since harsh product ingredients trigger dry and itchy skin, it’s important to be aware of what you’re using on and near your body. From laundry detergents to body washes, lotions, facial cleansers and treatments, there are lots of opportunities to make matters worse. At Eminence Organic Skin Care, we’ve always been committed to creating products that contain no harsh chemicals.

When it comes to the body, removing dry skin with a scrub or exfoliant is the first step. Once the skin is buffed and the top layer removed, it’s much easier for the moisturizing and hydrating products to get absorbed. Our Stone Crop Revitalizing Body Scrub is a great option for full body exfoliation. It uses both natural cane sugar granules and mineral-rich sea salt to exfoliate the skin, plus stone crop for moisture and antioxidants from lemon peel and green tea. 

Our Coconut Sugar Scrub is another product that uses sugar cane granules to exfoliate and buff the top layers of skin, while coconut oil deeply hydrates and replenishes.

Once the dead skin has been buffed away, the skin on the body is ready for moisture. The Stone Crop Body Lotion is formulated with stone crop, lemon and bioflavonoids to enrich, support and moisturize the skin’s appearance.

To combat itchy skin at night, our Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream does the trick. This ultra-rich body lotion locks in moisture to reveal firm, velvety looking skin by morning. Lightly fragranced with monoi, this body cream helps alleviate itchiness due to dry skin.

For something a little more lightweight that is still heavy on the moisture, try our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion. It contains aloe, panthenol and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, preserve moisture in the skin and protect the skin’s moisture barrier. All of this, plus a delicious scent and creamy feel.

And finally, if you want to leave it to the professionals and get a good baseline moisture reboot that you can extend at home, a body wrap is a great option. The Mango Enzyme Body Wrap contains active enzymes and vitamins that infuse the skin with hydration and gently exfoliate to leave a refreshed look. You’ll leave the spa with skin that feels smooth and hydrated.  

Face

As mentioned, dry, itchy skin on the face can be traced back to a number of causes, but if you’re looking to add moisture and bring the softness, bounce and glow back to your dry complexion, we have some suggestions.

Before nourishing the skin with a moisturizer, an exfoliating treatment can help remove the top layer of dry, itchy skin and make it easier for your products to absorb. Avoid exfoliating if the skin is irritated or feeling sensitive, but if you’re just a little tight and rough, a gentle exfoliator is a good first step. We love the Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant for this. With its light fizzing action, this revitalizing formula gently invigorates the skin and removes impurities to reveal a beautiful, brighter-looking complexion that’s ready for a dose of hydration. 

Another treatment that will help get the skin on your face ready to receive the moisture is our Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peel. It contains chamomile, to balance the look of skin, and lactic acid, which exfoliates and offers intense hydration. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use up to three times a week. 

Oil-based ointments, creams and lotions that are rich in essential fatty acids can compensate for dry skin’s lack of oil and lipids. They lubricate the skin’s surface as well as fortify the skin’s moisture barrier to replenish and seal in much-needed moisture. “When choosing moisturizer for dry skin, aim for a heavier formula and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid … ” explains Dr. Hooman Khorasani, a quadruple board-certified dermatologic and cosmetic surgeon in New York City. “Other ingredients to look for include shea butter and lactic acid, which provide hydration and exfoliation.”

Our Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer includes deeply moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter. Shea butter, in particular, is an excellent emollient for the skin, as it’s high in triglycerides and fatty acids which restore and retain moisture.

Some other deeply hydrating options include the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator. It contains powerful ingredients like panthenol, which reinforces skin hydration and prevents moisture loss by protecting the skin moisture barrier and our Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, a unique blend of multi-weight hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root that deeply hydrates and preserves moisture in the skin. The Firm Skin Acai Moisturizer is a nourishing option for aging skin. It contains deeply hydrating shea butter and seabuckthorn berry oil for maximum moisture. 

If you’re looking to target the neck and face overnight, use the Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face and Neck as it reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, so you’ll wake up with a more rejuvenated appearance. Customer, Dana C., is a fan, saying in a review on our website: “This cream … is my favorite. First, the texture is so soft and smooth, thick but not too thick, it smells heavenly, goes on and absorbs perfectly and moisturizes so well, my skin is still soft in the morning. I’m almost 60, was a sun worshiper in my youth and have never found a moisturizer that worked well until this one.”

Facial moisturizer should be applied both morning and night. Applying it on damp skin (after a spritz of a mist or toner or just out of the shower) can help the moisture absorb more efficiently.

Are you looking to add some hydration to your skin and not sure which products will work best for your unique complexion? Visit your local Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find out how. 

by Caitlin H,

Jan 15, 2024

Life gets complicated as we age. Our time becomes more limited as the responsibilities pile up, we have kids, we focus on building our careers, you name it.

The more complicated it becomes, the more challenging it can be to fit in exercise and focus on taking care of our physical health. You may have prioritized fitness, working out at least four or five days a week in your younger years, only to have it fall by the wayside as you age. You know that science says fitness can prevent cancer and other diseases, but it feels nearly impossible to do it consistently.

If that rings true to you, there may be some good news. A recent study found that being fit earlier in life is associated with a reduced risk of getting nine cancer types later in life.

The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, was unique in that it analyzed 33 years of data. Researchers followed more than 1 million Swedish men between the ages of 16 and 25 from 1968 to 2005, monitoring their cardiorespiratory fitness, and found that the higher it was when they were young, the more likely they were to see a reduced risk of liver, lung, and esophageal cancer later in life, to name a few.

That’s strong evidence for the importance of promoting exercise and an active lifestyle among children, teens, and young adults — and it also reiterates how vital it is for adults of all ages to prioritize fitness.
 

Tips for Getting Daily Exercise

There’s no time like the present to reincorporate fitness into your daily life. If you have struggled in recent years to fit it into your everyday life, following these tips may help:
 

If you live within 5 miles of the office, consider getting up earlier and commuting on foot or a bicycle. It’s a simple, straightforward way to fit in 30 minutes (or more) of exercise. As a bonus, it’s good for the environment, too!
 

Most of us live and die by our calendars, whether for work or our personal lives. Set up and schedule your exercise time or fitness classes just like you would any other important meeting or appointment. This is a foolproof way to ensure you have to get them in.
 

If you have children at home, create time for you all to play together as a family. Go for a walk or bike ride. Join them when they play virtual reality games. Walk around the building while they’re at their sports practice. Find any way to get moving while they are!
 

You never know when you might have a free moment to fit in 20 to 30 minutes of exercise. Whether traveling or rushing between appointments and finding yourself with a (shocking!) free window of time, having workout clothes in the car or suitcase will ensure you can take advantage of it!
 

Exercise is way more fun when you have someone to do it with you. Consider suggesting to a friend or your partner an outing that involves doing something active, such as ice skating, rollerblading, walking, cycling, hiking, or running. The minutes fly by when you have a loved one to share them with!
 

You’ve probably heard that taking breaks while at work goes a long way toward improving productivity and mental health. Well, the same goes for fitness! Use your breaks (or add more) to fit in a 5-minute “mini workout” where you do some weight lifting or take a few laps around the building. Movement counts no matter when you do it.
 

It’s tempting to view exercise as a chore, something you have to do but don’t want to. Try to alter your mindset to focus on the positive, what you enjoy about it, or the powerfully good feeling of challenging yourself. When you think about working out as a fun activity, you’re likelier to stick with it.

Exercising at any time in life can go a long way towards keeping you healthy and whole as you get older. Bring back your younger self by leveraging these tips to revitalize your fitness and make working out a part of your daily routine again!
 

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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.

 

A bright and flavorful dressing, this vegan green goddess dressing is made with creamy avocado, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and apple cider vinegar. Use it as a dip for crudité, salad dressing, spread for sandwiches, or sauce for proteins.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Vegan Green Goddess Dressing is creamy, bright, herby, and so easy to make.

Roughly chop the herbs and scallion, juice the lemon, add all the ingredients to a food processor, and you’ll have a flavorful, vibrant dressing in just a few minutes. 

Traditional Green Goddess Dressing calls for mayo and/or sour cream, and I’ve even seen buttermilk thrown around. I wanted to make a dressing that was creamy and plant-based – and the avocado helps do just that!

For those with allergies or dietary restrictions / preferences, this dressing is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free.

This version is made with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and dill, but you can totally use any herbs you have on hand or prefer. Cilantro, mint, tarragon or chives would all be delicious as well. 

Vegan Green Goddess Dressing also goes with just about anything. It’s great on nearly any salad, spread onto a sandwich or wrap, drizzled on basically anything savory (like my Vegan Loaded Sweet Potato), and even dipped into with fresh veggies or crackers. 

I also just love the name of this dressing. I think everyone deserves to feel like a goddess every now and again. I know I feel most like a goddess when I’m listening to my body’s needs, eating lots of nourishing foods, staying uber hydrated, getting enough zzzzz’s, finding ways to stay grounded, and moving my body in ways that feel good.

Hopefully after trying this dressing, you’ll get your goddess on too. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

parsley: brightens the flavor of the dressing.

basil: provides a subtle sweetness and peppery flavor. 

dill: slightly lemony, sweet and bitter. 

scallion: sharp, pungent flavor.

avocado: makes the dressing creamy and adds a boost of monounsaturated fat

garlic: deepens the flavor of the dressing.

lemon: provides some acidity and tanginess. 

olive oil: adds richness and mellows the lemon and vinegar. 

apple cider vinegar: adds a bright, tangy flavor. 

salt: flavor enhancer. 

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

Food Processor

How to Make Vegan Green Goddess Dressing

Blend ingredients. Add avocado, garlic, basil, parsley, dill, scallions, salt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and water to the food processor and blend until combined.
Wipe sides of the processor and add olive oil. Using a spatula, wipe down the sides of the processor/blender. With the blender / processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until incorporated.
Enjoy! Use as a dip, salad dressing, spread for sandwiches, or sauce for proteins, grain bowls, and loaded sweet potatoes.

Expert Tips

I use a food processor to incorporate all of the ingredients together, but if you don’t have one you can also use a high-speed blender. 
Green Goddess Dressing is very customizable and a great way to use up an abundance of herbs – feel free to use other herbs like cilantro, tarragon and mint.
Once you’ve added the olive oil with the processor/blender running, feel free to play with the consistency. You can slowly add a little water at a time if you’d like your dressing to be more runny. 

Recipe FAQs

What is Green Goddess dressing made of?

Green Goddess dressing is a creamy dressing that typically contains mayo, sour cream, a mix of fresh green herbs, anchovy, garlic, and lemon juice. In this recipe, I’ve swapped the mayo and sour cream for avocado and replaced the anchovy with bold flavors from scallion and apple cider vinegar. 

What does Green Goddess dressing taste like?

Green Goddess dressing tastes bright, herby, and refreshing. This version is made creamy thanks to the avocado and is slightly tangy. It has a robust flavor profile and the specific flavors can vary depending on the herbs and other ingredients used. 

What is Green Goddess dressing good on?

Green Goddess dressing is incredibly versatile and truly pairs well with so many things. Of course it is great on nearly any salad, but it can also be used as spread for sandwiches, dip for veggies and crackers, or a sauce for proteins, grain bowls, and loaded sweet potatoes. 

Storage and Preparation

Vegan Green Goddess Dressing leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Recipes That Pair Well

Ancient Grains Bowl

Vegan Loaded Sweet Potato

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Salmon (Fresh or Frozen)

Charred Asparagus Salad with Egg

For more dressing/sauce inspiration, check out my other recipes below!

Garlic Scape Pesto

Grilled Summer Vegetables with Romesco Sauce

Kohlrabi Fritters with Herb Yogurt Sauce

Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

Shrimp and Veggie Kabobs with Wild Blueberry Barbeque Sauce

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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This recipe was retested, reshot and revamped to bring you the most delicious (and most beautiful) dish! The original post was published October 2014. 

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Yoga is celebrated for its stress-busting and strength-building abilities. But did you know that it can also benefit your complexion? “Yoga glow” is a thing and, if you practice regularly, you’ve probably noticed the effects of exercise on your skin. Dr. Genieve Burley tells City Fit: “Moving your body is medicine. It allows for detoxification by flushing all of the organs, it increases respiration, it lubricates joints and strengthens muscles. Breathing and moving in yoga can help to balance hormones and move waste stagnating in the intestines.” All of this leads to healthier, happier skin.  

Yoga and exercise pair beautifully with self care rituals that extend to skin care. Combining different self-care practices helps you boost your wellness by creating a holistic routine. A face mask or quick morning skin care routine encourages you to spend some quiet time focusing on yourself, much like yoga. Here is a closer look at the power of yoga for glowing skin, on and off the mat, as well as some complimentary skin care rituals you can include to feel renewed.

On The Mat: 5 Yoga Poses For Healthy Skin

Yoga benefits for the skin start on the mat. Dendy Engelman, MD tells SELF: “Yoga causes vasodilation (enlargement of the blood vessels), which leads to increased blood flow to the skin. This allows for more oxygen and nutrients to come to the skin’s surface, creating a cutaneous flushing or glow. Want that coveted yoga glow for yourself? Whether at home or in the studio, here are five yoga poses to inspire your practice and give you a glowing complexion.

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

With its focus on deep, rhythmic breathing, this simple standing pose helps alleviate stress and improve oxygen flow. According to NDTV: “Getting in more oxygen through controlled breathing helps the body to release harmful toxins and keep the skin healthy and glowing.” By enhancing blood circulation, tadasana improves lymphatic drainage which brightens the complexion and reduces puffiness around the eye area.

How To Do Mountain Pose: 

Stand comfortably with your big toes touching and heels slightly apart
Press the soles of your feet into the floor and engage your thighs, drawing them inward and upward
Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and draw in your belly
Keeping your chin parallel to the mat, draw your shoulders back and down
Soften your eyes and throat and let your arms hang beside your torso
Optional: Raise your hands into a prayer position in front of your chest
Close your eyes
Inhale and exhale deeply for 5 breaths

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)

Inversions are one of the best exercises to bring blood flow to the face and increase oxygen supply to skin cells. If you don’t have an opportunity for an entire yoga practice, take at least five minutes and turn upside down — it’s anti-gravity and gives the skin a healthy-looking glow.

How To Do A Standing Forward Fold:

Stand in Mountain Pose with your hands resting on your hips
Slowly exhale and bend forward from your hips (not your waist)
Bend your knees as much as you need to relieve tension from your lower back
Allow your head to hang heavy
If possible, bring your palms to rest on the floor or against the back of your ankles; if not, cross your arms in front of you, holding your elbows
With each inhalation, slightly lift and lengthen your torso; be mindful to avoid rounding your back
Inhale and exhale deeply for 5 breaths

Parivrtta Sukhasana (Simple Seated Twist)

A healthy gut is essential for healthy skin. Dendy Engelman tells SELF: “Toxins not cleared from the body often get deposited in adipose fat tissue and in the skin, which can lead to acne, discoloration and accelerated aging.” Parivrtta sukhasana is a gentle, seated twist that assists in digestion and toxin removal by increasing circulation and energy to the stomach, small intestine, large intestine and liver.

How To Do A Simple Seated Twist: 

Sit on the floor in a cross-legged position (if your hips are tight, you may need to sit on a block or pillow)
Align your head, neck and spine and lengthen your tailbone toward the floor
Place your right hand flat on the floor behind you
Place your left hand on the outside of your right knee
As you exhale, gently twist to the right and gaze over your right shoulder
On each inhale, lengthen your spine; on each exhale, twist more deeply
Practice this for 5 breaths, then switch sides

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Another yoga pose for better skin is matsyasana, or fish pose. By gently stretching the throat muscles, fish pose helps flush your thyroid and parathyroid glands, thereby keeping hormones in check. Additionally, matsyasana has great anti-aging benefits. The Social says: “This pose gives a good stretch to the muscles of the face and throat which makes it one of the beneficial exercises to reduce the appearance of a double chin.”

How to do Fish Pose: 

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor
Lift your hips and tuck your hands beneath your buttocks, palms down
Draw your forearms and elbows in tight towards your body
On your inhale, press your forearms and elbows into the floor and gently arch your back to lift your torso up and away from the floor
Elongate your spine by firming your shoulder blades and lifting your chest higher
Gently tilt your head backward, letting the crown of your head rest on the floor
Keep your legs engaged
Inhale and exhale for 5 breaths

Bhujangasana (Cobra)

Stress is one of the worst offenders for skin woes. Genieve tells us: “Emotional stress takes a huge toll on your hormones and your skin. When you live in harmony with work, friends and commitments, your stress is reduced and your skin can glow.” Cobra pose helps reduce tension, stress and fatigue by opening your lungs and energizing your body. This pose, and others in yoga, help your wellness by lowering cortisol (the “stress hormone”) and reducing oxidative stress. An added benefit?  This also minimizes and prevents the visible signs of skin aging brought on by dehydration and loss of elasticity. 

How to do Cobra Pose: 

Lie on your belly
Stretch your legs out behind you with your knees touching and the tops of your feet resting on the floor
Spread your hands on the floor beneath your shoulders and hug your elbows into your sides
Press your feet and thighs firmly into the floor
On your inhale, gently straighten your arms to push your chest forward and up off the floor. Arms may still hold a bend if you have reduced flexibility. 
Slowly roll your shoulders back and away from your ears to elongate your neck
Hold for 5 breaths

Exercise is crucial for a healthy body, healthy mind and glowing skin. There are a few more ways that you can reach these goals for optimal results.

Off The Mat: Healthy Body, Healthy Skin

The benefits of yoga for skin are just one aspect of overall wellness. Yoga Teacher Becky Stefani appreciates the value of yoga but also maintains a nourishing skin care routine as an essential part of her approach to health and wellbeing. You can watch her skin care routine below.

In addition to enjoying a yoga session, our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, believes a scalp massage or a holistic skin care routine also offers relaxation benefits. Watch this In The Mix video to learn about the benefits of different wellness activities.

Tip 1: Embrace Yoga Principles 

Yoga isn’t just about poses. It has principles that you can bring into your daily life for benefits for your skin and wellbeing. One of yoga’s core principles is the five niyamas (observances) which are tools for cultivating happiness, humility, self-discipline and inner strength. The niyamas are the second limb of the “Eight Limbs of Yoga.” You can find ways to practice them in everyday situations in life.

The first niyama, Shaucha, means “purification” or “cleanliness.” According to Yoga International, shaucha offers techniques for cleansing the body and mind, creates the foundation for bodily health and acts as the pathway to deeper states of meditation. 

The second is Samtosha (contentment). This refers to looking to yourself for contentment and happiness rather than yearning for the things you don’t have and coveting the possessions of others. You can practice this through gratitude and by not blaming yourself for circumstances beyond your control.

Have you ever tried to break a bad habit? Or free yourself of particular thoughts? The third principle is Tapas (self-discipline), a yogic practice of intense self-discipline and will power. This principle involves disrupting habitual thought and behavioral patterns to better your life and breakthrough discomfort. For example, wanting to adopt dietary habits that support your skin and body’s health. Genieve says: “We have layers of the epidermis in the gut and in the skin, so what we put in the gut will reflect on your skin.” A diet rich in plant-based foods and antioxidants can help to minimize wear and tear on your skin caused by environmental stressors like the sun, seasonal changes and pollution. 

The fourth principle is Svadhyaya, the study of the self, and the practice of self-reflection and self-study. Unlike the Western understanding of self-study, which carries the concept of psychoanalysis, yogis have a different interpretation in mind. As Yoga International states: “Like the waves of the sea, it is said that individual awareness is never separate from the infinite consciousness in which it has its being. Each mind is a wave in a vast expanse of consciousness. Individual minds have distinctive qualities, preferences and colorings, but they are not entirely autonomous. The aim of svadhyaya is to bring the experience of that immense Consciousness, the Self, to awareness.”

And lastly, Ishvara Pranidhana is the 5th principle, often translated as “surrendering to God.” Regardless of your beliefs, think of this as either devoting one’s work to a higher power or ridding oneself of ego-focused desires. The Niyamas give ethical guidelines that lead to inner peace, which reduces stress and affects the skin positively for a healthy, clear complexion.

Tip 2: Wind Down With A Skin Care Mask

Regular facial masking will keep your skin soft and supple. Plus, masks treat any type of skin issue you may have: aging skin, oily skin, dehydrated skin, problem skin, uneven skin — never fear, there’s a formula for it. With so many options out there, it might seem overwhelming to choose the right face mask. That’s why we’ve collated a face mask guide to narrow down the options for your specific complexion. 

We suggest including a face mask in your self-care routine once or twice a week, perhaps while meditating or during a gentle yoga session. Masking should occur after cleansing and toning. These steps ensure you have clean skin before locking in the nutrients from a mask. 

When masking, it’s also fun to play around with mixologies that layer and blend a variety of treatments. Our face mask guide provides recommendations on how to mix and match your masks depending on your concerns. So, unroll your mat, get into the lotus position and let your skin absorb the benefits of a mask.

Tip 3: Adopt Meditation

Meditation is a part of yoga that teaches you mental relaxation and concentration. The goal is to break free from digressive thinking so that we are not held hostage to our emotions and merely react. Neuroscientist and Waking Up meditation founder Sam Harris breaks down the practice to these beginner meditation instructions:

Sit comfortably, with your spine erect, either in a chair or cross-legged on a cushion.

Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and feel the points of contact between your body and the chair or floor. Notice the sensations associated with sitting — feelings of pressure, warmth, tingling, vibration, etc.

Gradually become aware of the process of breathing. Pay attention to wherever you feel the breath most clearly — either at the nostrils, or in the rising and falling your abdomen.

Allow your attention to rest in the mere sensation of breathing. (There is no need to control your breath. Just let it come and go naturally.)

Every time your mind wanders in thought, gently return it to the sensation of breathing.

As you focus on the breath, you will notice that other perceptions and sensations continue to appear: sounds, feelings in the body, emotions, etc. Simply notice these phenomena as they emerge in the field of awareness, and then return to the sensation of breathing.

The moment you observe that you have been lost in thought, notice the present thought itself as an object of consciousness. Then return your attention to the breath — or to whatever sounds or sensations arise in the next moment.

Continue in this way until you can merely witness all objects of consciousness such as sights, sounds, sensations, emotions and even thoughts themselves as they arise and pass away.

Don’t fall.

Meditating for just a few minutes a day can relieve stress in our daily lives, which in turn can help our skin. If we look at severe skin issues and cases of psoriasis, one study tested the hypothesis that stress reduction methods based on mindfulness meditation can positively influence the rate at which psoriasis clears in patients. The results supported this hypothesis. Scholarly articles also state: “As part of the total care of the psoriasis patient, physicians are urged to augment traditional psoriasis treatment regimens with stress-reduction strategies, such as biofeedback, meditation and self help approaches.” 

Tip 4: Skin Rejuvenating Product Ideas

Equally important to your health is treating your skin from the outside in. Genieve tells us: “We need products that are packed with nutrients and made with natural ingredients, like plants. Our skin recognizes elements from nature, not synthetics.” Natural and organic products filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidant-rich ingredients are extremely beneficial for a healthy and youthful-looking complexion. 

Yoga Journal’s beauty experts recommend our Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel, Facial Recovery Oil and Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. Packed with antioxidants sourced from acai berry, grapefruit and goji, the Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel leaves your skin looking tighter and firmer. To feel calmer and more balanced, follow up with the hydrating and revitalizing Facial Recovery Oil, formulated with clary sage oil and ylang ylang. Finally, complete your mini stress-relieving skin care routine with the Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm, an all-natural SPF 15 formula that defends dry lips.

Do you have any favorite mask mixologies or products to enhance your wellness and reveal your healthiest skin? We’d love to hear them! Share them with us in the comments below and join the conversation on social media. 

This article was originally written in August 2018.

Artificial Intelligence has come a long way in the past few years, even growing leaps and bounds since the beginning of 2023. With AI’s functionality reaching heights that many of us would never have thought possible only a few years ago, it comes as no surprise that we are beginning to see AI make its way into the skincare industry. From AI skin consultations to personalized product recommendations, the marriage of technology and skincare has become a hot topic at many of the industry trade shows I’ve attended. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to recognize the potential pitfalls that come with relying solely on AI for skincare advice.

I’ve said it time and time again, but AI is only as effective as we are self-knowledgeable. As AI takes the lead in assessing our skin type and bestowing product recommendations, it’s important to know that its final analysis is all dependent on how well we know our own skin. You can take an online quiz or chat with AI, but if you’re not a skin professional and don’t really understand your own skin, then AI can only do so much. Let’s take a look at how AI holds up to in-person expertise– and why I think it still has the potential to be big in 2024! 

The Importance of the Human Touch

One of the most common challenges in skincare is that people often struggle to accurately assess their own skin. AI steps in to guide users through this process, helping them answer questions about their skin concerns, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. If you’ve ever used the internet to help you determine your skin type, I’m sure you’ve filled out your fair share of Skin Type quizzes (even like our quiz!)  After about 5-10 questions you likely received an assessment that says you’re oily, dry, combination, anti-aging, sensitive, acne-prone, etc. But here’s the thing– while this is a great start to your skincare journey, this unfortunately can’t provide you with the personalization of an experienced professional. 

For example, when providing a skin consultation to my clients, I will often perform a pinch test on them. This means I will pinch their skin a couple of times in order to see how quickly, or slowly, their skin turns pink. This then tells me what their circulation is like, allowing me to accurately asses their skin and determine which products suit them best. The personal touch of human estheticians is irreplaceable in consultations. We tailor our inquiries based on individual observations and delve into a person’s skin history, a level of detail that AI currently struggles to replicate.

The Benefits of AI

While AI isn’t ready to take on the skincare industry all on its own, it has ushered in a host of benefits in the meantime. Here are a couple of reasons I think AI is going to greatly complement the skincare industry in 2024.

AI as a Validation Tool:

Despite its limitations, I see AI as a valuable validation tool for estheticians. AI attempts to understand the uniqueness of each person’s skin, adding data to their individual skin story. Combining this data with a professional’s expertise can potentially enhance the overall skincare consultation experience.

Enhancing the Consumer Experience:

The integration of AI into skincare consultations aims to streamline the process. By offering quick and personalized solutions, AI makes skincare more accessible and convenient for users, addressing their needs in real time. This seamless integration contributes to a streamlined process that empowers consumers to navigate their skincare journey with confidence. The convenience and efficiency afforded by AI-driven consultations ensure that skincare becomes a more engaging and empowering experience, meeting the demands of today’s fast-paced lifestyles.

My Skin Rx

What if I told you there was an option that combined professional experience and quick, convenient results? I introduce to you: My Skin Rx. These are 15-minute consultations with our in-house, licensed esthetician Lexi. They are a great way to learn about skincare, why your skin type is more than just oily, dry, or normal (hello 9 skin types!), as well as receive personalized product recommendations all from the comfort of your home. The best part? This service is entirely FREE! Sign up today and learn more about how to achieve your dream complexion.

As AI becomes a more integral part of the beauty industry, my experience in welcoming this technology has been incredibly exciting and exploratory. I foresee AI being a great companion for those at any stage of their skincare journey, bringing benefits to both consumers and estheticians. I’m excited to see the future partnership between innovation and expertise within the world of skincare.