What we eat is just as important as the products we put on our skin, with a growing body of research showing that diet really does affect your complexion.
With this in mind, I regularly eat this scrumptious 'overnight oats' recipe, which not only tastes delicious, but gives me the energy I need first thing in the morning, and contributes to beautiful glowing skin!
Ingredients:
- 250ml rice milk (or milk of your choice. This particular recipe is a vegan one. You can add more of less milk, depending on how thick/running you like it to be!)
- 30g porridge oats. I really like the individual sachet types, such as the Harvest Morn Instant Oats from Aldi - only 89p for 10 sachets!
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon (more or less depending on taste) of cocoa powder
- 1 scoop of strawberry soy protein isolate/protein powder of choice (optional. I like to include this not only to increase my protein intake, but also because it helps the overall texture of the porridge, and the strawberry flavour tastes yummy when combined with the cocoa power!)
- Fruit of choice (I personally love strawberries and blueberries, but experiment to find your favourite flavours!)
Rice Milk: Rice milk is naturally sweet in taste - and so an ideal milk replacement in tea, especially if you also take sugar! - and is fortified with calcium and vitamins B12, vitamin A, vitamin D and iron.
Chia Seeds: Found in South America, chia seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet, and are loaded with nutrients that can have important benefits on the body - in fact Chia is the ancient Mayan word for strength. The vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants found in these tiny seeds are great for skin regeneration, and studies have shown a diet containing antioxidants can slow the process of ageing in the body
Soy Protein Isolate: Soy protein Isolate is the ideal choice for vegetarians, vegans and those with special dietary requirements such as lactose, and for anyone looking to increase daily protein intake.
Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder contains 20 times the antioxidant content than that of blueberries, and 119 times that of bananas, and helps to increase skin circulation and hydration. Sadly the same effects can't be said for having a bar of regular chocolate every day!
Porridge Oats: According to a US study, people who eat plenty of oats and other wholegrains live longer and are less likely to die from heart disease, but they also have an important role to play in skincare, and were used as early as 2000 BC by the Egyptians and Arabs to beautify their skins.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed is a plant-based food composed mainly of omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient that is known for providing a multitude of health benefits. Flax seed is known for being very high in the anti-inflammatory index. This means that skin irritation, tissue inflammation and redness may be minimised. Furthermore The essential fatty acids found in flaxseeds help keep your skin hydrated and smooth in appearance.
Combine all ingredients together into a jar (Kilner-style jars are ideal), stir well, then leave over night in the fridge.
At breakfast time, stir again, add in your fresh fruit and voila! A yummy, healthy, hearty breakfast that your skin will love you for!
Please let us know if you try this overnight oats recipe, and what flavours/toppings you went for!
Melanie x