BEAUTY BITES

post + photography + graphic design by Norah Curlee

Toast can be a dangerous thing. Nine times out of ten it’s used only as a vehicle for butter, sugary jams/jellies….gobs of Nutella at two in the morning (we’ve been there and we know you have too). It’s time to turn your toast into a jet plane packed with beauty fuel cargo! Starting with a whole grain or sprouted grain golden brown piece of toast and adding sliced or mashed avocado is perfect as a quick breakfast, lunch or ideal at snack time. We’ve taken this tasty concept one…actually THREE steps further to show you some beautifying ways to top your avo-toast!

Before we get into these gorgeous toppers, let’s have a chat about the wonder ingredient that is avocado. This beautiful fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) is super rich in dietary vitamins A an E and is most beneficial to the skin. With concentrated levels of vitamin A, its like a natural retinol alternative which increases cell turnover. Studies have shown that avocado consumption can increase the amount of soluble collagen in the skin which translates to better skin repair. A.k.a a dream in reducing sun damage, hyper pigmentation and scarring. Chowing on plenty of avos can also improve signs of a dry scalp and help hydrate skin in general from the inside out.

So, we have our avo-toast doing all kinds of wonders for our skin. Now, what else can we add?

1. RADISH + EDAMAME: This combo is not only delish, but comes complete with a few beauty benefits of their own. Radishes have a high water content and lots of vitamin C which is nourishing for the tissues helping to keep your body hydrated. Hydration = best beauty benefit in the book. Edamame contains isoflavones which many studies have shown aid in the prevention of collagen breakdown…another skin friendly food!

2. EGG + TOMATOES: Tip! Eating your eggs with the yolk in tact {perfect poaching demo here} helps to preserve the nutrients as opposed to scrambling them where the high heat exposure lowers the benefits. Eggs are loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids which can be responsible for strong, healthy nails that won’t split every time you reach for your handbag. Tomatoes are packed with lycopene (what gives them their pigment) which is a powerful antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory that helps protect skin from environmental agents. That’s definitely a dynamic duo.

3. RED PEPPERS + OLIVES: Red peppers, like tomatoes also have lycopene (which we discussed and love) but they also have a unique ratio of vitamin A and C. This combo creates a huge antioxidant capacity which is very beneficial to your skin. Olives are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish, hydrate and protect the skin. Chief among those is vitamin E which has been shown to protect the skin from UV radiation. Basically a super tasty sunscreen!

So, we want to know how would you top your avo-toast? Leave us a comment, snap a pic and tag us on insta @thebeautydept or on tweet us @TBDofficial!