7 Best Delicious and Healthy Recipes for Glowing Skin
The top foods to boost your skin’s natural anti-aging properties. Nourishing your skin with the rainbow — plus tips and recipes.
Glowing and radiant skin doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
While skincare products and treatments may be helpful, they aren’t the only option or necessarily the best way to improve your skin.
There’s a simple way to boost your skin’s radiance and natural anti-aging properties while enhancing you from the inside out. It’s natural, inexpensive, and contributes to your overall health.
Below, I’ve included the 7 best delicious and healthy recipes for glowing skin. They’re simple, easy, and a perfect way to step into a healthier lifestyle. I’ve also included some of the health and skin benefits each color offers and an easy way to incorporate them into your day.
But first, a few reasons why it works.
I grew up eating a very standard American diet, and I also loved fast food. I’d order a Big Mac and fries with a strawberry milkshake and call it a good day for getting fruits and veggies in.
Eventually, it caught up with me though. My skin and body started showing the results of unhealthy eating. Once I made the connection, I dug deeper and began researching food, health, and nutrition.
I soon realized I needed to make a change in my diet.
It was a slow and gradual process, but I started incorporating more plant-based foods into my diet. Little by little, I gravitated toward mainly eating from the rainbow as my energy, skin, and weight all improved. The benefits of healthier eating were undeniable.
Though it’s not perfect and never will be, I can always tell the difference if I deviate too far.
Our skin is a telltale sign of how we treat our bodies. What we eat and drink greatly affects our health, and our skin is often one of the first places that show it. When we don’t get enough nutrients, our skin looks and feels dull and lackluster. We become more prone to acne and wrinkles.
We’re all different, but our skin is a reflection of our overall health.
If you’re just beginning, start small, it‘s not all or nothing. Simply adding in foods from the rainbow each day will offer numerous benefits and results.
The options and combinations are endless, and by no means is the list of foods complete, but it’s a great place to start.
7 Best Delicious and Healthy Recipes for Glowing Skin
Red Foods
Red Peppers: Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which protects against sun damage
Tomatoes: Protects against sun damage, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production
Red grapes: High in vitamin C, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory
Pomegranate: Rich in antioxidants and promotes collagen productivity
Watermelon: High in vitamin C, hydrating, promotes collagen production
Beets: Hydrating, promotes clear skin, helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Goji berries: Brightens and evens skin tone, improves skin elasticity
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
I love making hibiscus sun tea in the morning and sipping it throughout the day.
It’s an easy and delicious way to incorporate antioxidants, and studies have shown it may help lower blood pressure.
It’s a perfect go-to warm weather refresher.
Hibiscus Sun Tea
Hibiscus Sun Tea
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a large glass jar with hibiscus leaves, citrus, and mint if using.
- Add filtered water and cover.
- Place in the sun for 4–8 hours.
- Strain into an airtight container.
- Add maple syrup if using.
- Serve over ice.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Orange Foods
Sweet Potatoes: Promotes collagen production and maintains skin elasticity
Carrots: Protects from skin damage, are an excellent source of beta carotene, and help prevent wrinkles
Pumpkin: Promotes skin elasticity, reduces oxidative stress, and antioxidant-rich
Oranges: Citrus fruits support collagen production and prevent skin damage
Cantaloupe: Promotes healthy skin cell production, hydrating to promote a healthy glow
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and improves skin tone and texture
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
There’s nothing better than a little pick-me-up snack during the day. One of my favorites is fresh-cut cantaloupe, walnuts, and a few pieces of dark chocolate.
It doesn’t get much easier.
Glowing Skin Delight
Glowing Skin Delight
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut your cantaloupe and slice it to your preference.
- Break apart a few chocolate pieces and place them on a plate.
- Add in walnuts.
- Store the remaining cantaloupe in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Yellow foods
Mangoes: Promotes skin elasticity, helps renew skin cells, and protects from premature aging
Yellow peppers: Antioxidant-rich, helps maintain skin elasticity
Apricots: Help renew skin cells and promote collagen production
Pineapple: Helps brighten skin and promotes collagen
Lemon: Antioxidant-rich and helps reduce signs of aging
Bananas: Supports skin renewal and helps support collagen production
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
Fruits are an easy and delicious way to get your fill of yellow foods for the day. The recipe below is simple but so very satisfying.
Spiced Banana Crunch
Spiced Banana Crunch
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lay out sliced bananas on a plate.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over the banana slices.
- Top with nuts.
- Drizzle with maple syrup if using
Green foods
Spinach: High in B vitamins and promotes youthful skin
Kale: Packed with antioxidants and reduces inflammation
Swiss chard: Helps protect skin from UV rays and pollution
Broccoli: helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, supports collagen production
Avocado: Nourishes and moisturizes the skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Kiwi: Supports collagen production and assists in firmer skin
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
Have you tried a green smoothie? It's a perfect way to start introducing more leafy greens into your diet. Green smoothies offer all kinds of good-for-you nutrients — a perfect way to start your day.
Green Smoothie
Green Smoothie
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients except chia/hemp seeds on high until smooth.
- Top with chia or hemp seeds if using.
Blue/Purple foods
Blueberries: Promotes collagen production
Blackberries: Helps keep skin firm and smooth
Purple grapes: Helps protect skin from free radicals and promote collagen production
Eggplants: Packed with antioxidants and helps reduce under-eye bags and dark circles
Plums: Helps reduce under-eye bags and dark circles
Purple cabbage: Helps reduce fine lines and is an excellent source of vitamin C
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
There’s nothing better than a delicious, antioxidant-packed treat-like smoothie for an evening snack. Blueberry Dreams is a perfect way to calm and refresh with soothing cinnamon and oatmeal at the end of a long day.
Blueberry Dreams Oat Smoothie
Full Recipe Post + Tips and Notes Here
Blueberry Dreams Oat Smoothie
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender
- Blend until smooth and creamy
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Frozen bananas add lots of creaminess to a smoothie, so I always have them on hand. If you’re using fresh blueberries or bananas, make sure to add a cup or two of ice.
White/Tan Foods
Mushrooms: Supports skin health and reduced inflammation
Onions: Help protect skin from damage
Garlic: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory which may help improve acne
Nuts: Hydrates skin and helps protect skin from sun damage
Sunflower seeds: Rich in nutrients and boosts energy
Ginger: Promotes a healthy glow and helps reduce inflammation
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
I’m a big believer in starting our day with a healthy breakfast for nutrition, energy, and positive momentum. And while a warm bowl of blueberry oatmeal or green smoothies are favorites, I also love savory breakfasts. Especially when they’re loaded with garlic. Here’s one of my favorites.
Zucchini Stir Fry (Quick & Easy)
Full Recipe Post + Tips And Notes Here
Zucchini Stir Fry (Quick & Easy)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 Tbsp water. Set aside.
- Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil or water.
- Add sliced zucchini and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Add mushrooms, pine nuts, and another pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender.
- Pour in the sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat. Serve over rice or noodles if desired. Top with sesame seeds and green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and/or add chili paste or Sriracha if desired.
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS
- 1–2 tsp sesame seeds (for topping)
- 1–2 chopped green onions (for topping)
- 1/2 to 1 tsp chili paste or Sriracha
- Rice or noodles
Anti-Aging Beverages
Water: Promotes skin elasticity, flushes toxins, and gives skin a healthy glow
Green tea or matcha tea: May help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and prevents skin damage
Coconut water: can help reduce age spots and blemishes
Beet juice: Anti-aging and anti-inflammatory
Carrot juice: Gives skin a healthy glow, helps prevent acne
Ginger tea: Anti-inflammatory and soothes and calms skin
Aloe vera juice: Hydrating and promotes skin healing
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
I love taking time out each morning to enjoy a healthy drink. I often have a matcha tea latte or ginger tea. It’s a nourishing and healthy routine.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water and ginger to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add mint leaves
- Steep for 10-20 minutes.
- Add maple syrup if using.
Extra tips for glowing skin
A few easy add-ins and tips to contribute to radiant skin.
Top your smoothies or oatmeal with chia seeds and hemp seeds. They offer healthy fats, nutrients, and protein and are easy to incorporate. Top your smoothie or oatmeal.
Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production. Eat a variety of citrus fruits each day. Lemon water, lemons with green juice, or a simple and easy orange.
Olive oil nourishes your skin and helps reduce inflammation.
Instead of white bread, which often lacks nutrients, choose whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, oats, or quinoa. They’re a good source of vitamin E, which is nourishing and protective of your skin.
Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and nutrients. It’s also anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Try making your own face masks with amla, or try adding some to your smoothie.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day; it’s key to youthful skin and that summer-kissed skin glow.
Red wine and grape juice are excellent sources of resveratrol, which may help slow down the aging process. But too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing, so it’s important to keep alcohol consumption low or choose grape juice.
Nourishing You
Glowing, radiant skin doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
Eating from the rainbow is a natural way to boost your skin’s radiance and contribute to your overall health. It’s a simple, delicious, and easy way to get a natural glow.
If you’re ready to make a change and embrace holistic health, start slow and make it a gradual process. Remember, it’s not about being perfect. Simply add in more plant-based foods from the rainbow each day, and you’ll see the benefits and results.
If you’re tired of your skin feeling dull and lackluster, I hope you’ll try these 7 best delicious and healthy recipes for glowing skin. They’re simple, easy, and a perfect stepping stone to radiant skin and a healthier lifestyle.
