Claire Baker

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Ditch the Diet & Drink This: Gorgeous Skin Smoothie

Tell me, have you ever been on a diet? It's a jungle out there.

Low carb and high protein? Maybe you're vegan or vegetarian? Paleo? Calorie counter? Raw foodist? What about Atkins, Dukkan, Low GI or eating for your blood type?

Just to name a few.

We live in a time where abundance of information is a blessing and access to health tips and diet plans are just a google search away. But damn girl, it can be confusing. Should I eat red meat? Is dairy good for you or not?

And most importantly, are carbs really as evil as Genghis Kahn and Charles Manson's love child?

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I've tried a few diets in my time, and if you have as well, you'll find that any diet worth it's weight in gold (and even most that aren't) all advocate eating your greens.

 Green veggies baby and lots of 'em. 

You've heard it all before, but I'll give you a quick rundown on why they're so fab.

Green veggies help reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes and are essential for bone health, immune function, digestion, detoxification and weight management.

They are low in fat and high in fibre, folic acid, phytochemicals, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium as well as carotenoids, flavonoids and antioxidants.

But do you know what really convinces me… When I'm eating lots of leafy greens, the whites of my eyes are whiter, my skin glows and my body sings.

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So where do green vegetables fit into my chosen diet?

Well I've stopped buying into the diet fiasco. I personally like Michael Pollan's sentiments.

"Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants"

Easy?

Sometimes.

On good days, I eat crazy amounts of green veggies in the form of juices, salads, snacks and smoothies. Other days, I get to dinner time and realise I haven't squeezed a single leafy green in. Oops-a-daisy.

Enter the Gorgeous Skin Smoothie.

There are LOADS of versions of green smoothies on the net, but this is my current fave. This is the easiest way to add in some extra green and give you gorgeous skin. Your skin is a wonderful reflection of your insides; it's your largest organ, so if it's glowing, smooth and blemish-free, then your insides are probably pretty happy too.

Remember this: Gorgeous skin shines from within.

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PLUS the addition of superfoods add a ridiculously insane amount of goodness.

Superfoods are high in vitamins, minerals, protein and amino acids and a combination like this will help support your endocrine system, fertility and hormone function and increase energy, stamina and endurance. As well as anti-cancer, anti-ageing and rejuvenation properties.

Therefore, super foods = beautiful skin. And don't even get me started on the benefits of coconut water and avocado...

Have I convinced you yet?

This baby is what I have for breakfast most days. Give it a go. Ditch the diet and just eat (or drink) your greens. I promise you'll notice a difference in your body and your skin.

You will need:

1 frozen banana1 cup coconut water

1/4 avocado1 BIG handful of spinach1 tbsp coconut cream (optional)

1 tbsp goji berries1 tsp maca powder

1 tsp spirulina1 tsp bee pollen

What to do:

Blend spinach and coconut water thoroughly.

Add remaining ingredients, blend well and enjoy!