Unfortunately, all people are susceptible to acne. Acne can be caused by a variety of factors: climate change, diet, activity, cleanliness, environmental factors, etc. Most of those things are under your control. You may not be able to control the weather, only prepare your skin to fight against its changes. But you can prevent acne caused by your diet. What you put into your body is what fuels you – like putting gas into a car. Your car won’t run properly if you don’t put the right fuel inside it. The same goes for your body. The more junk food you eat, the more your body will slow down, get tired, have acne, etc. 

Your skin’s surface is covered in holes called pores. Acne occurs when your skin’s pores get clogged with excess oil, dirt, debris, bacteria and others. Some foods can increase your blood sugar levels in your body faster than others causing the hormone, insulin, to be released which triggers your oil glands to produce more oil increasing the risk of acne. Some foods that can cause spikes in insulin are pasta, white rice, white bread, sugar, dairy, high-glycemic carbohydrates, trans fats, and saturated fats. 

Foods that are beneficial to the skin are yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread. 

Here are 3 meals that will make your skin clearer and look healthier. 

1. Sweet Potato Waffles

Don’t let the “sweet potato” part scare you. These waffles are bursting with the sweet flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix 1 cup almond flour, 2 tbsp coconut flour, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon and ½ tsp nutmeg together in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together ¾ cups of cooked and mashed sweet potato, 2 eggs, 1 ½ tsp vanilla, 2 tbsp maple syrup, ½ tbsp coconut oil and ⅓ cup of unsweetened almond milk. Add the wet and dry ingredients together and mix well. Pour the batter into your waffle iron and then enjoy your hearty breakfast with some syrup drizzled on top.

2. Brown Rice Bowl

You don’t have to be a professional chef to prepare this dish. Prepare the brown rice according to the recipe on the bag. Then, sautee your favorite vegetables (tomatoes, spinach, kale, broccoli, onions, etc.) with your preferred seasonings. Add some chicken and serve when cooked fully. You can customize this dish to your preferences.

3. Sweet Potato, Kale and Shrimp Skillet

In a pan, cook onions with crushed red pepper and olive oil until onions are soft and golden brown. Add garlic for flavor. Then comes the sweet potatoes. Cook until soft. If necessary add water to steam the potatoes. Add the shrimp and cook until pink. Turn the heat to low and add the kale. Serve when kale is wilted. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All you need to start your journey to healthier looking skin while enjoying the other benefits eating healthy does to your body.