When it comes to eating for optimal skin health and overall well-being, I try to keep my meals balanced, rich in nutrients, and easy to prepare.

One of my go-to meals? A nourishing salad packed with leafy greens, healthy fats, plant-based proteins, and probiotics, a simple yet powerful combination to fuel my body and keep my skin radiant.

Why I try to incorporate these essentials

As someone living with psoriasis, I focus on incorporating foods that are anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and gut-friendly. Here’s what my daily salad includes and why:

• Leafy Greens (Baby Spinach): Loaded with magnesium, iron, and antioxidants, spinach supports heart and brain health, fights inflammation, and protects cells from damage.

• Plant-Based Proteins (Avocado, Hummus & Falafel): Essential for stabilizing blood sugar levels, supporting muscle function, and promoting collagen production, key for healthy, glowing skin.

• Probiotics (Fermented Red Cabbage): A gut-health powerhouse, probiotics aid digestion, support immunity, and improve nutrient absorption, which directly impacts skin health.

• Healthy Fats (Avocado & Olive Oil): Good fats help maintain hydrated, elastic skin, reduce inflammation, and support overall cellular function.

• Nutrient Boost (Hemp Seeds): A fantastic source of omega-3s, protein, and fiber, helping to keep you satiated and energized.

How to Build the Perfect Nutritious Salad

Ingredients:

• A handful of baby spinach 
• ½ an avocado, sliced
• 3-4 falafel balls
• A few cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp hummus
• A scoop of fermented red cabbage
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

How to Assemble:

1. Start with your base: Lay a generous handful of baby spinach as your salad foundation.

2. Add your proteins: Place falafel, hummus, and avocado to create a balanced mix of plant-based proteins and healthy fats.

3. Incorporate probiotics: Add some fermented red cabbage for that gut-health boost.

4. Toss in some extra color & texture: Add cherry tomatoes and sprinkle hemp seeds for extra nutrients.

5. Finish with olive oil: Top of some extra virgin olive oil for added flavor and healthy fats.

Why this salad works

This salad is not just delicious, it’s a skin and gut-loving powerhouse. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to provide essential nutrients, promote digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and fight inflammation. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect daily meal for anyone looking to nourish their body from the inside out.

Give it a try and let me know what your go-to nutritious salad looks like.