Eat The Right Snacks For Glowing Skin, Lasting Energy & Calm Nerves
STUDIO CITY (KCAL9) — Carina Sohaili, a board certified celebrity nutrition/health counselor and founder of Vibrant Healthy Life, stopped by KCAL9 Wednesday to share what snacks to eat for glowing skin, lasting energy and calm nerves.
PUMPKIN SEEDS (1/4-1/8 is the perfect snack size)
- The perfect combination of protein and heart-healthy fat in order to satisfy your cravings, increase your energy levels and keep you full until your next meal
- Healthy fats = energy
- Protein = more full for a longer amount of time
- The healthy omega fats in pumpkin seeds are ideal for reducing stress and lowering anxiety levels – they have a huge calming effect on the body
- As well as increase post-meal satisfaction levels
- Get ready to glow: The Vitamin-E in pumpkin seeds is fantastic for skin
- Vitamin-E fights off damaging free radicals that contribute to aging
- Vitamin- E also does wonders for wrinkles and is a huge skin smoother
- Fight the flu: pumpkin seeds contain zinc (which a lot of people lack in their diet)
- Zinc is an immune boosting superstar; no one wants to be skin during awards season
- Zinc is great for your skin; helps minimize bumps and evens out skin tone (especially rosacea!)
- Always carry a "smart snack" withat all times, such as an emergency stash of pumpkin seeds in a red carpet clutch-purse or car
- Life is unexpected and you need to be prepared so you do not get "hangry" and overeat later on
- Pumpkin seeds are the perfect solution for a hectic 'on the go' lifestyle
DE-BLOATING BLISS IN A CUP OF CINNAMON PARFAIT
• 2/3 cup plain-nonfat Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup plain organic canned pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon Stevia (an all-natural sweetener that does not spike blood sugar levels)
- Plain non-fat Greek Yogurt
- Greek Yogurt has double the amount of protein than normal yogurt
- The protein will keep you more full and satisfied for a longer amount of time, as well as help stabilize your blood sugar levels (so you do not have an energy crash)
- Most "normal" yogurts are loaded with unhealthy sugars, and preservatives which will make even more hungry an hour or so later = NOT ideal for that red carpet walk, or life in general
- Not to mention, it has a richer, creamier taste.
- Beat the bloat: Greek yogurt is also loaded with healthy bacteria which is great for digestion, bloating and immunity
- YES, you want a flat stomach on the red carpet (no-one needs a bloated, uncomfortable faux baby belly)
- Organic Canned Pumpkin
- Eat for energy: pumpkin is a healthy carbohydrate that is loaded with fiber
- Healthy carbohydrates = energy for the big day
- The fiber will keep you more full for a longer amount of time
- It's a skin superfood as it's loaded with Vitamin-A and Vitamin-C
- Both these vitamins help minimize the dark circles under your eyes
- Vitamin-A and Vitamin-C are also great for keeping skin moist, young and fresh especially during harsh winter weather
- Cinnamon
- Cinnamon is one of my favorite slimming spices and here is why:
- It speeds up your metabolism, increases post-meal satisfaction levels, curbs unhealthy junk food cravings and gives you lasting energy because it does not spike your blood sugar levels
- Cinnamon does wonders for stomach cramps and nausea
Half of a medium avocado with freshly squeezed lemon
- It is more potassium than a banana (potassium rids the body of toxins and reduces bloating)
- Healthy fats are great to calm nerves, anxiety and reduce stress
- It has skin-clearing Vitamin-E, which is great for smooth skin, crows feet and wrinkles
- PROTEIN! Yes, avocados have protein. Love the combination of protein and healthy fat; ideal for energy and stress reduction
- Heart healthy omega fats increase post meal satisfaction levels and give you energy as well – not all fat is bad!
- The lemon is another great de-bloater. The vitamin-C in lemon is also great for your skin and a huge immune system booster
- Fun fact: avocado is actually a fruit!
Chia Seed Vanilla Almond Milk Pudding
- Chia seeds are a nutrient dense DREAM; one tablespoon is packed with healthy fat, complete protein, and incredible minerals (from magnesium to calcium, iron and zinc) as well as a great source of fiber
- The protein is a great for all lifestyles; meat eaters, vegan and vegetarians
- The fiber is great for long term energy, bloating and will keep you feeling full for a longer amount of time
- The healthy fats are great for stress, anxiety and pre-award jitters
- Due to the variety of different vitamins and minerals these guys do wonders of your skin, mood and energy –they also expand in the almond milk making it a thick gooey texture (more fun to eat)
- Almond milk has healthy fats, protein and potassium – another great de-bloater. Almond milk is also dairy free which is good for anyone with dairy issues
- The protein and healthy fats combined with the chia seeds make this truly a ready carpet ready remedy
Smoked Salmon Seaweed wraps (three ounces of smoked salmon; around a palm full)
- Salmon is a protein powerhouse loaded heart healthy fats
- This combination will keep you fueled and focused for hours (healthy fat = energy, stress relief and protein = stable blood sugar levels)
- 3 ounces; around the size of your palm
- The b-vitamins in seaweed are incredible for stress relief and smooth skin
- Wrapping salmon in seaweed takes five seconds; instant sushi on-the-go
- You can buy seaweed at any local market and has a nutty flavor it is also a great swap when you are craving a crunchy munch
- Seaweed last awhile so you can store an extra stash in your purse, office drawer or car