Yes, chef! 5 easy, delicious recipes for better skin

August 30, 2024

They say you are what you eat, but if you’re someone who has trouble hitting your daily quota of water, you’ll definitely know that what you drink is equally as important as the foods you consume. “Water is essential for thousands of physiological processes in the body and required for every major body system,” says Avery Zenker, a registered dietician and nutritionist based in Canada. “Even mild dehydration, defined as a 1 to 2% decrease in body weight due to fluid loss, can lead to noticeable symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness and impaired cognitive function.”  

When it comes to your skin, proper hydration contributes to a fresh, plumper appearance and improved skin elasticity. According to Zenker, consuming water-rich foods is an easy way to reach your water intake goals. Below, she shares five recipes made with water-rich foods that’ll improve your complexion and support healthy digestion. 

01
Homemade strawberry-banana soft serve

Ingredients:
– Bananas (ripe and frozen)
– Frozen strawberries
– Your choice of milk (such as almond)
– Vanilla extract (optional) 

*Other types of frozen fruit that work well in this recipe: blueberries, raspberries, cherries, mangoes, dragonfruit, pineapple.
*Other add-ins to make various flavors: cocoa powder, protein powder. 

Steps:
1. Blend the frozen bananas and strawberries with a splash of milk and vanilla extract in a food processor or blender until smooth. If needed, add more milk in small amounts at a time until it reaches a creamy consistency. Less liquid will make it thicker, and more liquid will make it thinner. Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer texture.

Health benefits: 
Bananas are about 75% water and a good source of potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays an important role in hydration. Strawberries are about 92% water and are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. They’re also a good source of antioxidants, which helps reduce inflammation. 

02
Coconut water popsicles

Ingredients: 
Coconut water
– Your choice of fruit (mango, kiwi, pineapple, dragonfruit, berries, peaches), cut into bite-sized pieces or smaller

Steps: 
1.
Place the fruit into popsicle molds in the arrangements you like, filling up to the top. 
2. Pour in coconut water to fill the remainder of the molds.
3. Place the popsicles in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until frozen. 

Health benefits:
Coconut water is 95% water and an excellent source of potassium. Fruits, depending on the type, are high in water content and generally a good source of fiber and antioxidants. 

03
Cucumber salad

Ingredients:
Cucumber, sliced into bite-sized pieces
– Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
– Red onion, sliced thinly
– Lemon juice
– Herbs of your choice (cilantro, parsley)
– Salt and pepper 

Steps:
1. Combine the first three ingredients into a bowl.
2. Make the dressing: Whisk the lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper and taste for seasoning.
3.Pour the dressing over the salad.

Health benefits:
Cucumber is about 95% water and contains micronutrients like vitamin K, potassium and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants like flavonoids and chlorophyll.

04
Watermelon slushie

Ingredients:
– 4-5 cups watermelon, seeds removed (the sweeter the better — this is a great opportunity to use watermelon that’s a bit overripe)
– 5-10 ice cubes (quantity depends on desired consistency)
– Lemon (from ½ lemon) or lime juice (from 1 lime)
– Maple syrup and/or vanilla extract to sweeten (optional) 

Steps:
1. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until a smooth, slushie consistency is reached. Pour into glasses and enjoy! 

Health benefits:
Watermelon is about 92% water and contains an antioxidant called lycopene, which gives watermelon its pink color and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a source of potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. 

05
Silken tofu pudding

Ingredients:
– 1 block (350g) silken tofu
– 100g dark chocolate
– 2 Tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
– 1 pinch salt (optional) 

Steps:
1. Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or double boiler, just until liquid.
2. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a container and place in the refrigerator to set until firm to desired consistency. 

Health benefits:
Silken tofu is about 80% water and a good source of plant-based protein — it also contains minerals like calcium and iron. It can be used to make creamy desserts like pudding, mousse and soft serve. Dark chocolate is a great source of iron and potassium, and is also rich in antioxidants, thanks to its flavonoid and polyphenol content. 

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.   

About the Author

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Michelle Rostamian is a Los Angeles-based beauty and wellness contributor for Murad's Well Connected with 10 years of experience in the industry. She currently writes for Allure, InStyle, People, The Zoe Report, W Magazine and more.