Sadly, the epic picnic days are coming to an end. And after an entire season of heat, our hair and nails are craving moisture and starting to look a little lackluster. While that UV exposure can take out a lot of the goodness and shine, there is a way to get it back come fall. So instead of finding the latest miracle foundation or clown-contouring your face, it’s time to start working on your hair, skin and nails from the inside out with the foods you eat every day.
Eat Pretty by Jolene Hart ($10) explores what beauty foods will help restore that glow and how to maintain it throughout the year with healthy eating and an overall lifestyle change. It is a must-have for your end-of-summer reading list. To get you started in the right direction, we’ve put together this list of veggies that can be baked to perfection (even the seeds) for the perfect fall meal. Get ready for crisp air, savory veggies and the occasional Pumpkin Spice Latte.
1. Acorn Squash: This veggie is known for its array beautifying minerals. Iron, which protects and heals the hair and nails, keeps our best goods from becoming dry and brittle. The B vitamins like niacin help with DNA repair, which is very important after catching all those summer rays. (Photo via Dan Bruell/Flickr Creative Commons)
2. Pumpkin Seeds: These seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of zinc, which encourages hair growth and clear skin. If you’re prone to breakouts, you should be making this an everyday treat. They’re also packed with anti-aging nutrients too. Talk about a great go-to snack! (Photo via Rob Gross/Flickr Creative Commons)
3. Sweet Potato: Just one cup of sweet potato provides 769% of our daily value of vitamin A. Vitamin A keeps skin soft and cells running smoothly, and it’s also a regenerating collagen. These also have a good amount of vitamin B, which is a major contributor to your beauty rest. You’d better put these on the top of your grocery list. (Photo via Wally Hartshorn/Flickr Creative Commons)
4. Butternut Squash: The vitamins in this squash protect your scalp and eyes. If your skin is feeling lackluster, grab some butternut squash for an instant boost as it is a definite healing agent. It will also provide tons of moisture for your scalp. (Photo via Mark H. Anbinder)
Which veggie or seeds will you indulge in this fall? Let us know in the comment below.
(Feature image via Jolene Hart)