Food

This breakfast crumble includes flaxseed, rich in omega-3s to deliver anti-inflammatory benefits; berries, a source of vitamin C-supplying antioxidant action; and fibre-rich apples, because a well-functioning digestive system can contribute to a healthy complexion. It’s a make-ahead morning meal that is easy to pack for workday breakfasts, but can be repurposed with a dollop of maple-sweetened yogurt for dessert.

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Stirring cricket powder into an African stew is a natural, given that crickets were an African staple long before they became trendy in the West. Adding a couple of tablespoons to this delicious dish not only increases the protein content but also kicks up the nuttiness a notch.

Soaking time for beans

Raw broccoli and cauliflower are detox superstars, containing nutrients that cleanse, restore, and nourish the body—skin included. Blueberries are known for their antiaging nutrient density and offer natural sweetness to cut the broccoli’s pungency. This “caviar” can be left to marinate for up to two days, so you can snack to your skin’s content or add it to a larger meal.

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We never get tired of a good bowl. Here, it’s packed with detoxifying vegetables, whole grains, and skin-saving avocado two ways: in the dressing and in the bowl

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This glow-getting stew makes the ultimate do-ahead lunch. It’s loaded with skin-supportive nutrients, such as beta carotene, that are thought to promote a healthy complexion. A complete meal in one, this bowl gets a boost from a simple side of quinoa and a scattering of antioxidant-packed pomegranate seeds.

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Poke is a raw-fish salad in Hawaiian cuisine. When poke bowls started popping up in restaurants everywhere, I felt a little left out because, while I don’t eat fish, I admire how beautiful these bowls look. I decided I would celebrate a juicy summertime staple by making my own poke bowl featuring watermelon as a substitute for the fish. Here is my simple yet satisfying take, which will cool and refresh on a hot day.

Give rice pudding another try with this lower-sugar, probiotic version with a base of vitamin E-rich almond milk, a known skin improver. The creamy base is contrasted with a sharp, baked rhubarb topping, providing dietary fibre and vitamin C, two components that may amp up skin health.  

This bowl appears to be quite basic, but that’s because the beet-tahini dressing is the real star here. Roasting the beet and blending it with the other ingredients results in a delectable, creamy dressing that adds punch to anything it accompanies.

Here, cauliflower is roasted with a medley of spices to create depth of flavor and warmth. It pairs especially well with the black beans, but you could swap in chickpeas or cannellini beans instead if you want to change things up.

This simple and healthy soup, made creamy without any dairy, is a family favourite.

Bonus tip

An easy and hearty recipe that is a great addition to a weekend brunch. The blueberries add a dose of antioxidants and the orange glaze adds just the right tang and sweetness.

These are a perfect meal prep addition to your sunny mornings or even a tasty treat that will keep you glowing! Packed with colourful flavonoids and anti-inflammatory compounds, this tropical gem is sure to make you shine all season long.

Bonus tip

Buttery salmon replaces eggs in this version of the tomatoey North African dish shakshuka. It’s the ultimate one-pan meal. Serve with crusty bread or flatbread to soak up the deeply flavoured sauce. And this is one of the rare seafood dishes that can be served as leftovers. The flavour of the sauce becomes even more complex, and it works to keep the salmon moist. Simply reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat.

A tender crust, creamy ricotta spread, and a bright sweet-tart cherry sauce make this dessert something special to share with loved ones. If desired, ricotta can be replaced with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or even Middle Eastern labneh.

Tool of the trade

Tangy and deliciously thick with a finishing crunch, this make-ahead breakfast is a great way to break out of a cereal rut. It’s also a tasty way to recover after a hard workout. The raspberries and chia seeds team up to deliver a payload of fibre to keep you satiated all morning long. If desired, raspberries can be replaced with strawberries, muesli can stand in for granola, and the pistachios can be swapped out for almonds.

Ice picks

This frittata is a celebration of heirloom varieties of quinoa and kale that show their blush. And the lively red sauce assures that this meatless main is a dish you’ll want to place on regular rotation in your kitchen. Serve leftovers at room temperature or warm in the microwave at medium power.

Pan handling

A culinary gift from Ukraine, borscht is a veggie-laden, hearty, warming soup that is coloured perfectly for the season. This version adds chickpeas to make each spoonful even more substantial and has a punchy yogurt sauce for a finishing touch. We’d dare say that the soup tastes even better after a day or two, which is great news, since this recipe makes a big pot of nutritional goodness.

This savoury yogurt goes as beautifully with the Dutch Baby (recipe here) as it does with toast, warm flatbread, or pita. Choose organic yogurt, which is slightly higher in omega-3s than nonorganic, for the greatest heart-health benefits. Make it a meal by doubling the recipe and adding a poached egg or two on top.

Sleep-in option

This blushing beverage is even easier to pull off than a smoothie, and just as pretty. The creamy base is made with kefir, a probiotic-packed beverage that takes on flavours strong and subtle, such as the rose, cardamom, and hibiscus here.

Sleep-in option

This Yorkshire pudding-inspired puffed pancake offers an impressive soufflé moment right out of the oven and when settled, so you can still show off your skills when it’s time to serve. Instead of sweet toppings, an umami-rich, heart-healthy olive oil, tomato, and garlic confit (fancy and so easy), spinach, basil, and nigella seeds (commonly used to decorate naan, they’re located in the spice aisle of many grocery and bulk food stores) are snuggled into the fallen centre of the Dutch baby for a ravishing in red (and green) main. Serve this with the Savoury Yogurt (recipe here) for the perfect pairing.

Sleep-in option

Bostock is a French pastry similar in flavour to an almond croissant, but as simple to make as French toast. A few nontraditional swaps, such as chia seeds (which nourish the heart with anti-inflammatory omega-3s) and berries instead of traditional jam or syrup, gluten-free or sourdough bread instead of brioche, and maple syrup instead of confectioner’s sugar in the almond cream topping offer a healthier bostock with the same amazing flavour.

Sleep-in option

Give retro broiled grapefruit the morning off and make a robust citrus salad instead. Ginger, lime, and black pepper perk up sweet-sour-bitter pink grapefruit segments for a sophisticated side for breakfast in bed. The best part: this recipe’s core ingredient is ultra heart-healthy. Women who eat grapefruit as part of a healthy diet may see higher HDL (good) cholesterol, as well as lower triglycerides and C-reactive protein.

Sleep-in option

This skillet granola comes together in a flash and is the perfect breakfast to start your day. But why stop there? Try it as a topping on your salad, sprinkle it over ice cream, or just snack on it out of hand.

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This sunny tonic is sure to brighten your day. One of the elements that gives this drink its sunny hue is turmeric. While it is well understood that curcumin, a compound in turmeric, has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, unfortunately, it is poorly absorbed into our bloodstreams. To increase absorption, it is recommended to consume piperine, a substance commonly found in black pepper.

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