Thanksgiving is around the corner, and that means eating till you pop. When it comes to your diet, you are what you eat. That makes it your business to prepare dishes that will not only be healthy, but also keep your flawless, glowing skin pristine. But, if you are a lover of food, shall I say a gourmand of sorts, the last thing you'll want to eat is a traditional turkey. Not to say that there's anything wrong with a traditional turkey. Just that it isn't my cup of tea. With that said, let's get our nam nams prepared for an informative and entertaining journey.

The Stuffing

There're your secret family recipes, and there's the regional stuff(ing). Bad pun. Since we're talking about the skin, I'll go with the simple approach. Make the stuffing with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, vegetable stock and dried diced bread crumbs. Let's dig deeper into why these ingredients are so good for your skin. For simplicity, I won't be going over the recipe itself, you'll have to use your own imagination and creativity.

Onions

Onions have a ton of nutrients and other goodies that make it great for you and your skin. For example, onions contain vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains quercetin (an antioxidant) and sulfur. The sulfur and other vitamins in onions provide benefits such as soft and supple skin, with the antioxidants keeping it wrinkle free. There are many other benefits, such as anti aging, and acne fighting properties, which is the objective of this article. Onions are naturally antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory after all. Additionally, onions have blood purification elements that can help clear up your complexion by removing impurities, and can protect your skin from sun damage. While we've been talking about the internal benefits, lets switch gears and talk about external ones. Two external uses for onions are their juices. It can remove dark spots and skin pigmentation.

Carrots

These orange root veggies are packed full of benefits. It can hydrate, brighten, and take care of your skin. Leaving a natural glow and don't worry if you don't have a certain skin type, the benefits can work on dry skin as well. However, it does improve oily skin types through beta-carotene. The body converts the beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is in any topical skincare products for oily skin.

Celery

While the celery juice heyday has since lost its initial influence, celery has many vitamins and nutrients similar to carrots and onions. For example, vitamin A, C, beta carotene, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients have been known to decrease inflammation throughout the entire body. In fact, celery and its seeds have 25 anti-inflammatory properties. It also has vitamin K, and minerals such as potassium and folate. Finally, celery also has alkalizing effects, which balances your pH levels. This is important for your skin since your protective layer (the skin barrier) can let in more bacteria which may cause acne if the pH level of your skin is too high or low. Maintaining a balanced normal pH level is best.

Garlic

Allicin, which is found in garlic, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This isn't new news, but it is worth mentioning since one can use it in almost any dish!

Purple Potatoes Roasted with Garlic, Thyme and Green Chile Peppers

Your Thanksgiving dinner isn't complete without potatoes! Specifically, purple potatoes. I love spicy potatoes! With all the various sweet, and savory flavors, a little spice is great. As they say, spice is the variety of life, or for short, spice is life. It's also great for your skin, at least certain ones. Let's explore further into what make this so great.

Purple Potatoes

Potatoes have a bad rap for their high starch, but have many nutrients that can be great for your skin and body. These visually pleasing tubers have much needed benefits for the skin. This may include potassium, which prevents dry skin, promotes faster cell turnaround, as well as, alkalizing effects, which balances your skin's pH levels. It also has antioxidants, specifically, anthocyanin, which are linked to many other health benefits for your body, such as fighting liver and kidney cancer, and improving vision.

Thyme

Like many of the ingredients listed in this article, thyme can suppress inflammation. It can also externally be used to treat acne, since its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Green Chili Pepper

Chili peppers have vitamin E that produces essential oils for your skin. It also has antibacterial properties and releases endorphins that help your mood. While endorphins might not have any benefits for your skin, it is definitely something that might improve your confidence.

Pumpkin Pie

You can't go wrong with a tasty pie after a big meal. Pumpkins can improve your skin tone, reduce inflammation, protect it from UV rays, and keep your skin plump. It's certainly a versatile vegetable, especially after a hardy meal. It contains, niacin, riboflavin, B6 and folate, zinc and potassium, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. If you live on the east coast, there's a scrumptious place where my family always gets their pies, which is called Old Hook Farm. Their pies are always a crowd pleaser after a good meal.

Conclusion

No matter if you already have something in mind, or sticking to your family's tradition, these dishes will not only be a great addition but also make your skin healthy. Albeit more radiant skin, or a healthy glow, these ingredients will definitely maintain a skin level that you certainly won't regret.