By now we all know what we put in our bodies has a direct impact on our overall health.  This quote I saw on Pinterest really emphasizes how crucial it is to fuel your body with good foods:

“The food you eat can be either the safest & most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”

Besides the health and wellness benefits of a clean diet and the physical impact it will have on your figure, there are also improvements to the health and appearance of your skin and hair.  Here are a few of the best foods for gorgeous skin and hair:

Salmon

This is the superstar of seafood.  It’s full of vitamin D and protein, which are linked to having strong hair, and the Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon directly assist in hair growth.  Your body can’t product those fatty acids so ingesting them is the key to having strong hair that grows.  These fatty acids are also thought to make you less prone to wrinkling!  Salmon also helps your scalp and hair stay hydrated due to the natural oils it contains and it helps with the production of melanin, collagen and keratin in your skin!

For easy and delicious ways to make salmon, try my Lemon Scented Salmon, Peppery Brown Sugar Salmon and Crispy Bourbon Glazed Salmon!

Walnuts

Walnuts are the only nut that contains such a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They also have copper, which can help keep your hair shiny.  The biotin and vitamin E in walnuts help protect cells from DNA damage, and biotin also helps with hair growth and strength.  Walnuts have a lot of B vitamins as well which help prevent fine line and wrinkles.

Try snacking on walnuts by themselves (I like to break them into small bits like pictured above) or throw them into salads as a much healthier alternative to croutons.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite foods!  They are full of antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A.  Vitamin A is crucial for body cells to function.  Vitamin A protects the natural oils in your scalp and helps produce them, while also keeping the surface of your skin smooth and fresh.   When you’re too low on vitamin A you can get a dry flaky scalp.

Try my Loaded Sweet Potato Skins with Turkey Bacon, Greek Yogurt & Cheddar Cheese, Brown Butter Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potato Bites with Lemon Zest, Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup & Cinnamon and my Spicy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Wedges!

Eggs

Eggs are chock full of protein and zinc, iron, sulfur and selenium.  Iron is extremely important to hair health, as it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles.  When you’re too low on iron (anemia) you can suffer from hair loss.  Eggs can also help your skin stay hydrated and firm, because selenium is a natural skin firming agent.

Try snacking on hard boiled eggs or make my Crustless Sundried Tomato, Goat Cheese, Artichoke, Mushroom & Parmesan Quiche and 2-Ingredient Banana and Egg Fitness Pancakes!

Lentils

Lentils are a powerful form of protein, iron and biotin, which are fantastic for helping hair grow and stay strong. They also keep your blood sugar stable which in turn keeps wrinkled, sagging, lackluster skin at bay.

Try my Greek Lentil Soup with Garlic and Fresh Thyme (pictured)!

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and vitamin B5, which is often found as an ingredient in hair care products.  Protein is also key in keeping skin firm and resistant to lines!

Try greek yogurt with a bit of honey and fresh berries.  Also, use in place of sour cream like I do in my Skinny Loaded Sweet Potato Skins with Turkey Bacon, Greek Yogurt & Cheddar Cheese!

Berries

These berries are full of vitamin C, which can help strengthen hair and also assists in circulation to the scalp.  Not eating enough vitamin C can cause hair breakage.  Vitamin C also keeps collagen healthy and gives skin radiance.