Published:

10/06/2012 09:36pm

Spa In Your Kitchen

I've been cleaning in the kitchen and the challenge reminds me of how versatile our foodstuffs can be. I uncovered several items that can have duo roles----oatmeal, bananas, avocado, and pumpkin. Each of these foods provide nourishment to keep you healthy from the inside and bonus benefits, of a spa in the kitchen. Taking a look at our list from head to toe, let's start with a facial treatment for dry skin made from bananas. This fruit is a very good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese. On the bonus side, you can make a facial treatment using banana, yogurt and honey.

Banana Face Pack - In a blender or bowl, process or mash 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/4 medium banana until smooth. Apply to face and neck; after 10 minutes rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Oats are an excellent source of dietary fiber which research shows helps lower cholesterol and contributes to heart health. The grain is a good source of manganese and selenium magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. As a cosmetic oats make a soothing mask for both dry and sensitive skin. To get started you'll need to process 2 cups of oats (not instant) in a blender, grinding oats to a coarse powder. Store ground oats in a sealed airtight container.

Oatmeal Mask - Combine 1/2 cup of uncooked ground oats and 2 teaspoons of olive or vitamin E oil in a bowl. Stir 1 cup of boiling water into the oat mixture, mixing until blended. Cool thoroughly. Spread on face. Let mask remain on face for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Avocados are often associated with ethnic foods, but they are a terrific fruit to include in your diet for optimum health. Yes they are a fruit and relatively high in fat, but the good news is that they are health positive fats---monounsaturated fats including Omega-3 fatty acid, Alpha-linolenic acid and oleic acid. Avocados contain vitamin K, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folate. The fruit is a great source of energy-producing vitamin B5, and potassium; in fact, they are higher in potassium than a medium banana. Avocados are moisturizing and in combination with the oats, they add up to a moisturizing exfoilient.

Avocado Hand Treatment - In a shallow bowl or blender, mash 1/4 avocado until smooth. Add 1 egg white, 2 tablespoons of old-fashioned oats and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, mixing until blended. Massage mixture into hands and leave on 20 minutes

Canned pumpkin is nutrient dense--high in nutrients and low in calories. Most often this ingredient is linked to holiday cooking. Pumpkin is a vegetable that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It's a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron.

Pumpkin also contains natural enzymes that make it a good exfoliate for the rough patches on the feet. The following recipe is an easy choice for do-it-myself pampering.

Pumpkin-Brown Sugar Scrub - Combine 1/4 cup canned or cooked pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of olive or almond oil, 1 tablespoon of ground coffee beans, and lemon juice of 1/2 medium lemon. Scrub feet with mixture. Rinse feet with warm water and pat dry. If there is leftover mixture, store in an air-tight container in refrigerator two to three days.

Whew! Cleaning out the kitchen pantry and refrigerator can wear you out-I'm gathering up a few ingredients for pampering and an afternoon nap.

Take Away-Beauty is not just about looking good; you have to eat well and healthy to look well and healthy.

Michelle J. Stewart MPH, RDLD/N, CDE is an experienced food and nutrition communication expert specializing in wellness with a holistic approach to living your best life. Michelle has been leading the way to a healthier you for more than 25 years. She is zealous when it comes to wellness from the inside out and empowering whomever she comes in contact with to take charge of their health and wellbeing. Her motto is "EAT LESS MOVE MORE" Sign up for her Free Report 10 Weight Loss Tips for Life when you visit http://thenutritionplanner.com