This winter weather has not done wonders for our skin, hair or fingernails. Cold, dry air outside and radiators cranking inside do not help the situation. You may notice your nails feel brittle, your lips are chronically chapped, and the ends of your hair are splitting. Diet really helps your complexion WAY more than expensive skincare products. Here are a few foods to help improve the moisture and strength of your hair, skin and nails. Water (duh!), coconut and olive oil, berries, dark chocolate (yay!), and healthy fats—such as avocado, salmon, and nuts.

The foods that really do a number on your skin, and that you should avoid, include sugar and white flour (because white flour quickly converts to sugar), processed foods (often salty and loaded with chemicals), and alcohol and caffeine (a glass of wine or a cup of coffee is okay, but alcoholic and caffeinated drinks really dehydrate us). If you do consume these foods, double up on your water intake that day–and I fully understand the desire for red wine and pizza on a Friday night!

This “beauty berry” smoothie will definitely have you glowing again in no time! Perfect for breakfast, lunch or after a workout. It is “cherry” delicious!

Beautiful Collagen Cherry Smoothie:
1 cup frozen cherries
1/2 frozen banana
Handful kale or spinach
1 Tbsp almond butter
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp cacao powder
1/4 avocado
1 cup coconut or almond milk
Mix all ingredients in a blender or Vitamix. Enjoy!