Hello MIYU-ettes!

So back when I was blogging for Chronicles of a Beauty Nerd, my friend Divya and I collaborated on a segment we called Beauty Eats.  How does “beauty” and “eating” come together, you ask?  My belief has always been that healthy skin starts from within.  By incorporating skin-nourishing ingredients into your every day diet, you can bolster the effects of the skincare products you slather on every day.  But how can we do this in a way that is enjoyable and therefore ultimately sustainable?  That’s where Divya comes in.  Divya is a true talent when it comes to concocting healthy yet delicious recipes.  Not only is she an amazing food stylist, but she is also now studying holistic nutrition.  I always turn to her for nutrition advice and ideas on how to make healthy foods more fun!  Now she is sharing all her food-related goodness on her new website, The Whole and Happy Life – so be sure to check it out!

Although I am no longer blogging for Chronicles of a Beauty Nerd (MIYU and baby have kept my hands more than full), I never wanted Beauty Eats to end.  I always knew I wanted to migrate Beauty Eats to the MIYU blog so that we can continue to share beauty-related recipes HERE, with all of you.  Well ladies and gents, I think now is the time!  Spring is fast approaching (next week to be exact) marking the season for new beginnings – a great time to jumpstart into a healthy lifestyle.  So be honest with me now… during this long, cold, dry winter – how many of you have been religiously consuming 6-8 glasses of water a day?  Remember that we need this daily dose of H2O to keep our skin hydrated and flush away unwanted toxins that can wreak havoc on our complexions. But yes, I know – downing 8 glasses of water may seem a bit boring at times (Note: this is the reason we created our hydrate mi beauty tea). But teas aside, how about a couple of ideas to give your water a flavorful boost with naturally-added antioxidants?  Here are several recipes Divya created last year for our Beauty Eats segment – all without adding any artificial flavors and sugar:

1. Green tea and lime

Preparation: Brew some good quality green tea for a few minutes (as specified on the package) and chill overnight. In the morning, mix a little lime juice and agave nectar (if desired).

2. Fruity herbal tea and frozen strawberries

Preparation: Brew some fruity herbal tea for a few minutes (as specified on the package) and allow to chill completely. Add frozen strawberries.

Note: If you’re taking this to work, I suggest using a glass flask. Stainless steel might alter the flavour of the tea.

3. Cucumber, ginger and lemon water

If you’re looking for something a little more refreshing than tea, just add cucumber slices, a small piece of ginger and some lemon juice to filtered water.  Add ice if desired.

4. Fruit juice and sparkling water

Preparation: Mix one part fruit juice (choose a brand that is made of 100% fruit juice like Ceres) and three parts sparkling water.

Note: Don’t try this with orange juice. It ends up tasting like watered down Orangina! This recipe works well with more fruity juices such as lychee, guava, pomegranate and mixed fruit juices.

5. Grape water

Preparation: Wash and cut a few handfuls of seedless white grapes in half. Freeze overnight. In the morning, pour some water into a jug or flask (if you’re taking this to work) and add a little lemon juice. Drink up after a few hours. The flavour of the grapes will infuse the water with a slightly fruity aroma. Delicious! Don’t forget to eat the grapes at the end!

We will be posting more Beauty Eats recipes here on the MIYU blog going forward.  So tell me, MIYU-ettes – what kind of recipes would you like to see?