Welcome to another edition of Beauty Eats!

Today, we’ll be featuring a recipe from my dear friend, Nicole.  I worked with Nicole years ago, while I was developing beauty products for Bliss in New York City – we’ve been friends ever since!  Not only is Nicole quirky, funny and an all-around cutie, having worked in the beauty industry for more than a decade, she certainly knows what’s good for your skin.  Today, she’s going to be sharing her Zucchini Chips recipe with us.

So, without further ado…here’s Nicole!

Even though I LOVE food, I’m not exactly what you would call a “foodie.”  In fact, I’m quite particular in the types of foods I like – of which, I make it a personal mission to seek out only the best.   Once I’ve found it, I believe everyone should LOVE it just as much as I do (or at least in my mind)!

So, got the munchies but trying to be healthy? I must admit, I really enjoy foods that aren’t good for me, which is why I’m constantly searching for foods/recipes that are healthier, but still taste quite good.  Let’s face it, my bootcamp classes can’t bare the entire burden of my unhealthier snack choices.  Gotta create balance somehow, right?

About a month ago, I had to go on this 30 day cleanse where I had to eliminate EVERYTHING from my diet – dairy, wheat, sugar, fruit, alcohol, and anything that ferments.  I literally thought I was going to starve for 30 days, but I survived, and found some new favourite healthy foods to add to my post 30 day torture!

The following Zucchini Chips recipe is one of them.  They’re gluten free, dairy free and low carb – not to mention the amazing beauty benefits from the ingredients…I know right?  The coating also works for chicken as well  – anyone else grow up on shake and bake??

Serves 4
Ingredients:
1/4 cup ground almonds
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp seasoned salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fat-free milk or 1 egg
2 1/2 cups (1/4 inch-thick) slices zucchini (about 2 small)
Cooking spray

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425F. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Step 2: Place milk in a shallow bowl. Dip zucchini slices in milk and dredge in dry mixture.

Step 3: Place coated slices on an oven proof wire rack coated with cooking spray; place rack on a baking sheet. Bake at 425F for 30 minutes or until browned and crisp. Serve immediately.
 

Zucchini: Zucchinis are high in dietary fiber, which is necessary for optimal intestinal health (and thus, skin health).  Vitamins C and A work to provide antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits. Zucchinis also contain manganese, which has the ability to augment levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful free-radical scavenging enzyme.  SOD has been used extensively in skincare as a powerful anti-aging ingredient.  Manganese also facilitates the production of proline, the amino acid that promotes the production of collagen, to help build stronger, more resilient skin.

Almonds: Did you know that almonds are considered one of the most ‘nutritionally-dense’ nuts?  Yup, with flavonoids and skin-healing Vitamin E, you’ll be happy they made their way into this yummy snack!

Milk: We all know milk “does a body good” because it helps strengthen bones.  However, did you know that it also contributes to smooth skin and a stronger immune system?  Brimming with Vitamins A, B, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, milk will literally nourish complexions from the inside out.

I’ve been making these zucchini chips everyday since I discovered them!  Now I’m not saying they are an exact replacement for chips, but they are a great option for when you want that salty crunch sans the guilt!  Cut thinly for more of a chip-like crunch.  These make a great snack for when the girls come over to watch The Voice.  What can I say – it’s just not in me to eat unhealthy snacks when Usher and the sexiest man alive are in my living room!

I hope you like these guilt-free chips as much as I do! #newfoodcrush – ok maybe #newsnackcrush!