Minerals and enzymes are key elements that contribute to beautiful skin, nails and hair. These powerful substances are critical for proper cellular functioning. Minerals originate from the soil and are abundantly transferred to us through organic fruits and vegetables, which generally have better soil quality. Green plants are the source of a wide variety of minerals you need for superior beauty and nutrition. On the most basic level, enzymes are proteins that catalyze hundreds of different processes in the body. This includes breaking down fats, enhancing mental capacity, purifying the blood, and renewing aging skin.
The trick to assimilating more enzymes into our bodies is in consuming raw foods such as leafy greens, fruits and vegetables. All raw foods have live enzymes that when consumed, work for our bodies so we can reap the beauty benefits. Heat above 118 degrees kills these active enzymes, so we want to be aware of this when structuring your meals. You need some raw food in your diet, though you don’t have to eat all raw food. Certain enzymes are not activated until the right amounts of minerals are present. Equally, we need enzymes to organize and assimilate our beauty minerals. It is in this dynamic relationship that minerals and enzymes go hand in hand with one another.
Following the guidelines outlined in The Beauty Detox Solution make it easy to provide the body with essential minerals and enzymes it needs through nutrition. Enjoying a Glowing Green Smoothie (GGS) once a day, which will give you the raw nutrition you need in a delicious form on a daily basis, and having a diet high in greens is the optimal way to retain and absorb these key minerals and enzymes. Cooked vegetables and plant foods are beneficial too, but you should get that GGS in every day to ensure you get your raw quota.
Silicon: Silicon has incredible beautifying properties. It makes our hair thick, our nails strong and it strengthens connective tissues and bones to improve flexibility. Silicon can improve the appearance of wrinkles, and increase the resilience of your skin. It makes the skin glow and the eyes bright by targeting the connective tissue in your body. This beautifying mineral is essential for radiant vitality and health.
Foods: Cucumber, Bell peppers, Radish, Light leafy greens (cabbage, romaine lettuce), Tomatoes, Apples, Onions, Unrefined grains
Calcium: Calcium is a strengthening mineral in that it helps keep our bones strong and it prevents osteoporosis. Calcium maintains healthy teeth, keeps our posture upright, and it enables us to move with poise. In addition to bone benefits, calcium cleans our digestive tract and eases premenstrual syndrome.
Foods: Dark leafy greens (such as collard greens, turnips, kale, dandelion greens and spinach), Dried herbs, Sesame seeds, Flax seeds
Zinc: Zinc is a powerful mineral that works with the skin to keep it healthy by reducing acne and quickening the healing process for cuts or burns. It plays an important role in rebuilding collagen to make skin radiant, smooth and healthy. Zinc is known to prevent signs of aging and skin damage such as wrinkles and stretch marks.
Foods: Dried watermelon seeds, Organic raw dark chocolate, Raw pumpkin seeds, Pine nuts, Sesame seeds, Pecans, Rolled oats
Magnesium: Magnesium is an important mineral for human nutrition in that it serves the body in several metabolic processes. Over 300 different enzymes in the body rely on magnesium to keep your bowels regular and to cleanse and detoxify the body. It is found in your bones, muscles and bodily fluids and is not made naturally in our bodies. Along with the beauty value, magnesium relaxes and calms you while keeping your blood circulating smoothly.
Foods: Raw broccoli, Plantain, Spinach, Sea vegetables, Banana, Cooked lentils, Avocado, Squash, Arugula, Swiss chard
Potassium: The essence of Potassium is all about balance. This mineral is integral in balancing pH levels, maintaining proper fluid levels and the balancing of other minerals, like sodium- which in excess amounts can dry out your skin or make it look puffy. Potassium-rich foods are important for good health because healthy levels of potassium encourage responsible waste elimination from the body and the assimilation of glucose for muscle energy.
Foods: Dried apricots, Brussels sprouts, Cantaloupe, Kiwi, Pear, Dried dates, Dried figs, Banana
Iron: Iron oxygenates blood, stimulating healthy blood circulation and resulting in a highly attractive glow in the skin. Iron also energizes you because it is responsible for transporting oxygen, (our cells’ “gasoline”) throughout the body. If iron levels are low, our body is not operating at the optimal level, resulting in a lagged and tired feeling.
Foods: Spinach, Artichoke, Squash Seeds, Dried Apricots, Pistachios, Raisins, Walnuts, Asparagus, Quinoa, Mushrooms, Beans
Beauty is found in detoxification. If there are fewer toxins in your body, then there is no need for your body to express them through pimples or acne. By making sure you are getting your daily dose of these vital beauty minerals, you will see a change in the strength of your body and the resilience of your skin. For more beauty foods or information about detoxing for beauty, check out chapters 5 and 6 of The Beauty Detox Solution.
Why not try out one of my recipes with all these wonderful ingredients, one of my personal favorites is the tabouli salad recipe!
Hi
I have incorporated all your adviced since February I have also start to workout in January(running mainly) Unfortunatelly I have lost my period at the edn of march , I did not loose any weiight I did not want to so I have eaten enough to keep my weight I only wanted some kind of healthy detox. Please help what I can do to return my period I have always regural, I do not know what have happened to my body
Many many thank yo.
HI Sam, I’m not sure what your height and weight are, but women can lose their period if they don’t have enough fat on their body. Keep eating lots of plant-based foods, but bring in more avocados, seeds, nuts, some beans, healthy grains, etc. Esp. if you are running a lot, you may need larger portion sizes to gain more fat back into your body. xx
Many thanks to you I eat even if I am not hungry I know that you advice eat only if feel we hunger, but I can not afford to loose weight and like you write I need to gain some fat on my body so I eat much more fatty food like avocados flax hemp oils, nuts and seeds and wait. I eat black beans and pseudograins too.
Thanks a lot
Some rawfoodist says that it is healthy to do not have period (you know like clean body), but I do not thinks so….We want baby and my doc said no period no ovulation (made my hormonal test too)
Hi Kim. I too am thin and am on the radiant beauty level. Do I need to wait until dinner to eat nuts and seeds? Or could I have some in between meals?
Thnanks,
Pam
I would really like to know the answer to this too, as I have also lost my periods these past 6 months. I don’t want to lose weight, and struggle to eat enough with the restrictive rules – but I want to be as healthy & beautiful as I can be! I don’t know what to do. My BMI says that I’m underweight, but because I like to exercise (not excessively) and my job is active, but I just can’t seem to get enough calories. If I eat more nuts, seeds, avocados then surely I’m eating too much fat and will continue to have oily skin??? (I have bad and oily skin, so I follow your advice in regards to skin)
Please, I would love any advice as you’re my favorite health advocate!
Try increasing your grain intake, including some whole grain flour.
Kim, as a young adult, I greatly admire and respect your wisdom and light that you have graciously bestowed upon us through your knowledge and blog. I live in a family that turns a blind eye to the dangers and harm that is attacking their bodies. It is not out of arrogance that I declare that I am the only one who strives to maintain a healthy lifestyle. My father especially is attentive to this, and out of everyone in my family he is the most outspoken individual against good health. He prefers to consume Atkins products, eat at burger joints and consume copious amounts of animal products (from milk to beef and pork, chicken and lard). His answer is that genetics dominates our lifespan, and that anyone can exercise and eat “healthy” and still die at a young age. Although I do agree that this statement does contain some fact, I also believe that it is no excuse for one to abuse his or her own body. Secretly, I am a vegan. I do say secretly because my family denies it, even though I have blatantly confirmed that I despise consuming animal products and would prefer a bowl of strawberries over a glass of mucus forming milk and cookies. None of them wish to step foot in a farmer’s market, and the produce department is a war zone for them because of our low budget. Our house has a weak blender that nearly broke after my sister tried to blend frozen berries and chocolate in it, so I cannot make a green smoothie. I manage by steaming vegetables (even though I cringe at the thought of receiving little nutrition by doing so) and buying tubs of spinach and what little my fruits my father consents to my purchasing. My breakfasts are decent, for at least I am able to eat oatmeal. I can buy raw nuts, and there is an avocado tree in our backyard. But otherwise, I feel trapped, ignored, and shunned because of my habits.
My family thought I was nutso too (erm…probably still does) but they’ve adapted and respect my lifestyle now that I’ve stopped being preachy or getting upset when they offer me a donut or whatever.
I was using a crappy blender but then when traveling I found out about these!
I got my handblender at target and if I add water stuff (water, juice, watermelon) first and then greens it blends them up superfine so you don’t get the nasty green chunks.
I’m super broke too so I buy a lot of bulk bin stuff (quinoa, sunflower seeds, buckwheat, alfalfa, lentils) and then sprout them so I have super fresh, economical microgreens to add to my smoothies. It’s time consuming but I save a lot and it’s rewarding and fun to make my own food! 🙂
In my opinion it’s worth it to get the handblender because when I’m drinking green smoothies/energy soup I eat better throughout the day, get less cravings, and eat less.
Thanks Rache, and good idea. Yes with even a thick green smoothie (chew well!) you will have to eat less and may spend less. xx
Thank you for your advice! Slowly I am trying to make enough money of my own, that way I can try to hunt for a farmer’s market trip and buy my own produce. What brand of handblenders do you suggest?
What I like about this blog are the comments; they are filled with as much knowledge, compassion, and support as the topic itself. Thank you once more!
Sammy, I’m really sorry you have to deal with that. But I can say that you have to really just focus on yourself and what you know to be right in your heart. People are not ready to hear new opinions or information on diet until they are ready, so I suggest you just keep focusing on your own health and energy and don’t try to “convince” any one. Your dad and every one else has to take care of their body, and while it is upsetting, maybe over time seeing you look and feel great they may want to shift too.
My dad used to love burgers and I never thought his habits would change, but after years of watching me, he is now 98% veg.
xx Kimberly
Thank you very much! I am honored to have you simply reply to my own message! I too am a yogi, and often I meditate or practice yoga whenever my family- or life in general- puts a strain on me. My dream is to become an artist, and thus I plan to attend an art college next year (this year I am building a portfolio and taking night courses and waiting for my eighteenth birthday, since I graduated a year early from high school). But afterwards, I hope to get a license for teaching yoga. You are such an inspiration, Miss Snyder! Thank you so very much, and may you always remain vibrant and beautiful from the inside out! – Namaste!
What a fantastically comprehensive list of incredible foods that are actually pretty simple to add to the diet. I love the green smoothie and find it is such a yummy way to add both fruits and vegetables to my daily diet. I love the detail in this list though, I’ll have to tape it in my cupboard 🙂
Great! 🙂
I have personally noticed a huge improvement in my skin when I focus on eating greens. When I have my daily green smoothie, my skin is radiant and I don’t need any face make-up at all.
Fantastic! I know, I only wear eye makeup on a daily basis usually now.
Kimberly,
First of all I want to say thankyou, from the bottom of my heart. You have literally changed my life, after years of bloating, acne, skin and stomach problems. I tell EVERYONE about the beauty detox solution!
I have one question though: I have severe Rosacea and red, flushed cheeks, constantly. It is really hindering my confidence and social self. Any suggestions how to get rid of it, or to help it would be amazing!
Thanks for empowering me to unleash my full beauty potential!
Bella xx
Hi Bella, that is wonderful, and thank you!
Rosacea has the same root cause as some other skin conditions within the body. Have you been incorporating a lot of probiotic & enzyme salad and probiotic supplements into your life? It may take a little time, but these items, as well as cutting the dairy and other allergens like gluten, can hopefully really improve the condition over time. xx
Hello Bella –
I read that the skin is a reflection of the body’s oerall health.
Kim is absolutely right that the first thing to do is avoid offending food as well as incorporate the supplementation she suggested to neutralize the underlying inflammation. I may be able to assist topically. You may contact me at sallysnyder@hotmail.com to unhinder your “confidence and social self”! Sally
Hi Kimberly,
Is there any benefit to avoiding spices and naturally spicy foods? A colon hydrotherapist told me that foods like cayenne, radishes, etc. are irritating to the digestive tract and should be avoided for optimum health (especially intestinal health.)
HI Marcheline,
Cayenne and other pungent foods can be irritating in some people when their bodies becomes extremely, extremely cleansed and they eat mostly all greens or fruit. For most people however, these foods are really helpful for breaking up mucus and toxins in the body. I still consume these foods very regularly for these reasons. xx
Thanks so much for the response, Kim!
I actually do eat mostly fruit and greens. Do you know how harmful that type of irritation might be?
P.S. I’m buying your book for everyone on my holiday gift list!
Hi Kimberly, thank you for continuously updating your blog, twitter & Facebook with useful & relevant information. Although I’ve read the Beauty Detox Solution, having your daily tips & updates pop up really helps me to keep on track & gives me ideas of new foods & snacks to try! Please keep it up x
Great thanks Kristy!
Kim 🙂
Thank you so much for replying!
I tried the lemon water this morning and was wondering if adding the lemon to water that’s cooled down to about 130° is ok?
Also, the taste is super sour, is adding honey fine or will that take away from its benefits?
Oh, and one more question 😉 I came across your Glowing Green Summer Smoothie Recipe and was wondering if this can take the place of the GGS? If not, when do you recommend consuming this smoothie?
Hope you’re having a great day!
Hi Nicole, you can always mix and match the greens and fruit in your GGS. You don’t have to stick to the basic recipe!
And yes, you can sweeten your lemon water. Try stevia or a little honey is okay if you are not a Blossoming Beauty . xx
Hi Kimberly!
I recently went to a nutritionist who has pretty much the exact same beliefs as you. She has her own green smoothie she told me to make which includes:
1 banana
1 cup of frozen fruit (any kind)
2 handfuls of spinach
little bit of water
Are these ingredients sufficient enough to get your day started with the right minerals? Or do I also need to add the celery, apples, etc?
Also, she told me to only drink “Pacific Brand Almond Milk” (which I tried and don’t like very much). However, I LOVE “Blue Diamond Almond Milk”- is that brand ok instead?
Hi Courtney, my smoothie has a higher greens content than the one you list. I tell my clients and readers to aim for 70% green.
Hi Kimberly!!!!
Thank you for this article! I now know that I am eating the right foods for my skin and health. I want to thank you so much for changing my life. As long as I can remember I had really bad acne and now my skin has cleared up dramatically. I feel so much better as well. Thank You!
I do have one question though. I drink about 22-24 ounces of the GGS for breakfast and try to stick to your light to heavy rule throughout the day. But sometimes I get so much uncomfortable gas. Do you know why this is? I take the probiotics and digestive enzymes you recommended but do not take the Magnesium supplement, could this be it? What do you suggest I change?
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!
Maggie
HI Maggie, it is hard to say exactly since I don’t know your whole background. Sometimes people need to rebuild their HCL and digestion when they start eating a lot of raw veggies. You can steam broccoli and other veggies instead of eating them raw as you keep transitioning, to see if that helps.
Great about your skin! xx
Thank you Kimberly. Your such a life saver!!!!!
P.S. I just ordered my Vitamix 2 days ago. Thanks for the free shipping!!!!!!
Maggie
Hi Kimberly, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate and enjoy your daily updates to your blog, facebook and twitter. Although I’ve read the Beauty Detox Solution and it covers most of what you update regularly, it really helps to keep me on track and motivated, and gives me great ideas for new foods to try. I love knowing that every day I can look on your blog or other social media outlets and be inspired and motivated to maintain my healthy lifestyle choices! Please keep up the great work.
That’s wonderful Kristy! Stay connected.
I am curious… Raw plantain is high in magnesium. Are we talking about plantains (sweet and bigger than a banana, looks related) that is common in latin american food??And I can eat this raw?
Wow, zinc can prevent stretch marks. Very exciting that there is hope for stretch marks, wish you could go more into this as I and countless others have struggled with this. Keep the good news coming! Love and peace.
Hi Reishma, I would cook plantains. 🙂 Eat in moderation though b/c they have lots of sugar. Use cocoa butter or coconut oil on your stretch marks! xx
Kimberly! I love your blog and am currently on the Detox diet and loving it. I have a question though- what is your opinion on drinking coconut water? Beneficial? I’ve been using it as a replacement for coffee in my early stages and want to know what you think about it!
Thanks and blessings for creating such a beautiful plan!
Morgan
Hi!
Kim is a huge believer in coconut water, check out earlier blogs for lots of info on this. I started drinking pure coconut water because of Kim! It’s amazing 🙂
ahh thank you! I did start to read earlier and noticed it- coconut water is delicious! thanks Karise! 🙂
Hi Kim, which foods can vegetarians and vegans eat to ensure an adequate amount of daily protein? Thank you!
Hi Heather, aside from the protein in all of the dark leafy greens you eat, another good source are seeds, nuts, quinoa and legumes. Xx
Hi Kim,
Thanks you for your precious info !
I have a question, is it ok to eat dried fruits for desserts ?
Thanks a lot !
Yes, occasionally that is fine. Remember they are high in sugar, so use moderation! Kimberly
Hi Kimberly!!
First I wanna say thank you so much for all your hard work in your field. I started reading your book about a month ago and started in the radiant beauty as the diet I did before was different but I was eating a lot of fruits and veggies, anyway I feel fabulous!! i was happy with my weight before, but since adding the glowing green smoothie and cutting out caffeine , dairy and a bunch of other junk from my diet I am not bloated anymore and my tummy is actually flat! What I was most excited about though was my skin and how it is actually clear after months and months of breakouts.
I do have a question though. My kids are starting school soon and I am trying to have them eat healthier as well and school lunches are not so healthy. I always used to get deli meat and make sandwhiches but now that I realize how unhealthy that is I don’t want to do that. Any suggestions?
Thanks!!
Jen
HI Jen, what about hummus or avocado sandwiches for your kids? Or celery stick-almond butter-raisin logs? When they want a snack almond milk-date-banana milkshakes are a great option too. xx
Hi, Kim!
I’m wondering how you feel about water kefir? You are always talking about probiotics, but as far as I know, you’ve never mentioned water kefir in your book or your blog at all. It seems like an easy, yummy way to get some of those probiotics the digestive system needs, so I’m wondering if there’s a reason you don’t seem to endorse it?
Kefir is good good! xx
Hi Kim,
These are great tips thanks!
I never seem to fill up enough or if I do I find that I’m hungry again not long after and that’s when I start eating things I shouldn’t. I find that healthy snacks don’t seem to satisfy my hunger………I’m also always tired.
Thanks, Bron
Bron, check out my post titled “25 energizing snacks” to give you some creative food options to get energy! Be sure to eat lots of Probiotic & Enzyme Salad, which help ensure you are adequately absorbing the nutrients you eat. Xx, Kimberly
Hi Kim,
I’ve been getting a lot of pain due to low progesterone levels. What is are the quickest and most effective ways to increase progesterone..what supplements, fruits, veggies are best?
I’ve been drinking your GGS for a few months now and noticed some improvements, but please let me know if there are specific foods I should concentrate on.
Thank you,
Tati
Hey Kimberly,
I just finished a 3month juice feast….Im trying to gain some healthy weight back without putting to much on my body and digestion to quickly. It seems easy to just gain weight and eat again…but it feels like my digestion is trying to play major catch-up…do I eat three meals a day even when Im not hungry? Should I avoid a juice in the morning until I gain some weight back? and should I follow your true beauty phase from here on? it feels like a lot of food for the bodies state right now….Please reply with your advice!
Molly
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