Ultimately, what you put in your body, shows up on your face. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite wellness experts to share their go-to recipe for glowing skin.

Name: Nicole Anderson

 Instagram: @elementalsuperfood

Job Description:  I am the founder/CEO of Elemental Superfood, a plant-based brand that is focused on providing the best tasting snacks with the cleanest and highest quality ingredients. 

 Eat This For: I love baked goods, but I do not like the gluten, dairy, and sugar that are usually packed in most of them. This bread is made with buckwheat, which is gluten-free and has anti-inflammatory effects. Buckwheat is also a good source of fiber, and rich in minerals and various plant compounds. This bread is also dairy-free and has no refined sugar. I use the bananas as my sweetener most of the time when I make this, but you can use a little maple syrup or coconut sugar.

Time & Place:  I eat this for breakfast somedays when I am running out the door and do not have time to make anything in my kitchen or as a snack when I feel like having something slightly sweet and satisfying. I love to warm a slice in the toaster oven for a minute and top it with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Skin Food: Along with buckwheat, which is anti-inflammatory, this bread is made with bananas that contain vitamin C and Manganese, which is good for your skin and also can aid in digestion and help with GI issues.  

COVID-19 Silver Lining: I have enjoyed slowing down a little and spending more time with my family. This time has put things even more in perspective for me in terms of what is truly important and definitely, has me appreciating the simple pleasures.  

Skincare Mantra:  Stay hydrated, eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and good nutrition, sleep, and clean skincare products.

BLUEBERRY CARDAMOM BANANA BREAD

• 2 1/2 c buckwheat flour (to make flour grind buckwheat groats in a coffee grinder)
• 2 tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 5 ripe bananas 
• 1/2 c maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional)
• 1/2 c water (plus a little more if dough is too thick) 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 cup to 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen that have been thawed) 
• lightly salted butter, to serve (skip or replace with coconut oil, your favorite vegan spread, or nut butter)

Preheat the oven to 350. Mix the buckwheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and sea salt together in a large bowl. Mix the mashed bananas, water, and vanilla together, then add to the bowl. Mix everything well and then fold in the blueberries. Pour the mixture to a loaf tin lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool before slicing, then serve with vegan butter (or butter of choice), or coconut oil.