Going plant-based for a meal, eating for acne, and more...

This week we are ditching the dairy…AND the meat in favor of a delightful vegan experience courtesy of Country Creek Produce Farm and Jim’s Farmer’s Market in Chambersburg, PA! 

Why plant-based this week? Plant-based diets have significant health benefits! Flooding the body with fresh veggies that are anti-inflammatory can help quell systemic inflammation. Inflammation is a key player in many health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and a VERY common skin condition called acne …heard of it?...that affects 50 million Americans annually and up to 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24….WOW, more on this in a bit!  

On a personal level I would like to be more proactive in pursuing plant based meals in my own diet. My reasons are health driven in addition to a desire to be environmentally conscious. So even though I am a carnivore at heart (I love steak. I love bacon. I love ___. You get the point) I want to be intentional about my meat consumption. I acknowledge it is kinder on the plant (and our bodies) to consume a plant based diet. If ever there was a year to be kinder its 2020 ?. 

On a professional level, I see a significant number of patients for treatment of acne. My goal is always laser focused…get clear skin and a unblemished complexion in a way that supports that patient or family’s values, comfort level and financial considerations. 

It is common that I get the question, “Is it something that I am eating?” or to paraphrase…”How is my diet affecting my acne?”

For many patients the answer is…minimally. But for some systemic inflammation plays a more significant role in their acne pathogenesis. At OneSkin Dermatology I believe access to knowledge and understanding of your skin condition in and out is critical. I am excited we have a new offering to meet these goals coming soon….!!  

This fall we are teaming up with Anne Bertram, Certified Holistic Health Coach, and founder of When Nourished to offer sessions on how diet could be affecting your acne. Interested in being one of the first to know? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Open to new and existing patients of OneSkin Dermatology in Chambersburg, PA.

Without further ado…

Coconut Curried Green Beans over Roasted Masala Cauliflower & Chickpeas

1 -1/2 lb trimmed and cleaned green beans

½ Vidalia onion sliced in rings

1 can coconut milk

¼ c raw sliced almonds

1 medium tomato diced with seeds

A few sprigs of cilantro

1 head cauliflower cleaned and chopped into florets

1 can garbanzo beans rinsed thoroughly

Extra virgin olive oil

Ginger powder

Curry powder

Garlic powder or fresh garlic- I was out!…I hope that induced an audible gasp as it did for me.  

Garam masala

Sea Salt grinder

Pepper grinder

OPTIONAL: red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a roasting pan add cauliflower and garbanzo beans. A healthy pour of olive oil. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with garam masala. Season with salt and pepper…red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Put covered with foil into the oven for 35-45 minutes. At 20 minutes or so toss pan and put back in oven. Leave uncovered for last 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven. Cauliflower should be softened but not mushy. Set aside covered.

Meanwhile, in a 3-4 inch deep pan with a fitted lid, add a few splashes of olive oil over medium to high heat. After a few minutes, but before it starts smoking, add onion rings, then green beans a couple minutes later. Stir occasionally- you want them to brown but not burn. Coat with ginger and garlic powders and season with salt and pepper. Continue browning for about 5-8 minutes with lid off. 

Once the beans and onions are a little brown, add 1 can of coconut milk. Toss in diced tomatoes and add curry powder (about 1tbsp, but may need more to taste). Sprinkle raw almonds on top and cover to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once beans are too your preferred doneness, turn off burner and let it sit for about 5 minutes. 

Then spoon over roasted cauliflower and garbanzos, top with cilantro and some raw sliced almonds and ENJOY!

Give love to your oneskin, 

RDay