STRONG AND HEALTHY NAILS: GOING BEYOND THE MANI

Have you ever seen those perfect manicure pictures on Instagram and wondered how to get your nails looking so flawless? As much as I’d love to say that all you need for a perfect mani is a good polish and an expert’s touch, the underlying health of your nails play a major role. Dry cuticles and brittle nails can be frustrating and can even lead to premature polish chipping. But in true Joyride fashion, we are always looking deeper to find more holistic ways to promote health and wellness. 

There are many products out there that help strengthen nail beds and moisturize cuticles. And of course, it’s best to stick to natural products, including nail polish, base coat, top coat and nail strengthener. I always look for the products that have the least number of ingredients that I don’t recognize! 

While opting for more natural and non-toxic nail products makes a big difference, it’s only one part of the picture. It goes without saying that a healthy lifestyle and diet play a key role in the appearance of your skin, nails and hair. Drinking enough water (8 cups a day!) is also very important in keeping nails hydrated.

Supplements are a great way to make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals, but for some it can cause acne and other skin problems. The good thing is that there are lots of delicious plant-based foods that are rich with biotin, keratin, vitamin C, Omega Fatty Acid and all other good stuff for nails.

One of my personal favourite ways to keep my nails healthy is to drink delicious healthy “nail smoothies”. That’s right, smoothies that make your nails look fantastic! Who doesn’t like beautiful nails or smoothies? Packed with fresh fruit, seeds and other superfoods, it’s an absolute winner for breakfast on the go.

I’ve picked my top 3 recipes for beautiful healthy nails. (It applies to hair as well, but here we are focusing on nails mostly). And if you never have time, like me, chop all ingredients, make labelled smoothie packs and throw them in the freezer. Just add your choice or milk and blend in the morning.

1. BBB – Berry Biotin Blast

If you have brittle nails, this recipe is for you. Packed with biotin, this smoothie will sure help you grow those digits.

• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon shelled hemp seeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• ¼ of an avocado

Method

Blend the berries (fresh or frozen), hemp seeds, avocado (fresh only), and almond milk until blended, and then add the chia seeds. Pulse once or twice to incorporate the chia seeds into the smoothie, and voila!

2. Double O – Oats and Omega Smoothie

This is a winner for moisturizing nail beds that give it that shiny look.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons rolled oats
• 1 cup oat milk
• ¼ blueberries
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon each shelled hemp seeds, ground flax seeds, and raw shelled pumpkin seeds

Method

Soak the oats in the oat milk overnight in the refrigerator. Blend the oats and oat milk with the rest of the ingredients, and enjoy your breakfast.

3. Beauty Smoothie – Swiss Chard, Mango + Strawberry

Full of protein, vitamins and nutrients to help you achieve shiny, enviable claws.

INGREDIENTS:

2 large chard leaves 

1 cup mango

• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1 Tablespoon flax seed
• 1/2 to 1 cup water

Method

Wash the chard leaves thoroughly and remove tough stems. Blend all ingredients together and serve immediately.