Get Perfect Skin with Sweet Potatoes

Did you know that sweet potatoes are a great way to keep you skin smooth and young-looking? The reason is simple, Sweet Potatoes are chock full of beta-carotene, the orange colored antioxidant that your body rapidly converts to Vitamin A.  That's the same ingredient in all  of those high dollar skin creams, lotions and treatments (usually in the form of retinoic acid or retinol).  Given a regular source of natural beta-carotene and Vitamin A, your genes will start rapidly putting the nutrient to work at what it does best... regulating the growth of new skin cells, and creating smoothing healthy skin.  Plus, as a great source of antioxidants, a diet rich in sweet potatoes can even help your body repair skin that is already damaged.


This week's recipe is a tastebud tingling sensation, Sweet Potato and Avocado sandwiches with Poppy Seed Dressing.  This is a super healthy, power punch of a combo because carotenoids like Beta Carotene are lipophilic (soluble in fat, not water).So consuming this sandwich is not only delicious, but the avocado's healthy monounsaturated fats will actually help you absorb more Vitamin A.  Pretty Cool, huh.  Even better, this recipe requires no real cooking, just boil and Sweet Potato, stack you sandwich and prepare to enjoy!!

 Sweet Potato and Avocado Sandwiches with Poppy Seed Dressing

 INGREDIENTS

• 1 small sweet potato (about 7 ounces), peeled and cut into 2-inch-thick slices
• 1 1/2 tablespoon honey mustard
• 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 4 slices whole wheat bread
• Red onion slices
• 1/2 small avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
• 4 tomato slices
• Your fave reduced-fat cheese
• Finely shredded lettuce or sprouts

PREPARATION

Cook sweet potato slices in boiling salted water until tender. Rinse with cold water, then drain. While those cool, stir together honey mustard, mayonnaise, and poppy seeds in a small bowl.

To construct the sandwiches, first spread half the poppy seed mixture on 2 of the bread slices, then place the onion, avocado, and tomato slices on top of each slice; sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Add a layer of sweet potato slices, cheese and lettuce. Top with remaining bread.

There you have it. 10 minutes for a tasty lunch and a pathway smooth, healthy, skin.  Hard to beat if you ask me.

461 calories per sandwich, 15 g fat (2 g saturated), 67.5 g carbs, 17 g fiber, 14 g protein