Girl dinner has evolved. If you’re chronically online, you might have caught on to the shift as it unfolded, diarised under Tiktok’s endless stream of “What I Eat In A Day”, “Girl Dinner” and “Girl Lunch” videos. Well, the girls are no longer eating like time-poor, labour-averse adults forced to subsist upon a diet of snacks. Instead, they’re eating like cats. What’s more, many of them swear their skin is more radiant as a result.
What is the alley cat diet?
Also dubbed the “stray cat” diet, the alley cat diet is characterised by no-cook foods, including tiny pickles, buckwheat crackers, berries and fermented dairy. (The fashion designer Norma Kamali, who recently turned 80, told Vogue how she makes herself meals “that do not involve cooking”.) The essence of the diet is as follows: small plates on which a fish-based protein takes centre stage.
A typical alley cat grocery list would read as follows:
With no cooking required, it’s easy to see why this approach appeals to busy people. What’s less immediately obvious is how it can translate to glowing skin.
How can the alley cat diet give you glowing skin?
As it turns out, it’s not so far-fetched. Registered nutritionist Stephanie De Chillaz points to the studied health benefits (more on that below) of foods in the trend, explaining that several of them are anti-inflammatory and positively support the function and moisture of the skin barrier.
But as with all things, there are nuances. “I am cautious about overstating the role of diet,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto, though she confirms that there is evidence to show regular intake of oily fish may help certain inflammatory skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis.
Mahto believes points out that, while research has shown nutrition and skin condition to be interconnected, responses to diet changes may vary between individuals. That is to say, your girly cat dinner may help with skin health, but it’s not a guaranteed cure-all.
6 “alley cat” foods to eat more of for happy skin
Oily tinned fish
At British Vogue, we’ve long waxed lyrical about the benefits of sardines (and other oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel) for skin.
“These small, fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are known to be beneficial for brain, eye and heart health as well as skin health,” says De Chillaz. “Omega-3 fats are anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce inflammation, which can be a driver of certain skin conditions such as rosacea, acne and premature ageing.”
She explains that omega 3 fats promote a skin glow, because they regulate the production of oil on the skin, and “play a vital role in keeping skin hydrated by retaining moisture – contributing to a healthier and more vibrant complexion”.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a grain that De Chillaz namechecks for being high in fibre and antioxidants. “It is rich in an antioxidant called rutin, which helps to support vascular health, as well as anti-inflammatory quercetin.”
Yoghurt and kefir
“This is a complex area,” Mahto says when quizzed on the skin benefits of dairy. “Some patients with acne notice improvement when they reduce or eliminate certain dairy products,” she says. Particularly skimmed milk, which she and De Chillaz agree can influence hormonal pathways in the body with undesirable effects.
Per De Chillaz, though, studies in nutrition show that for skin health and radiance, it is best to consume fermented sources of dairy which contain high levels of probiotics (think: live yoghurt or kefir). “Probiotics or beneficial bacteria such as these support a healthy gut microbiome, which can be beneficial to the skin via the gut-skin axis.”
Pickled foods
De Chillaz says that, depending on how they have been fermented, pickles provide health benefits thanks to their high fibre, probiotic, antioxidant and nutrient profile.
“Pickles (and cornichons) contain probiotics which can support a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut has been known to be beneficial to the skin via the gut-skin axis by lowering inflammation and improving hydration in the skin. Pickles are also high in antioxidants – such as vitamins A, C and K – as well as polyphenols. These can help combat oxidative stress, which can improve skin ageing and fight dryness and wrinkles.”
Berries
Another source of polyphenols that De Chillaz recommends, berries are a great addition to your plate for glowing skin. “These include anthocyanins which are known to support collagen production and improve circulation, which can lead to enhanced skin tone and glow,” she says.
Salad greens
High in fibre and rich in multivitamins, Chillaz describes leafy greens “one of the best things you can eat”. Not just for skin, but for immunity, bone, eye and overall health too. “The antioxidants greens contain also help protect skin against harmful UV rays,” she notes, adding that they enhance collagen synthesis, which contributes to a plumper looking complexion.
Meet the experts:
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