

Charge it to the way I was raised, but every time it's wintertime and I see strawberries in the produce section, I give them major side-eye. Technically, they aren't in season until April (thru June) so that means there's some real shadiness (probably a lot of preservatives and dye) to pass some off during the holiday season.
I'm not sure if a lot of us realize just how important it is to buy fruits and veggies when they are in season. Seasonal produce has less pesticides, contains more antioxidants, and they're far more affordable too. Also, when you get food that's at its peak, not only is it good for your health but it can keep you looking amazing as well.
With all of the parties to attend and family entertaining that you'll be doing this holiday season, I highly-recommend that you pick up some of the following foods—not just to serve to your guests but also because your hair, skin, and nails will love each and every one of them. And it will show!
Grapefruit
Shutterstock
Did you know that grapefruit contains 92 percent water? That automatically makes it a great detoxifier and weight loss agent. It's actually kind of amazing that with all of the water that's in grapefruit, it still contains an impressive amount of potassium, lycopene, vitamin C, and choline—all of which are great at fighting acne-prone skin and fighting nail fungus.
Grapefruit Beauty Tip to Try: Get a travel-size plastic spray bottle and squeeze some fresh grapefruit juice into it. Then chop up some fresh mint leaves and put them into the bottle as well. Let the contents marinate for about three hours and you'll have a great natural astringent to use—day or night. (As far as treating nail fungus, try taking a grapefruit extract supplement on a daily basis in order to heal it.)
Featured image by Getty Images
- 6 Benefits of Eating Seasonal Produce ›
- 7 Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits ›
- You Asked: Is It Bad to Eat the Same Thing Every Day? | Time ›
- What's in Season in Fall? The Top 10 Healthiest Fruits and Vegetables ›
- Benefits of different fruits and vegetables ›
- Eat the Rainbow: Health Benefits of Fruit and Veggie Variety ... ›
- The Best Winter Fruits and Winter Vegetables | Greatist ›
- Why Eat Fruits and Vegetables in Season | Ward's Supermarket ›
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole