Our skin: it’s probably the first thing people notice about us – and also the first thing we notice about ourselves when we look in the mirror. Having a poor complexion can lead to low self-esteem, which can lead to social anxiety, as well as under-performing at work or in school.
What we put on our skin plays a large role on our complexion of course; however, what we put in our bodies is reflected on the outside, too! Making healthy changes to our diet, hydration, and lifestyle will have a positive effect on the largest organ in our bodies: our skin!
So what foods can provide healthy benefits, not just on the inside but also on the outside – delivering a beauty boost? I’m glad you asked! Below are some of my favs:
Lemon: Lemons are rich in antioxidants and help assist flushing toxins out of our bodies. Lemons also have been shown to help boost collagen. Squeeze some lemon slices into your water and drink it throughout the day. Simple, refreshing… and it works!
Avocado: I love avocados and eat them everyday. This super food is loaded with benefits like fiber, anti-imflammatories, and Vitamins E, C, K, and B6. They’re also a monounsaturated fat, which is great for the ticker, and they contain antioxidants that help fight skin damaging free radicals. In addition, the fatty acids in avocados will help nourish, hydrate, and keep our skin supple and plump. A bonus? They’re yummy!
Omega-3: Wild salmon, walnuts, tuna, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory benefits, assisting us with dry skin, acne, and free radicals – all of which cause us to age faster (and who wants that?).
Water, Water, Water: I am constantly lecturing my clients and friends on the importance of staying hydrated. Hydrating our bodies has a direct effect on the smoothness and suppleness of our skin. This maybe the easiest tip for maintaining beautiful glowing skin. Drink up!
Limit dairy intake: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream can cause complexion problems – unfortunately growth hormones added to these products are also to blame. These hormones can have an inflammatory effect on the skin, clogging pores and causing acne. If you or a family member suffers from acne, try giving dairy a break for a bit and watch your skin start to clear up!
Go with your gut: There have been several studies done on how beneficial probiotics are for our gut health. It has also been shown that people who have skin problems (eczema, psoriasis, acne) also have intestinal issues. Over 60% of our immune system is in our intestinal tract so having a healthy gut is essential for a healthy body and skin! You can take probiotics in pill or powder form, and you can also find them in foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir.
I’m not suggesting you cancel your next Botox appointment or throw out that moisturizer you just bought! It takes a village! You cannot have one without the other. By adding these foods to your diet, I promise you will not only look good on the outside, but you will be healthy on the inside!
It's a win win!
Hello Gorgeous!
