When I don’t have enough sleep, my skin breaks out. When I am stressed, my skin breaks out. When I am rested and healthy, my skin looks great. Yes, my skin is a message board for the way I feel. There is a strong link between your body and your diet. And your skin is your body’s largest organ and what you put into it has an impact on how you feel and look.
It is important to note that everyone’s body is unique and what works for some may not work for others. For example, some individuals can tolerate dairy and eggs while others can not. But, overall, in order to feel better and to look better there are some foods to stay away from (or at least seriously limit) and other foods to enjoy in abundance.
Stay away from refined sugar. You are better off enjoying the sweet taste of fruits and vegetables. Once your body “gets used” to fruits and vegetables, you won’t even want a candy bar.
Limit alcohol consumption. You know how you feel when you have had one to many drinks. And it shows on your face too. Need I say more?
Increase the variety and the amount of vegetables at every meal.
Reduce simple carbs and increase whole grains like oats, brown rice and pasta made with whole grains or vegetables.
Increase the use of anti-inflamatory spices such as ginger, turmeric and cinnamon.
So, how to incorporate healthy foods into your everyday diet? Here are a few ideas:
Green breakfast smoothie- Combine and blend : 2 stalks of kale (leaves only), 1 cup coconut water, 1 cup spinach, 1/2 green apple, 1/2 banana, juice of 1/2 fresh lemon, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 handful fresh mint leaves, 1 handful ice cubes
Detox Salad- 1/2 red cabbage, shredded, 1/4 white cabbage, shredded, 1 carrot, grated, 1 cup steamed broccoli, 1/2 cup spinach leaves or rocket leaves, 4 walnuts, 1/4 cup fresh spring onions, chopped, 1/2 avocado, sliced, 1/2 cup fennel, sliced, 1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped, 2 tablespoons mixed raw seeds, 1/2 pear (optional) Dressing Ingredients: 1 teaspoon turmeric, juice of 1/2 fresh lemon, 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon tahini, 1 teaspoon raw honey, Himalayan salt and ground pepper, to taste
For more healthy ideas and ways to keep your skin glowing, contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com