Sooo “You are what you eat.” Does your diet really have an effect on your appearance? Yes! Eating sensibly helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it also helps to maintain a healthy appearance. When the things you eat are good for you, you’ll look good too. Here are 8 foods that not only help you feel great, but help you look great to!
“The body is the garage in which we park our soul”
Water
Drinking plenty of water every day helps the skin look soft, supple and more youthful. By keeping the body hydrated, your overall appearance will benefit, from improved skin texture, hair and nails. If you’re feeling bloated, it may be due to an increase of sodium in the body. Increase your intake of water to help flush it out. Water also helps in the weight-loss process.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps the body fight infection and disease. It pumps up the immune system and also promotes healing.
Collagen helps the skin remain elastic but firm, which keeps the skin wrinkle and line free. Citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage are all vitamin-C-rich foods.
Green Tea
Green tea has been shown to lower cholesterol, improve immune function and reduce the risk of specific types of cancer. It is also rich in antioxidants If you’re a big coffee drinker, try replacing your morning java with a cup of green tea. Without cream, sugar or other artificial flavourings, you may notice a reduction in weight while satisfying your caffeine fix.
Soy
Soy proteins are rich in amino acids, vitamin E and many anti-oxidants. These components help the skin retain moisture, smooth out skin’s appearance and improve its elasticity.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)
EFAs like omega-3 are known as “good fats,” which helps cellular functioning. They help skin, hair, nails, muscles and practically everything involved in your physical appearance. Chia, flax and Salba seeds are fabulous. Nuts and avocado, olive oil, try coconut oil!!
Green vegetables
Vegetables such as spinach, collard greens and kale are rich in Vitamin A, C, E, iron and fibre. We’ve already discussed the benefits of vitamin C, but equally important to looking great is your intake of vitamin A and E. Vitamin A has antioxidant properties and maintains moisture for eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin E is essential for healthy, smooth and younger looking skin.
Garlic
The effects of garlic have been widely known for centuries, but only recently taken seriously by modern science. In studies, this mysterious and potent food has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and even prevent cancer. With its anti-fungal property, skin fungus issues will surely improve. (eczema, athlete’s foot, candida)
Chocolate
Well, maybe chocolate isn’t the most health-conscious food on the planet. However, it does have positive effects on your mood by pumping up endorphins and serotonin, (Guess what? Exercise does the same thing!) This gives you an overall calm and pleasant feeling. And when you feel good, you look good. Who can argue with that?
I would love to hear from you. Share what you’d like to read about, what you’re searching for or what makes you smile. Email me @ lisa@graciouslyliving.ca, or visit www.graciouslyliving.ca
VividLife.me Contributor
Lisa Berry is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, Live Cell Analyst, and Certified Life Coach
Contact info lisa @graciouslyliving.ca or call 905 442 0973
