THE BEST FOODS FOR YOUR SKIN

Hello there, my health-conscious friends! I’m am an esthetician, or your skin gal for short, and totally nuts about health and fitness. My niece thinks I’m a bit weird because I eat so healthy, but I look at her and tell her I’m not weird, I’m extraordinary. And so are you! When you start eating differently, your friends and family may call you out and not understand why you aren’t stocking up on the cheesy potatoes this holiday (more cheese than potatoes if your family is anything like mine).  If you want to change your diet to include foods that make you feel good and eliminate rich foods that make your belly rumble and require undoing a button or two; keep reading!  I am here to tell you about 3 of my favorite foods to keep your energy up and your skin looking like it did in your 20s, (and maybe even better.)

Me posing with the best food for your skin: Sweet Potatoes!

SWEET POTATOES

Before you say, “Ewww, I don’t like sweet potatoes.” Don’t worry, initially, neither did I. Prior to introducing these delicious roots to my diet, when I heard sweet potatoes, my mind instantly went to the baby food soft, butter and sugar rich, marshmallow topped dish my mom would make every thanksgiving. We all took a little just so mom wouldn’t throw the dish across the room because no one liked it (yes, dishes sometimes break at my family holidays and we aren’t even Jewish).  

Now, I absolutely LOVE sweet potatoes! They are incredibly nutrient dense. These babies contain Vitamins A, E, C, and B all of which contribute to healthy skin cells. Healthy cells = younger looking skin.  Sweet potatoes also contain Choline which helps to maintain the structure of the cell. When your cells lose their structure, they shrivel up and die faster than the wicked witch of the west. This will speed the aging process and you will be running to the botox clinic.  Save yourself the dough and add some years onto your life by picking up some organic sweet potatoes next time you are at the market. They come in orange, white and even purple (my favorite!) I keep it simple and cook them in my Insta Pot then top with Himalayan Sea Salt and Organic Goat Ghee. You can also add seasonings like cinnamon or cayenne to adjust to your palate.

OMEGA 3 EGGS

I love eggs! I always have 2 hardboiled eggs with my breakfast. When shopping for eggs, look for Omega 3 on the package.  This means that the hens were fed a diet rich in Omega 3 fats like flax seed and walnuts, thus making the eggs high in the Omega 3 fatty acid, ALA. When you break the egg open, the yolk will be a rich yellow-orange color. Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial for your heart and brain health and are also super good for your skin! They protect your cells against it’s biggest enemy, the sun. Now, they won’t replace your sunscreen completely, but they do provide nutrients to your body that aid in reinforcing the cellular membrane, assisting your topical protection.  Pro cooking tip: For the perfect hardboiled egg, place eggs in luke warm water with salt then, bring the pot to a boil. Remove pot from stove and cover. Let sit for 10 minutes. Follow with ice bath.

GRAPES

Still craving Doritos? Even that word makes me want to binge eat a bag! Grab a pile of grapes instead! It’s important to have food at the ready for when those cravings come! These hydration packed orbs are packed with trace minerals that support cellular processes and antioxidants that combat the evil-doing free radical. A free radical is an unstable atom that can damage cells cause aging and disease. These atoms are missing an electron which create their instability. When left to their own devices, free radicals float around looking for an electron to fill it’s circuit. Like a child who has had their favorite toy taken away, these atoms will freak out until they get their electron back. The satisfactory electron is stolen from your healthy skin cells if it is not gathered elsewhere. The antioxidant is like the child’s blanket. It will sooth almost any situation. Eating foods like grapes which are high in antioxidants will prevent damage to your cells. Pick up a fresh grape. It is as plump as you want your skin cell to be. As you pop it into your mouth crush  it between your teeth, you are also crushing your new nutrition plan as well. Get after it!

Continue your investigation in to eating and how your diet can improve your skin here.