Healthy and glowing skin begins with the food you eat. It begins from the inside out - it’s what you put in your mouth - not just about what you wear!
I have been meaning to write a joint post with my bestie, Ashley from Body Mind Full for ages. She is an awesome nutritionist, health coach and wellness advocate. What better way to show case both our expertise by joining forces to bring you a post on looking and feeling good by eating well!
We’re talking foods to feed you insides that will help you shine on the outside. There are many daily practices that can help improve your wellbeing quality. You want to feed your body with nutrient-dense diet and plenty of hydration.
We know that eating a diet rich in whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and varied meats and proteins is the best way to ensure optimal health. However, there are some specific foods and nutrients that can help you on your way to binning your inner goddess out. Not to mention you’re going to feel AMAZING on the inside, and feel less bloated and sluggish.
Vegetables
It’s a given, right? You’ve heard it before? Even so, did you know that unless you make a conscious effort every day to add more vegetables to your diet – you probably aren’t reaching your recommended daily intake. Vegetables are full of fibre and are fantastic for bulking up meals without adding too many additional calories. Among the many other vitamins and minerals found in
vegetables, many are packed full of vitamins A, B and C – all known for their benefits to healthy, glowing skin.
In addition, antioxidants such as lycopene which are found in red coloured vegetables, help in the production of collagen. Botox? Who needs it when you have vegetables! Leafy greens should lay the foundations of diet and everything else is built on top. Just adding a handful of shredded spinach or kale to your breakfast eggs and spaghetti bolognese/or any other dishes, you can up your green intake and boost your diet with essential vitamins and minerals. It's that easy! Your skin will thank you for it! You'll glow and you’ll feel lighter and healthier.
Berries
Fruit can sometimes get a bad rep by people who follow fad diets that claim fruits are too high in sugars. Fruit contains sugar – yes (natural), however unlike that candy that comes with empty calories through sugar, fruit comes full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Berries are lower in sugar than other fruits and did you know that strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges? There is sound evidence around the benefits of consuming foods that are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals for disease prevention which are abundant in berries. Not to mention they are delicious and a fantastic snack when you’re on the go. They will certainly make you shin from the inside out. If you want nutrient rich, rejuvenating face mask, mash a few berries together with some honey and lather it over your skin, leave for 10 minutes and you will feel like a movie star! That’s if there are any left after snacking of course!
Essential Fatty Acids
Life is better with avocados! They’re rich in beautiful nourishing essential fats, which are heavenly for skin, brain health and satisfy hunger. Fatty acids are amazing for our insides, for brain health, and especially for our skin! Fatty acids can improve the texture and smoothness of our skin, they improve hydration and reduce inflammation. Not to mention, they help keep us full! Essential fatty acids can be found in nuts, seed oils, berries, and of course they are abundant in avocados! Want to take that face mask above to new heights of awesome for your skin? Add some avocado… not only will it smell amazing, but it will add a creaminess that will provide a direct infusion of hydration to your skin.
Probiotics
There is more and more evidence around the benefits of having a diet rich in probiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Don’t let the sound of ‘microorganisms’ put you off though, when consumed in adequate amounts they can help relieve indigestion, bloating, constipation, allergies, ulcers, reduce lactose intolerance, and even be protective against colon cancer! Having good gut health has also been linked to mental health benefits – when you feel good, you feel more comfortable in your skin. Yogurts are full of probiotics, so is sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha teas, and wait for it… dark chocolate!!
Prebiotics
Sometimes it can seem like prebiotics are the ugly sister of the always talked about - probiotics. But that cannot be further from the truth! There tends to be confusion around what they are. Prebiotics are a form of fibre and to put it simply - they act as the food to probiotics. Eating a diet rich in prebiotics and probiotics means you’re getting the most out of your food, and maximising the benefits you get from a healthy belly including, not feeling bloated and sluggish. Foods that prebiotics naturally occur in are bananas, onions, leeks, asparagus and wholegrains such as rye, barley and oats.
What are you waiting for? Glowing and feeling good has never been easier.
A big thank you to Ashley Cox - Bodymindfull it was great to have finally create a joint post with you. Cheers to many more!
Don't forget to follow her on Instagram for awesome food and smoothie recipe ideas @bodymindfull.
A big thank you to Ashley Cox - Bodymindfull it was great to have finally create a joint post with you. Cheers to many more!
Don't forget to follow her on Instagram for awesome food and smoothie recipe ideas @bodymindfull.