Does Your Diet Affect Your Skin?
Fitness starts in the kitchen. While we focus heavily on exercise to build the body you want, at Body Sculptors in Louisville, KY, we know that your diet is ultimately most important for weight loss and good health. A healthy diet is also good for your energy level, immunity and your skin. When you eat healthy, you’ll have a vibrant, fit appearance that no make-up can reproduce. It comes from within. No matter how expensive your facial creams and masks, if you want to rejuvenate your appearance, start with your diet.
When your complexion is bad, it can make you feel self-conscious.
Throw out those sugary treats if you don’t want a breakout. Food higher on the glycemic scale can do that. Highly processed food, such as white bread, causes a boost in blood sugar levels and that can cause an increased potential to complexion problems. One study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics followed males aged 15-25 and showed that by switching their diet to one that’s lower glycemic, it reduced both the number and severity of breakouts. The reverse was also true. The higher glycemic foods increased insulin and that triggered increased oil production from the glands in the skin. Clearer skin means eating more vegetables like greens, tomatoes and carrots. It means eating fresh fruit and switching to fatty fish, like salmon.
Make sure your diet includes a rainbow of colors on your plate.
No, this doesn’t mean handfuls of Skittles or M&Ms. It means choosing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables of various tones. The orange of sweet potatoes and carrots is beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is a natural sunscreen. The purple and blues of berries comes from anthocyanin. It’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and provides natural protection for the skin from the sun. Each color provides its own benefits.
You need healthy fat in your diet for attractive skin.
Too often people fear fat if they’re trying to lose weight, yet you need healthy fat to burn fat. You also need it to look your best. Omega-3 fatty acids are important to reduce inflammation and avoid acne. Walnuts and fatty fish not only contain omega-3, but also vitamin E, which reduces the potential for skin damage. They also contain zinc and are a good source of protein. Avocados provide healthy fat and help keep the skin moist and supple.
- Don’t forget your vitamin C if you want to reduce the risk of wrinkled skin. It’s necessary for collagen production. Broccoli, red or yellow bell peppers and citrus fruit can provide it.
- Drink more water to prevent dry flaky skin. You can plump your skin and make it look years younger when you’re adequately hydrated. Coffee, alcohol and smoking can dry your skin and give premature wrinkles.
- If you want to look younger and avoid fine lines and wrinkles, cut out food with added sugar. Sugar actually damages the skin. In fact, forehead wrinkling often occurs in people who eat a lot of sugar.
- What you drink makes a difference, too. Skip those soft drinks, even diet soft drinks. Instead, opt for water and if you don’t like it, try making infused water that is flavored with fruit, vegetables and spices.
For more information, contact us today at Body Sculptors Personal Training
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