A big part of my skin healing journey started with becoming more mindful of the what I was eating day to day.
That's because what we eat has a direct effect the integrity of our muscle structure, collagen stores and skin complexion. The food we eat literally builds our bodies and skin.
Not to mention, when we eat cleaner, we simply feel better.
Here are some dietary guidelines that will keep your skin in tip top shape:
1. Cut down on refined sugars
Sugar binds with certain proteins and create what are called advanced glycation end products (A.G.E.'s - great acronym right)? These AGE molecules cause inflammation and damage to the collagen layer, leading to premature wrinkling and sagging skin. Sugar also exacerbates acne because it directly feeds bacteria helping it to proliferate.
Next time you're craving something for your sweet tooth, opt for sweet things with a lower glycemic index like berries, dates, nut butters, maple syrup and raw honey and leave the bread, chips, cookies and sugary drinks behind.
2. Drink tons of water.
Water helps us cellular flush toxins from the body and is important in cell hydrating and metabolism. It's also a great way to get your digestion moving so that you're body is moving out waste quicker. Try to drink at least 2 full glasses of room temperature water every morning before anything else (add lemon for extra cleansing). Throughout the day, a person with normal physical activity should be getting at least 2-3L of water a day (1 L is the size of those tall skinny Smart Waters).
3. Load up on veggies, quality proteins and healthy fats.
The combination of these three "food groups" helps keep insulin responses down, builds stronger muscle mass and keeps the skin looking clear and hydrated. Some of my favorite way to prepare vegetables is to toss them in a bowl with some EVOO, salt, pepper and herbs and roast in the oven at 400 for 10-15 minutes. My favorite proteins are wild fish, organic pasture raised eggs, chicken and grass fed beef. Healthy fats like almond butter, avocados, nuts, seeds, and grass fed butter keep cell membranes strong and the skin moisturized, these kinds of fats are also amazing for brain and neurological health.
I definitely fill my pantry with a few staples. In no particular order, my favorite healing foods are bone broth, any kind of seaweed (nori, hijiki, kelp, etc), matcha tea, coconut butter/oil, berries, avocados, hemp seeds, bee pollen, cacao, pasture raised eggs, organic meats, wild fish, nuts, maca, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, and every color vegetable you can think of. I also love making homemade juice out of celery, cucumber, lemon, ginger and apples for the whole family.
