9/30/15 ~~
Here are six easy ways to look younger with simple nutrition changes – all while you boost your energy and health too!
#1: Get rid of extra Sugars to Keep Your Skin Tight
Eating sugar boosts your blood sugar levels, triggering inflammation in your body that can cause damage to your skin.
Believe me, I love my sweets but be sure to sweeten naturally with sugar free sweeteners like stevia. If you need some ideas for healthy but delicious sweets check out my Instagram page here.
Tip #2: Get an Antioxidant Boost
Slow down aging by eating some of these antioxidant rich foods.
- Beta-carotene: To boost beta-carotene levels, try pumpkin, winter squash and sweet potatoes
- Selenium: The best sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, wild seafood and pastured eggs.
- Vitamin E:. Vitamin E rich foods include nuts, seeds and avocados
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: Enjoy dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collards.
- Lycopene: . The best source of lycopene is cooked organic tomato products
Remember the more colorful the fruit or veggie, the higher potency of antioxidants.
Tip #3: Drink Green Tea
Green tea is rich in polyphenols – antioxidants that counteract free-radical damage and can even reverse the signs of aging.
Tip #4: Plump Your Skin… with Protein
Along with protecting the collagen in your skin by avoiding sugar, you also need to provide your body with enough protein.
It’s best to choose grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and eggs, wild salmon, and whey protein.
Tip #5: Smooth Fine Lines with Healthy Fats
A healthy fat that is very important is omega-3.
Research shows these fats can ward off wrinkles and smooth your skin.
According to recent research published in the Journal of Lipid Research not only do omega-3s reduce the inflammation that damages collagen, it was also found to protect against UV damage.
So Omega – 3’s can repair the damage that has already occurred. Love that!
Your best sources of omega-3’s are wild fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.
Tip #6: Eat Dark Chocolate 🙂
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that cocao contains high levels epicatchin and catechin that protect the skin from sun damage, improve circulation to skin cells, boost hydration, and make the skin look and feel smoother. Just be sure you choose dark chocolate with a cacao content of at leat 70% to assure low sugar and high anti-oxidant potency.
Here’s a great recipe full of Anti – Oxidants for your most beautiful skin.
RECIPE CORNER
Lemon, Thyme, and Caper Salmon
Ingredients
- 32 oz piece of salmon
- 1 lemon, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp capers
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place salmon, skin side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Generously season salmon with salt and pepper. Arrange capers on the salmon, and top with sliced lemon and thyme.
- Place baking sheet in a cold oven, then turn heat to 400 degrees F. Bake for 25 minutes. Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
In Health and Happiness,
Erin
