5/5/15 –
Do you wish you looked a few years younger? Look no further than your dinner plate. The foods that you regularly eat noticeably contribute to how you look and feel – so read on for the anti-aging foods that can really make a difference!
More Meat, Please
Like getting your protein fix from meats? If you’re in the market for young-looking skin that doesn’t disclose your age, you’ll be pleased to know that eating meat can help you do just that. Just be careful, because not all meats are created equal. For increased collagen that keeps your skin tight, lean meats – especially when grass fed – are the way to go. Do you like fish even better? Then get your fill of salmon that’s full of amazing omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon also helps ward off cancers, fights inflammation, and improves your circulation, all while giving your skin that healthy glow you want.
Fruits & Veggies, Too
Beside your meats (or in lieu of them if you’re not a meat-eater), you’ll want a healthy helping of fruits and vegetables. Especially if you want skin that makes people wonder if you and your children are brothers and sisters.
What kind of fruits and vegetables can help you out? When it comes to your skin’s health, any fruit or vegetable is useful. Just remember that the more color a fruit has, the more nutrients it holds. The more nutrients, the better it is for your skin!
A few of the best include the following:
- avocados—they provide healthy, monounsaturated fats that help your skin stay well hydrated
- oranges—full of cell-hydrating water, vitamin C does double duty by helping create collagen, which keeps your skin plump and smooth
- grapes—a particular chemical called resveratrol comes from grape skins and is remarkably efficient at fighting inflammation and bringing the aging process to a nice, slow pace
- pomegranates—on top of fighting free radicals, they help preserve the collagen you’ve worked so hard to get in the first place
- blueberries—they’re small and full of antioxidants that fight the damage to your skin caused by free radicals, sun damage, and stress
- kale and spinach—these and other leafy greens serve to protect against damage done to your skin by the sun, improve your skin’s elasticity (which helps you look younger), and keep your skin as hydrated as possible
- cauliflower and Brussels sprouts—they may not look like much, but they’re loaded with antioxidants and reduce your risk of cancer and give your immune system a boost, while cauliflower even works to keep your teeth whiter
When you have healthier skin, you have a healthier you that looks young and happy and is ready to take on the world! To look even younger, a challenging and consistent exercise program is a must.
Here’s why…Exercise is the only proven way to drastically combat aging and to regain your youthful body. In fact, most people are able to regain up to 1/3 of their muscle strength and mass after participating in an exercise program for just a couple of months. Many studies have also shown that seniors who exercise regularly live longer than those who don’t.
Isn’t that amazing?
Recipe of the week in honor of Cinco De Mayo!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Here’s a simple, delicious dinner that your whole family will love. Simply throw the chicken ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a healthy, flavorful meal.
Servings: 8
Here’s what you need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (4oz) can green chiles, chopped (I use mild!)
- 1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (16oz) jar green salsa
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped plus more for garnish
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Large lettuce leaves
- Avocado, sliced
- Combine all of the ingredients, except the lettuce leaves and avocado, in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
- Remove the chicken thighs, shred with a fork, and mix back in. Serve, using a slotted spoon, on the lettuce leaves. Garnish with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of fajita seasoning.
- Enjoy the yumminess!
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 202 calories, 6g fat, 589mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, and 20g protein.
For more recipe inspiration follow me on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/tonedinten
