While changing your diet may be geared towards enhancing your physique, you may also enjoy the benefits that your skin will receive from it as well. Skin is the largest organ on our body, made up of several different parts, including water, protein, fats, and different minerals and chemicals, so it needs just as much, if not more, attention as our physique does. Little changes in your diet can soon become a game-changer when it comes to providing you clear skin and slowing signs of aging. Of course, genetics come into play when it comes to your skin, just as it does with body type, but overall, what you put in and on your body will certainly affect your health inside and out.
Hydration
Keeping your body hydrated is one of the most important things for your body and skin. Drinking plenty of water will help keep you and your skin hydrated, which will help prevent dry and aging skin. Primarily, drinking an adequate amount of water each day is the first step towards maintaining a hydrated and soft complexion. Each day, you should try to drink half an ounce per pound of your weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 ounces of water a day. In addition, eliminating drinks that dehydrate you, such as coffee, soda, and alcohol, will improve your complexion as well as improve your overall health. When your skin needs a little boost in moisture, you can always introduce a skincare product that helps your skin keep that moisture. This Daily Moisturizer Essential Hydration Cream from Laila Ali Skincare will be the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine.
Try Laila’s Very Veggie Soup from Food For Life for a healthy, all natural recipe.
Very Veggie Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small Onion finely chopped
- 1 medium Carrot finely chopped
- 1 medium Celery stalk finely chopped
- Sea salt
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 (1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger peeled and minced
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 quart Broth
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 Orange or yellow bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup Small cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup Green beans chopped
- 1 small Zucchini
- 1/2 cup Corn kernels
- 1/2 cup Green or red cabbage thinly sliced or shredded
- 2 cups Fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and a pinch of salt and cook until the vegetables are starting to soften but not lose color, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes and cook for about 2 minutes, until aromatic. Add the broth, thyme, and bay leaf, season with salt and black pepper, increase the heat to high, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Add the bell pepper, cauliflower, and green beans and cook for 3 minutes, or until starting to soften. Add the zucchini, corn, and cabbage and cook for 2 minutes more, or until all the vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
- Scoop out 1 cup of the broth and transfer it to a blender. Add the cilantro and blend smooth with no flecks of green remaining. Return the blended mixture to the soup and add the lemon juice. (Don’t cook after returning the blended cilantro to the pan to keep its vibrant green color.) Taste and add more salt, pepper, and/or lemon juice if needed. Spoon into bowls and serve.
Reducing Refined Carbs
Refined carbohydrates may be the main dietary culprit in causing acne due to their negative effects on hormonal regulation. Refined carbs increase oil production in your skin and clog your pores. By reducing bad carbohydrates in your diet, such as white bread, white rice, and cake and pastries, you may be able to improve the quality of your skin and prevent future breakouts. Making a simple swap in your diet, such as making zucchini pasta instead of traditional, can be the first step to seeing clearer and younger skin.
Introducing Olive Oil
While olive oil is a common cooking staple, you just may not know the benefits it can have on your skin. Olive oil acts as an antioxidant, which is a substance that prevents oxidation. Oxidation is a process that can produce free radicals, which are chemicals that can potentially damage cells. When applied to the skin, antioxidants may prevent premature aging.
Boost Your Collagen
Collagen—the most bountiful protein in the body, making up about 75% of your skin—is responsible for avoiding wrinkles and fine lines. Over time, your body is not able to produce collagen as easily, which is why you need to help your body keep its collagen levels at a healthy level. When collagen levels are healthy, cells that contain collagen take on a strong and youthful appearance. Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body, as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C. If you are looking for a quick and simple fix, try adding YouPlenish Collagen Powder Protein to your daily routine for a little boost in your collagen production.
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