Diet & Skin Care

When your skin is acting naughty, it’s trying to tell you something.  It’s trying to say you are putting something into your body that isn’t good for you.  I’m sure we have all heard “you are what you eat”, and it’s true.

I recently was reading ‘The Body Book’ by Cameron Diaz and she was talking about how her diet extremely affects her skin.  She ate fast food every day of her teen years and early 20’s.  And guess what?  She had terrible skin!  I’m talking about horrible break outs and bad complexion.  She never thought her diet was bad because she was always naturally thin.  Then in her late 20’s she started researching healthy food.  She changed her diet and within a few months her skin was clear and beautiful.  (I am paraphrasing all of this from her book)

I don’t like being the one to bring the hard truths.  Please think of me as your older sister or bff who is just looking out for you!  I’m telling you this because I really care for you!  Ok, here it goes.  If you are having consistent break outs, start examining your diet.  If your break outs and complexion are because of a poor diet, there is not a skin care product that will fix your skin issues. There may be products that will help a little, but a good diet is how to fix it. I know things would be much easier if you can put a cream on your face to clear everything up, but unfortunately it doesn’t work like that.

Most Dermatologist (not all) will never talk to you about your diet.  They are doctors, they know how to diagnose and give medicine.  A lot of skin related issues can be managed by a good diet.  When changing your diet give it 2-3 months to really start seeing a difference.

What to avoid?  Dairy (loaded with hormones), Simple Carbs (bread, pasta), Sugar, Caffeine, Alcohol, anything processed.

I know it’s difficult to avoid all of these.  When I was 19 and heard this list I thought to myself “that’s my entire diet!  what will I eat?”  Take it 1 food at a time, 1 meal at a time.  Try switching out your ego waffle with syrup for a gluten free waffle with natural almond butter.  Similar taste and so much healthier!

What to eat?  Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries), Nuts (in raw form, not roasted), Vegetables, Lean Protein (chicken, fish, eggs), Salmon, Avocado, Tomatoes, Garlic, Sweet Potatoes (without all the sugar), Almond Milk or Coconut Milk, Water.

No one can eat a perfect diet all the time.  The important thing is to eat healthy most of the time.    I still eat all my indulgent foods that I love so much, but in moderation.  And never think of it as a diet, it’s a lifestyle.  When you go to the grocery store, shop the outside of the store.  Avoid going up and down any of the aisles.  Just doing this will keep you away from most of the bad stuff.

Whatever your motivation is to eat a healthy diet, it’s worth it.  Put yourself first and take care of you.  Take the time out of the day to make yourself a healthy meal.  When you are healthy and feel great, it is a gift to yourself and everyone around you who loves you.  With a healthy diet you will feel better, look better and live a longer happier life!

guacamole pasta

Last night I tried this new recipe for Guacamole Pasta that I found on the Body Book blog.  It was delicious!  The flavor is very rich, so I would recommend eating it as a side.  It would be perfect on the side of a grilled chicken breast.  Here is the recipe (I doubled it to make enough for my family):

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked pasta
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1.5 cup baby spinach or kale
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 ripe Avocados, pitted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
  • 1/2-1 jalapeño, seeded to taste

Directions

  • Cook pasta according to directions
  • While pasta cooks, combine garlic, spinach and jalapeño in food processor or blender.  Pulse to mince.
  • Add lime juice, olive oil, avocados and salt and blend until smooth.
  • Combine with cooked pasta, add tomatoes, stir and serve.

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One thought on “Diet & Skin Care

  1. I love that book! Great advice. I can’t wait to try the recipe – sounds delicious!! Thank you for always posting awesome stuff!

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