Plant-based diets are in vogue, but they’re not a passing fad. Medical professionals and the USDA both recommend that half of every meal consist of fruits and vegetables for optimal health and disease prevention. Part of our philosophy, as a Philadelphia salon that offers a natural alternative to waxing, is to encourage all of our clients to start their beauty routines from the inside out. With that in mind, we want to share some of our favorite tips for a healthier and more beautiful life.
AVOIDING EXCESS SUGAR
There are more and more recent studies showing a link between higher levels of blood sugar and aging. Science has shown for some time now that excess sugar and carbohydrates in our diets damage the very proteins that keep our skin young healthy. With the many other reasons to avoid sugar, especially the refined, processed types, this is just one more to add to the list if glowing, healthy looking skin is what you desire.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
Yes, we know convenience sometimes calls, but achieving healthy glowing skin is merely impossible if your meals start from within the four walls of a cardboard box. Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help you control hunger cravings due to their lower caloric content and the fact that your body digests them more steadily than it does processed food. High-fiber foods are particularly suited for hunger management, like oatmeal (which also reduces cholesterol) and apricots. You can also boost your metabolism with almonds, which contain selenium, magnesium and monounsaturated fats, and broccoli, which contains enzymes that aid in digestion and metabolism speed. Or just combine as many green veggies, with some fresh fruit, in a smoothie each morning for a quick boost that your body and skin will thank you for.
GLOW-GETTERS
We love discovering all the ways that fruits, veggies, grains, nuts and seeds can make our skin healthier and more radiant and one of our newest favorites are chia seeds. Packed with omega-3’s, chia seeds promote healthy cell membranes. They are also super-moisturizing and help to soften and protect your skin. Adding chia seeds to your morning wake-up shake will only boost your overall health, since they’re also high in fiber, minerals, antioxidants and protein. And even better, some of the many products we use in our salon treatments contain the mighty moisturizing power of these tiny little seeds.
Cranberries, which contain high levels of vitamin B and antioxidants, will also make your skin more radiant. You can use cranberries in a face mask to moisturize skin, fight wrinkles and boost collagen. Baby bok choy is another recent favorite. Its high levels of cancer-fighting beta carotene have us reaching for a second helping, not to mention its high levels of vitamin C, which fight sun damage, and acne-banishing vitamin A.
