Since anti-aging isn’t just a skin thing – it’s a whole-body thing, I wanted to share the 5 anti-aging foods I eat everyday, or at least try to!
Our outsides (our skin), is absolutely a reflection of our insides. And this is why as a certified Holistic Nutritionist, I get so excited about food. Our diet can radically change the way we look: Good nutrition will keep your hair, skin, nails and body in great shape. And, even if you feel that that ship has already sailed for you, or that you gave up long ago, don’t despair please! It’s amazing how quickly everything can and will bounce back when you start adding certain foods to your diet.
Rather than thinking that you have to give up the foods you love, I think it’s more helpful to think of adding delicious foods to your plate on a daily basis. It’s like an insurance policy: eat the following 5, and you’re putting money in the good skin bank!
So here are the 5 anti-aging foods I eat everyday:
- Avocados: Avocados contain healthy fats in the form of poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids, which protect your skin. Monounsaturated fats keep the top layer of your skin soft, supple and moist. Polyunsaturated fatty acids help guard skin from sun damage and protect and help with inflammation and sensitivity. They also contain loads of Antioxidants, such as carotenoids, vitamin E and Vitamin c. The carotenoid called Lutein, helps with elasticity and lubrication of the skin.
- Nuts and Seeds: These are full of protein, fiber and essential fatty acids, and I gobble them up every single day. Never be afraid of the calorie content of nuts and seeds (don’t worry about calories period!), especially when they are healthy calories. I especially love almonds, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds for their skin-loving properties. Make sure that you buy raw (not roasted or salted) nuts and seeds. And, remember, you can toss them in smoothies, make your own nut and seeds milks, butters and the list goes on….
- Ruby-colored Produce: Any fruits and veggies that are red, purple or any other hue in this palette, contain a powerful antioxidant called an anthocyanin. Anthocyanins are so important in combating aging skin. So, I recommend eating as much of the following foods that you can: red cabbage, radicchio lettuce, red onions, red-skinned potatoes, red or purple berries, and beets (I’m sure you’ll think of a few more).4
- Pre-biotic Food: I like to eat specific foods, which encourage healthy bacteria to grow in my gut. These include:
- Raw Chicory Root.
- Raw Jerusalem Artichoke.
- Raw Dandelion Greens.
- Raw Garlic.
- Raw Leeks.
- Raw Onion.
- Cooked Onions.
- Raw Asparagus.
I also like to eat fermented or pickled foods for a healthy gut.
5. Beans & Legumes: Beans and legumes are rich in biotin, which promotes healthy, young looking skin. They are also great for balancing blood sugar (also important for anti-aging), and protective against certain cancers. Just one quarter cup of any bean a day will do the trick (think one serving of hummus!)
