Having skin that is dewey, smooth and firm and hair and nails that are shiny and strong are a direct result of the lifestyle choices that you make. When you are nurturing yourself and managing stresses—physical, environmental and mental—you radiate. Following are 10 ways to slow down the aging process and achieve an all-over healthy glow.
- Supercharge Your Diet Beauty starts on the inside. Eating a balanced diet that contains colorful fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, quality protein and healthy fats will ensure that you are getting all the vital nutrients for optimum health. Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables will provide phytonutrients that combat environmental stressors that speed up aging. Quality protein in the form of lean, organic poultry, fish, nuts and legumes is the basis for cell wall production, thus strengthening connective tissue, resulting in firmer skin and stronger hair and nails. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, salmon and walnuts lock in cells moisture, keeping skin moist while reducing irritation and dryness. Whole grains provide B complex vitamins necessary for cellular development and metabolism.
- Eliminate Foods that Cause Inflammation Refined sugars and highly processed foods as well as excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol will increase inflammation in the body, thus leading to dry, dull skin, wrinkle development and brittle hair and nails. Limiting your consumption of these foods and increasing anti-inflammatory antioxidants will help you to radiate and shine.
- Hydrate Drink 8-10 glasses of purified water daily for moisture rich and supple skin. Add lemon to enhance the taste as well as provide bioactive compounds needed for detoxification.
- Exercise Regular physical activity will help oxygenate your blood, leading to detoxification and increased circulation, which will result in a healthy, slightly flushed glow. The endorphins that are released through exercise will cause your facial muscles to relax more, creating a light, happy and beautiful facial appearance (as well as the way your carry yourself!)
- Get your Z’s Sleep is the time for the body to repair and rejuvenate. Aim for 7-9 hours a night, and ensure a good night’s rest by winding down an hour before bedtime with a cup of chamomile tea, a warm bath, and some light stretching.
- De-Stress Stress is an inevitable part of life, but stress hormones can wreak havoc on our bodies, thus our skin and hair. Reducing stress through meditation, walking, taking a bath, breathing exercises or journaling can bring balance and harmony not only to your state of mind but also to the state of your complexion.
- Wear Sunscreen Getting 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure a day is good for vitamin D intake and metabolism, but overexposure to the sun will cause wrinkles and premature aging. Using a moisturizer with at least SPF 15 will protect you from sun damage.
- Be Mindful of Your Beauty Regimen When choosing cosmetic products, look for those that are pure, organic and as free of toxins as possible. Choosing plant-based products with vitamins C, E and A may be beneficial, and when applying skin care products, do so gently, as being rough or tugging on your skin can be stressful to it.
- Identify Food Sensitivities Food sensitivities may the culprit to things like leaky gut, rashes, dry skin, joint pain, etc. By following a supervised elimination diet (which I can help you with!) you will be able to identify those foods, find nourishing alternatives and by restoring your system, you will enhance your beauty.
- Most Importantly…Fall In Love With Yourself Have you ever noticed how people who are confident (which is different from arrogant) have a special radiant quality about them? Start taking time to appreciate yourself, have compassion for yourself and learn how to REALLY love yourself. This quality in and of itself will make you glow, but it will also change the way you choose to nourish yourself. This step makes everything else on this list happen more naturally.
GO GLOW!!
If you feel conflicted about all the nutrition information out there, find nutrition/wellness recommendations hard to follow, seek an easy way to find a unique program that’s right for YOU and think coaching would be beneficial, please contact me! I would LOVE to be part of your journey to discovering your most beautiful, lean, healthy self.