Ever heard the term ‘you are what you eat’? Well it’s true! Foods that are harmful to your body are also harmful to your skin!

Research suggests that a diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats promote skin damage, acne, dryness and premature aging to name a few. It is no coincidence these foods also cause excessive weight gain leading to medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

On the other hand, the best foods for skin also promote good health overall. These foods are foods in their ‘whole form’ – lean proteins, complex carbohydrates/whole grains like oats, sweet potatoes and brown rice, fresh fruits and vegetables well as healthy fats like olive oil, avocado and nuts. These foods contain several skin-friendly benefits like phytochemicals and antioxidants to promote cell growth and skin damage protection, healthy fats that promote healthy cell membranes and inflammatory agents (and that gorgeous glow!) and selenium to prevent oxidative cell damage.

What are processed foods? Anything boxed, pre-made, packaged with a laundry list of ingredients that isn’t found in this form naturally. Think in terms of how foods are in nature – does a strawberry grow in nature? Yes! Does a box of crackers? No – it is highly processed with added ‘flavors’ via sugars, sodium and fat additives – all of which cause damage to our skin and our bodies.

How can you move away from processed foods? Purchase foods in their whole form and cook them for you and your family! Think raw chicken breasts, lean ground turkey, whole grain pasta, red potatoes, berries, avocados, etc! Think healthy foods are boring? Think again! How about a delicious grilled salmon and asparagus with a side of mashed cinnamon sweet potatoes? Or a brown rice bowl topped with grilled chicken, avocado, shredded lettuce and fresh pico de gallo? Healthy food can taste GOOD!

Be good to your body by fueling it with good foods and your skin will follow suit! Beautiful skin starts from the inside out.