Authentic Beauty: Skin from the Inside Out

Get Skin that Glows Authentically

As I age, I am noticing more and more that the products that worked on my skin 10 years ago are completely ineffective on my skin now.  It seems to have happened overnight! And, as I'm heading into a new decade, I'm getting more serious about searching for ways to keep my skin healthy.  And as much as I have switched products to deal with the surface of my skin, I am a fan of Dr. Perricone who is regularly featured in periodicals for his advice on how to care for the skin with products developed by his company but also is an advocate for dealing with what we put in our bodies that impacts the glow, dullness and overall nature of our skin.

"Our skin is the perfect barometer of our internal health," says Dr. Perricone, who compiled a list of beauty super-foods that can help you get an authentic glow from the inside out.  "Anything that lessens inflammation imparts radiance to the skin.  In practice I've seen a huge difference-comparable to a face-lift- in just two or three days when people switch to an anti-inflammatory diet."

Dr. Perricone also states, "One of the greatest joys of my research has been discovering the role of key nutrients in the foods we eat and how they impact our beauty, health and longevity. What I often refer to as 'super-foods' are those remarkable anti-inflammatory, healing and rejuvenating properties, which have all but been forgotten in today's world of fast and processed 'food'."

So I was excited when I saw this short list of the most impactful super-foods that can give you gorgeous skin in little time and that are easily purchased from your neighborhood grocery store or weekend market.

Properties Key:
* = Hydrating
** = Glow-Boosting
*** = Firming
**** = Detoxifying

Wild Salmon:  Omega fatty acids improve tone *, **, ***

Kale:  Fiber and vitamins give a good glow **, ****

Olive Oil:  Essential fatty acids hydrate and reduce inflammation *, ***

Blueberries:  Antioxidants neutralize wrinkle-forming free radicals *, ***, ****

Cinnamon:  Just 1/2 teaspoon stabilizes blood sugar for up to two weeks ***

Lemon Juice:  Vitamin C promotes collagen production *, ***, ****

Kefir:  Probiotics boost radiance *, **, ****

Walnuts:  Essential fatty acids hydrate and plump *, ***, ****

I thought this list of super-foods for skin was do-able and something I could eat for a few days in preparation for a big meeting, an important function, or to just do once a month to revive my skin.

As I researched this post, I also found a 3-day diet Dr. Perricone recommends that is also intended to give you a face-lift! The promise of a visible difference in your looks in just three days may seem too good to be true. But if you eat the wrinkle-free way for even a short period of time, you will experience dramatic changes, not only in how you look, but how you feel.

Note: If you feel you need a change from all the salmon, you may substitute poultry or tofu - but remember the special essential fatty acids and antioxidants in salmon give skin a remarkable suppleness, radiance and youthful glow.

Breakfast

1. 3 egg omelet and/or 4-6 oz. grilled salmon. I do not recommend smoked salmon or lox on the three-day diet because of the salt intake.
2. ½ cup cooked oatmeal (not instant). Cooked oatmeal is a great source of fiber, low glycemic carbohydrates.
3. 2” wedge of cantaloupe or 1/3 cup fresh berries. Cantaloupe is very hydrating to the skin and contains important antioxidants - blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries are high in antioxidants.
4. No Juice, No Coffee or Toast. If you normally drink large amounts of coffee, drink black or green tea to prevent caffeine withdrawal.
5. 8 - 12 oz. spring water

Lunch

1. 4-6 oz. grilled salmon. Option: you can also use canned salmon and mix a little mayo and fresh squeezed lemon.
2. 2 cups green salad made with romaine lettuce or other dark leafy greens. Dressing: extra virgin olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon to taste.
3. 1 kiwi fruit or cantaloupe and berries as above.
4. 8 – 12 oz. spring water.

Snack

1. 1 apple
2. 2 oz. slice of turkey breast or 6 oz. plain yogurt.
3. Small handful of hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds. Great source of fatty acids and folic acid.

Dinner

Get a Healthy Glow

1. 4-6 oz. grilled salmon.
2. Green Salad as described above.
3. ½ cup steamed veggies. Especially asparagus, broccoli, spinach, etc. NO root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, beets, parsnips, etc.
4. Cantaloupe and berries.
5. 8 – 12 oz. spring water.

Before Bedtime Snack

1. 1 pear or apple.
2. 2 oz. slice chicken or turkey breast or 6 oz. plain yogurt.
3. Small handful of hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds. Great source of fatty acids and folic acid.

Let me know how well this worked out for you!  

Que

Curva-Lish

curvalish@gmail.com