Of course, a nutritious diet full of a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fresh meat & poultry is not only essential for a healthy well-being, but for great skincare as well. That doesn’t mean you can’t reward yourself with a few delicious snacks! The trick is to eat these foods in moderation and make better choices. According to Angela Ginn, registered dietician and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, “Eating occasional treats is okay. Just make sure to balance out those treats with healthier options and get plenty of exercise.”
So, in what ways can one make better choices and what influence does this have on the person’s skin? My rule of thumb is: if your grandmother doesn’t know what it is, don’t eat it. Synthesized ingredients (such as added sugar) that are hard to read and pronounce are apparent in many food items and can be detrimental to a healthy diet. According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, 25% of the average American’s diet is composed of sugar intake. The total recommended daily carbohydrate intake is 55-65% of total calories, making the average American’s intake of sugar just under HALF of their total carbohydrate intake! Too much sugar consumption can create a habit of replacing nutrient-dense foods that contain important components to keep skin healthy and strong (i.e. vitamins, proteins, etc.)
Here are some suggestions to help you make great choices when snacking, and why they will help keep your skin looking fresh and beautiful:
1.) Add a little bad to a lot of good: If you’re having a snacking craving, it’s ok to add something tasty to a healthy snack. A perfect example: add a dollop of Nutella to apple slices for a great skin-loving snack. Nutella is made from hazelnuts and can be a great source of healthy omega fatty acids. It’s also a good source of vitamin E.
2.) Change up the taste: It’s possible to create delicious treats from healthy foods you already consume. A great way to do this is to make use of your freezer! Instead of ice cream, try freezing a cup of yogurt and adding some strawberries for dessert. You can also create a delicious popsicle treat by freezing 100% juice in popsicle molds. Even freezing your favorite fruits can change up the way they taste, like grapes. The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics recommends 4-5 servings of fruits and veggies per day. Incorporating these frozen snacks into your diet in place of high sugar foods will help you reach that daily goal and provide enough nutrients to keep your body and skin healthy.
3.) Give yourself some wiggle room:Exercise, exercise, exercise! Studies have shown that people who are not stressed about dieting tend to be happier, overall. As long as you are exercising regularly, you can allow yourself that serving of cookies after dinner. Let yourself have a treat every now and then. Exercising is a great way to release toxins from the body, which can help give your skin a beautiful glow.
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