Healthy Hollywood: Fab Food Friday – Get A Flawless Red Carpet Ready Complexion!

This year’s Emmy fashion was outstanding! “Modern Family’s” Sofia Vergara, Tina Fey, Heidi Klum, and Kim Kardashian all looked va va gorgeous. While their gowns were stunning, I was awestruck by their flawless complexions. Celebs seem to be looking younger than ever. While I am fully aware makeup artists deserve some of the credit, of course some stars are known to nip and tuck to get their ageless appeal.

Thankfully, there is a more natural way – eating certain foods can give you a youthful glow. Yup, the old adage, “You are what you eat” – was right on!

“In recent years, researchers have made big strides in understanding the way the body absorbs chemicals topically,” reveals nutritionist and author of the O2 Diet, Keri Glassman. “But, they’re also learning tons about how nutrients are good for the skin when ingested – the way they should be! Certain foods can actually make you look better and can help slow down the aging process.” Keri shares with Healthy Hollywood her favorite anti-aging foods. Yum! I’m getting hungry already!

Favorite Anti-aging Foods:

1. Mushrooms:

Why they’re great:

While brightly colored vegetables get much of the attention in antioxidant news, these fungi provide B6, folate, niacin, riboflavin, iron, potassium, and selenium. And yep, they’re a true beauty food: In ancient times, Chinese women ate them for a smooth complexion, and you’ll find mushroom extracts in many high-end beauty products.

Tip:

Slice ‘em into an omelet
Toss them into any salad
Swap the celery and carrots sticks and snack on raw ‘shrooms

2. Dark Chocolate:

Why it’s great:

The hype over dark chocolate is still going strong – and rightfully so. The cocoa flavanols found in dark chocolate may increase blood flow to the skin due to their effect on vessel dilation. The increased blood flow improves skin structure and texture. Dark chocolate may offer photo-protection and improve the skin’s appearance, as a result of decreased sensitivity to UV light. In addition, cocoa may reduce pro-inflammatory compounds called leukotrienes. So, chocolate has my vote – but, remember, you only need a small amount to reap the benefits without adding to your waistline.

Tip:

Sprinkling 1 Tbsp. dark chocolate shavings on plain fat free yogurt or
Coupling a ½ oz. dark chocolate with a few slices of pear instead of cheese for a p.m. snack

3. Grapes:

Why they’re great:

Recent research has shown that resveratrol (found in grapes and red wine) has been identified as an activator of an enzyme that is responsible for extending the lifespan of many species when placed on calorie-restricted diets. Grapes (and food made from grapes) also contain an excellent mix of many phytonutrients, which may explain their potent anti-inflammatory properties. So whether or not grapes help us live longer, they will make us look better!

Tip:

Freeze grapes and eat for after din treat

Slice and add to any salad
Mash 2-3 and top a slice of whole grain toast

4. Walnuts:

Why they’re great:

Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation that may lead to wrinkles. Walnuts also contain linolenic acid, which converts to omega-3 in the body.

Tip:

Crush walnuts, mix with cinnamon, and sprinkle on cereal or oatmeal
Swap out walnuts for pecans and pistachios to get more variety of nutrients for your afternoon snack
Make your own homemade trail mix of 10 nuts, 2 unsweetened apricots and ¼ cup whole grain cereal with dash of cinnamon

5. Salmon:

Why it’s great:

Can’t decide what I love more about salmon… It’s weight loss benefits? Anti-inflammatory (make your skin glow) benefits? Whatever your reason for loving salmon is, keep eating!

Its high omega-3 content has been shown to help prevent disease, aid in weight loss and keep you looking beautiful – quite a lot for one food to claim. How does salmon make your skin wrinkle free and your hair shine? The omega-3 fatty acids do the trick, reducing inflammation and preventing collagen breakdown.

Tip:

Canned salmon salad made with 1 Tbsp. nonfat Greek yogurt, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard and 1 tsp. capers

Grill an extra 2 oz. of salmon at dinner and add it to an a.m. omelet

6. Strawberries:

Why they’re great:

Most of us know that berries are a great source of vitamin C, which together with protein maintains collagen, a component of the structure of your skin. Vitamin C also regulates sebaceous glands, which keep the skin from drying out. Say goodbye to dry, scaly skin.

Tip:

Strawberries in your cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, salad…Strawberries go anywhere!

Stew 1 cup strawberries with 1/3 cup water and 1 tsp. agave for a warm sweet treat

7. Edamame:

Why it’s great:

Edamame is rich in isoflavones, which help protect our skin from aging. Also, getting protein from a vegetarian source is good for everyone – not just a vegetarian! Edamame can help restore sun-damaged skin, and can help improve skin’s elasticity by preserving collagen.

Tip:

Cook (or buy pre-cooked!) and bring a baggie full to work with sprinkled sea salt and pepper for a protein loaded p.m. snack

Make an edamame corn salad instead of a traditional black bean salad

8. Water/Tea:

Why it’s good:

Staying well hydrated prevents your skin from drying out and helps eliminate toxins. It also improves cell turnover, meaning you have more healthy new cells to improve your skin tone, giving you healthy, dewy skin. Tea is another way to get in your daily fluid needs. Green and black teas (unsweetened) help reduce inflammation.

Tip:

Aim for 8-10 glasses of water each day

Drink 2 cups of green tea each day

For more info on Keri and other food/nutrition tips, head to www.nutritiouslife.com.

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