I’m always trying different creams and lotions to get rid of dry skin and shave five years or so off my age. All this time, all I had to do was eat better. I know what you must be thinking. Healthy food tastes horrible. Not this time. These skin smoothing snacks taste incredible and they’re easy for anyone to add to their daily routine.
So what do these snacks do for your skin? Unlike that expensive face cream you’ve been using religiously, food works from the inside. These delicious and inexpensive snacks gradually change the look and feel of your skin.
I didn’t need to be told twice. After just a few months, I could tell a major difference and so could everyone else.
Smooth With Honey
I love honey, but I love what it does for my skin even more. Sure, it’s a sugary treat, but it’s good for you. It’s natural humectant properties helps your skin stay moisturized and supple.
If you check out many organic or all natural skin products, you’ll find many of them include honey. There’s a reason for this. I try to add a spoonful of honey to my yogurt or cereal everyday. It’s simple to use and your skin looks better. What do you have to lose?
Don’t just buy any honey though. I know they all say “honey” on the label, but more processed honeys aren’t as effective. Pure and organic honey works best and even tastes better.
Anti-Aging Power With Strawberries
Strawberries are my favorite snack on this list. They not only keep my teeth whiter without using those annoying strips, but they help keep my skin looking younger and smooth. I didn’t realize how much Vitamin C strawberries contain. They actually have more per serving than oranges.
Why does your skin need Vitamin C? Simple! This powerful vitamin fights free radicals that lead to fine lines which make you look far older than you really are.
You don’t have to just eat a handful of strawberries every day. I like mixing them in smoothies, topping my ice cream or adding them to a salad. Get creative and you’ll find it’s easy to add strawberries to your diet.
Heal Skin with Citrus
Strawberries not your thing? Any citrus fruit is full of Vitamin C. I always have oranges and grapefruits on hand. They make great snacks, help boost my immune system and smooth my skin.
Citrus works in the same way as strawberries. It’s just nice to mix it up a little from time to time. After all, who wants to eat the exact same snacks day after day? Eat an orange one day and strawberry smoothie the next.
Soothe Dry Skin with Oatmeal
I’ve used oatmeal based bath soaks for years to soothe my dry skin, especially in the winter. I was never a huge oatmeal fan otherwise. One day I realized if oatmeal helped on the outside, what would it do from the inside? Turns out, it does quite a lot.
The oats in oatmeal are full of fats to lubricate your skin, proteins to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and starches to hold in moisture. Sure, soaking in it is still great, but have a small bowl a few times a week as a snack.
I usually mix in some fruit or honey for a double whammy. Plus, it makes it taste much better.
Beautify Skin with Colorful Veggies
When it comes to skincare, vegetables are your best friend. Color is the name of the game, especially green, red, and orange. I admit I’m guilty of skimping on my veggies. I have noticed a difference since I’ve been sneaking more in.
Colorful vegetables such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and greens provide you with Vitamin A. Trust me when I say this natural form of this anti-aging vitamin is much more powerful than anything you’ll find in supplement form.
Vitamin A works like an anti-aging machine for your skin. It’s a natural antioxidant. It improves your cell turnover rate, leading to more supple, youthful looking skin.
If you’re not too fond of veggies like me, try smoothies and shakes. The raw form is usually best, but I’ve found I eat more when carrots are cooked and seasoned.
Get Nutty For Better Skin
Nuts are probably the easiest snack to keep around on this list. You don’t have to worry about finding them in season or not. I’ve had no problem picking up a handful of almonds or walnuts as I walk through the kitchen.
Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are the best nuts for your skin. They’re full of Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Both help fight premature aging.
You’ve probably heard of omega-3 fatty acids. I mean who hasn’t been bombarded with 20 TV ads for the latest fish oil supplement? The ads are true though! These essential fatty acids improve heart health for better circulation while reducing inflammation and dryness in your skin.
I get some omega-3s from fish, but nuts are my favorite source. Plus, you don’t end up with fish breath later.
Fish to the Rescue
How does a tuna wrap sound for a quick, skin smoothing snack? Fish, especially cold water varieties such as salmon and mackerel, contain omega-3s and omega-6s. I know we’ve been trained to think fat is bad, but fatty fish varieties are actually good for you.
I like making a salmon spread to place on crackers. It’s easy for me to take this snack with me. Keep in mind, you get some of the same benefits from nuts and flaxseeds.
Healthier Skin with Whole Grains
You might just think the whole grains trend is just a fad. I didn’t really understand what the big deal was either at first. Whole grain foods are less processed and contain more nutrients as a result.
You don’t have to scarf down loaves of whole wheat bread to benefit though. Try adding some wheat germ to your cereal, yogurt or other snack. You’ll boost your skin with a much needed dose of biotin for moisturized skin.
A good rule to remember is to think “whole.” Opt for whole wheat or whole grain based snacks. For instance, I dumped my white bread for a mackerel sandwich on whole wheat. Did it make a difference? My mirror said it did.
Start Slow For Better Results
If you’re anything like me, you want to rush off to the grocery store right now. I had this plan to make over my skin in a week by not just snacking, but filling my meals with these skin smoothing foods. I burnt out before the week was out.
Start off slow by adding in some nuts and berries this week. Try replacing your white bread next week. Doing a little at a time ensures you don’t get tired of snacking healthier.
It’s okay. Your skin still benefits. Before you know it, you’ll skip the chips and opt for a cup of citrus fruit or veggies instead. Suddenly, you’ll look in the mirror one day and notice just how much your skin is changing.
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Eat Your Way to Gorgeous With These Skin Smoothing Snacks
Beautiful skin doesn’t just come from what you put ON it. What’s on the inside counts as well!