you are what you eat

When I hit college, I indulged. Big time. Lunch time was heaven with pizza and curly fries and vending machines full of sugary sweetness. After a summer of healthy eating and never having any of this at my school before, I loved it. But in a matter of days, my skin became dull with more breakouts of pimples than I have had in a long time! 

I took a step back and examined what I was doing to make my skin like this. My diet was the only change. This had to be the problem.

I did of bit of reading and discovered this.

1. You are what you drink. 

The frizzy drinks aren't doing my teeth or much skin. Drinking these caffeinated drinks dehydrate us which makes our skin a lot more dull and when we are dehydrated our skin cannot return to its natural place and losses it elasticity. This happens naturally as we age, so in other words, we look older. 

The ideal drinks to drink are ones with lots of antioxidants in like green tea which is really beneficial in hydrating and providing our bodies with lots of Vitamin E which has anti-aging properties and is really good and helping to heal skin. 

However drinking too much of certain beverages can have a negative effect. For example, milk is a great source of calcium and vitamin D, but in excess it can cause unwanted pimples. It also contains growth factors and hormones (regardless of organic status) that increases oil production and therefore means blocked pores. Drinks high in sugary content can also cause the skin to block pores and increase oil production which also means increasing acne breakouts. 

2. You are what you eat. 

Easier said than done, but a balanced diet is so important. You need the right mix of carbs, protein, fat, dairy and plenty of fruit and veg to help maintain a healthy inside and outside. Food with Vitamins A, B, C and E are all contained in fruit and veg which help keep the skin elastic and protect it from damage. 

Foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, strawberries, plums, and pecans are really good at helping to fight off damage to the skin and stop the skin from aging prematurely. 

So basically, all those sugary sweets and drinks may be really tasty, but really have a big impact on your skin and the health of you in generally. Everyday, I try to think 80% good for me , 20% indulgence. This is the right combination to keep you healthy and looking good as well as enjoy the foods you eat.