With the holidays comes food. So much food. From turkeys cooked to perfection to sweet potato casseroles topped with brown sugar and pecans to pies, cakes, and cookies, the flavorsome options seem to be limitless this time of year. You hear enough about watching your waistline during the holidays, but what about your complexion?
It’s not news to you that sugars and greasy foods can lead to a less than ideal complexion, but you’re in luck. Here are some delicious and nutritious foods to include in your Christmas meal this year that will keep your complexion fresh into the New Year:
Almonds
Although commonly misconceived as being a member of the nut family, almonds are actually seeds. They’re loaded with Vitamin E, which is known for being a sun blocker! Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the sun can’t harm your skin, so be sure to protect it year-round.
The Dish: Green beans with toasted, sliced almonds.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which assists in collagen production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
The Dish: A healthy sweet potato casserole.
Carrots
You’ve been told since you were young that carrots will keep your eyes bright and healthy, but did you also know that they can battle breakouts? They’re packed with Vitamin A and protect your skin’s outer layer from clogged pores. In certain studies, Vitamin A has even been shown to decrease the production of skin-cancer cells!
The Dish: Brown sugar-glazed carrots.
Spinach
Spinach is without a doubt one of the most versatile of the super foods, but it’s also theorized to improve the vivacity of skin, while reducing the effects of wrinkles.
The Dish: A side spinach salad (extra points for adding sliced almonds AND carrots!)
Dark Chocolate
As if you need more of a reason to munch on dark chocolate, its antioxidant powers can improve the skin’s smoothness, while also protecting it from the sun.
The Dish: Although adding dark chocolate shavings to your favorite chocolate cake may not necessarily be the healthiest choice, you can eat it all in the name of healthy skin! Or simply pair a piece of dark chocolate with your best glass of red wine for a winning combo.
Eating complexion-friendly foods will not only prevent acne and diminish wrinkles; it can even battle the effects of skin cancer. Eating foods like these can keep your skin fresh, glowing, and healthy this year, and for many years to come.
Happy holidays, from your friends at HKB Renaissance Plastic Surgery! Visit www.your-renaissance.com to learn more.
