Foods That Fight Wrinkles

Can wrinkle fighting foods fit in your diet? If you are using creams or ointments they are just one way to fight those lines. Research has shown that what is put in your body is as important as what is put on your body.

In our local Sunday paper is an column by Dr. Oz. I don’t always agree with everything he suggests but most of the time he is right on. (After looking in the mirror at my sagging chin and wrinkly neck I had to re-read his column today!) He says that women with young -looking skin often have the most Vitamin C in their diet. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant. Antioxidant rich foods are also great for the skin tone and integrity. Antioxidants work to remove toxins from the body and promote healthy collagen which aids in keeping the skin firm. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are all an excellent source of antioxidants.

Tomatoes contain a powerful plant chemical called lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to reduce skin cell damage and redness. In order to best absorb lycopene, it needs to be in the environment of a healthy fat. In other words, use some extra-virgin olive oil with your tomatoes to enhance the absorption of lycopene.

Foods with large dietary amounts of Vitamin E are also good for the skin. Vitamin E acts as a natural skin damage reducer. Skin damage may be caused by the sun or elements and Vitamin E can be used to repair the damage.

Other anti-aging foods include egg yolks, avocados, lentils, salmon, tuna, flaxseed and many nuts. Green tea is helpful when you drink it or wear it (some moisturizers contain green tea). It provides your skin with anti-aging plant polyphenols.

Reducing your refined sugar intake is also a must when trying to eliminate the start and spread of wrinkles. Too much sugar can actually harden the collagen and elastin fibers that keep your skin strong and supple. This causes your skin to sag and become heavy. The heaviness of the skin causes wrinkles. (Cinnamon is a great sugar alternative and also helps with high blood sugar.)

Eating well is sure to make a big difference. Do you think that genetics plays a part in it as well? If your mother had younger-looking skin will you have it too?

We Remember

 We remember those who lives were lost and whose families were deeply affected by the tragedy ten years ago. We will never forget.

Tribute to 9/11 Workers

Here is the link to a tribute to 9/11 workers--a song and video by students at an elementary school. You're going to get a little choked up!

Double Wordless Wednesday

Minnesota grapes +

stomping barrels=fun!

Ask the Aromatherapy Expert

Join me this Thursday evening from 8:00-8:15 (Central Time)for an Aromatherapy Wellness Party. It's your chance to ask anything about aromatherapy! It's all happening on my facebook page. Stop by and join the fun!

Sneaking Veggies in Your Diet

It has been so fun to eat all of the fresh fruit and veggies in season this summer. Being from Minnesota with our short growing season we really have to take advantage of it. Believe it or not, I work with people who actually don’t eat ANY fruits or veggies at all! This post is for them! I want them to realize they can eat healthy without the actual taste of certain veggies and fruit.

Adding chopped veggies to dishes like omelets is easy. Hiding shredded carrots of zucchini to meatloaf or burgers doesn’t change the taste and adds fiber and vitamins. You can also add them to pancakes, muffins or bread.

You can beef up salsa by adding finely chopped red peppers or grated carrots. Puree red peppers and add them to spaghetti sauce. Add grated veggies to tuna or chicken salad. Make your sandwich healthier by using a white bean puree, hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayo. Blend just about any strained veggies with ketchup; it masks the smell and the taste well. Mix butternut squash in with mashed potatoes. The color is light enough that they'll never know. Try pureeing a variety of vegetables with beans to make a spread you can smear on tortillas.

You can make yogurt a good place to add fruit. By plain yogurt and add your own fruit. Smoothies are a great way to get veggies and fruits into your diet. Just put milk, ice and any fruit you have in the blender. (A good way to satisfy a sweet tooth, too!) Pureed fruit is a great substitute for sugary ice cream toppings.
In baking, applesauce, crushed pineapple or pureed bananas or prunes can take the place of ½ the butter or shortening called for in a cake, brownie or muffin recipe. Pureed cauliflower, white beans or pumpkin can take the place of eggs.

Buy ice pop trays (or regular ice trays will work too). Use whole fruit juices, such as orange, cranberry, or grapefruit, and see if you can sneak in some blueberries or other berries to decorate your pop.

If nothing else, try a chocolate fondue with fruit dippers—banana slices, strawberries, pineapple chunks, apple pieces, orange sections to name a few. It’s probably not the healthiest suggestion but anything goes better with chocolate, right?

Why Not You?

Why Not You?

Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?

Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?

Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?

Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?

Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?

Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?

Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?

Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?

Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?

Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you?

Today is a new day!
Many will seize this day.
Many will live it to the fullest.
Why not you?

—
Steve Maraboli