Hopscotching between family Christmas parties, sipping and snacking at every bulging buffet along the way, it’s fair to say that the silly season is as social as it is decadent.
But while it would be rude not to reach for that third serving of Mum’s bacon-loaded potato salad, the downside of treating yourself to plate after plate of festive fare is that it can wreak havoc on your body.
“Rich foods and alcohol can deplete the body of vital nutrients, which can show on the skin as dullness, dryness, breakouts, redness and skin sensitivity,” Fiona tells us, adding that “choosing the right foods to make you shine from the inside out is essential for maintaining healthy skin”.
Here, Fiona gives us a lesson in feeding our bodies with the right kind of post-Christmas food to nourish the skin, making it appear radiant, glowing and healthy.
Berries, cherries and mangoes
These summertime fruits are packed with antioxidants, which play an important role in protecting our cells from free-radical damage. Free-radical damage occurs from stress, pollution, sun, smoking, alcohol, late nights, and a diet high in processed foods and low in fresh fruits and veggies.
Upping up the fruits and veggies supplies your body with the necessary nutrients it needs to protect the cells and help to support healthy, glowing and radiant skin. Smoothies are a wonderful way to up the antioxidants in your diet.
These coconut and mango ice blocks are sweet for your tastebuds and your skin.
Oysters, eggs and Brazil nuts
The mineral zinc, found in oysters, eggs and Brazil nuts, is an important component of healthy skin, open pores and stretch marks. In fact, acne itself may be a symptom of zinc deficiency.
Zinc acts by controlling the production of oil in the skin, and may also help control some of the hormones that create acne.
Zinc is also required for proper immune system function, tissue repair, as well as for the maintenance of vision, taste and smell.
Super tasty and loaded with zinc, this poached egg and avocado bruschetta will help your skin to radiate after weeks of binging in chocolate and cocktails.
Green beans, celery and asparagus
These green veggies are packed with silica, a trace mineral that strengthens the body’s connective tissue; muscles, tendons, hair, ligaments, nails, cartilage, and bone, and that is also vital for healthy skin.
It helps you have strong healthy nails and bones – it’s very important for you to feel healthy from the inside, out.
When food is as delicious as it is good for you, just like this salmon and asparagus quiche, how can you refuse?
Chia seeds and flax seeds
If you have dry, inflamed or devitalised skin or you suffers from the frequent appearance of whiteheads or blackheads, you can benefit from omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in chia and flax seeds.
EFAs are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility of our cells but because the body cannot produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained through the diet.
If you are thinking of changing your diet, consult your GP or dietitian first.
These strawberry and honey chia seed jelly pots pack a seriously healthy punch.
