Eating the right kinds of foods is essential for a healthy diet regardless of whether or not you are getting married. But for the purpose of getting into your wedding dress/suit, some essential foods will help you to get through the stressful months before your big day, make you look your best, as well as help you lose weight in the process.
Spinach
Like many other dark green leafy vegetables, spinach is rich in an antioxidant called lutein. Not only is this great for healthy eyes, but more recent research has shown that it is also good for preventing wrinkles by helping to retain the skin’s moisture and elasticity, increasing lipid levels and preventing damage caused by free radicals. The benefits of spinach do not stop there, as the leafy vegetable also has the power to reduce dark circles under the eyes due to its high levels of vitamins K and C.
Garlic
Garlic may not have the most fragrant smell but it is a super food that can have great skin benefits. As a natural antibiotic with blood cleansing, immune boosting, antibacterial properties, garlic is an effective, cheap and healthy way to help naturally treat acne. While there are many reasons people suffer from spots, garlic – particularly when eaten raw and crushed – can help reduce future breakouts, while its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce swelling of acne.
Avocados
Avocadoes often get negative reviews due to their high levels of fats, however the healthy fats contained in an avocado can actually do wonders for your skin. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, avocados can help to condition your skin from the inside and increase collagen production, helping to prevent wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory properties of avocado are also good for helping to reduce acne and psoriasis, while the high levels of vitamin E will help to keep your skin supple and prevent premature ageing.
Bananas
Many people know that fluid retention is the primary cause of belly bloating, but it can also be responsible for a puffy face and bags under the eyes. Fortunately, fluid retention can be treated through the diet by restoring the body’s sodium/potassium balance. As these two minerals work against each other to balance water in the body, too little potassium – or too much salt – is one of the most common causes of water retention. Amend this by increasing your intake of potassium through foods such as bananas. Other potassium rich foods include strawberries, melon and papaya; making a fresh fruit salad a great choice for a supple, youthful face and a happy tum. Why not treat your bridal entourage to a potassium rich picnic in the park, or if it’s too cold, have a fruit fondue evening.
Nuts
Nuts are a vital source of calming vitamin B which can help you get through the days for added energy. They also contain unsaturated fatty acids, which are the good kinds and can help lower your LDL (bad cholesterol). In addition, nuts have vitamin E which can help stop the development of plaques in your arteries. Plaque development in your arteries can lead to chest pain, coronary artery disease or a heart attack. There are many different kinds of nuts, but pistachios, walnuts and almonds are the best kinds for your health.
Other Foods
Oatmeal
Oatmeal not only supplies fiber but also helps your body to produce serotonin, the feel-good, keep-calm brain chemical.
Salmon and other Fish
These contain omega 3 oils that help balance out the stress hormone cortisol.
In addition, the rich colors of fruits and vegetables don’t just to please the eye, they protect your organs against diseases. Different colors indicate the presence of particular phytonutrients. For example, a fruit colored like peach or a papaya is rich in a nutrient that guards against heart diseases.
Orange/Yellow Choices: Carrots, Mangoes, Cantaloupe, Sweet potatoes
Protects: Skin
Red Choices: Tomatoes, Pink grapefruit, Watermelon
Protects: Heart, Lungs
Red/Purple Choices: Grapes, Blueberries, Strawberries, Beets, Red apples
Protects: Heart
Yellow/Green Choices: Spinach, Broccoli, Cabbage, Collards, Avocado, Honeydew melon, Corn, Peas
Protects: Eyes
