Whether you’re going through a rough winter complete with crusty lips and skin that under a microscope would resemble the Sahara Desert, or you’re preparing for a special event and need to look your very best, here are some of the best foods and drinks you can focus on consuming to gain the very best benefits Mother Nature has to offer! Enjoy!
Water
Now while this may go without saying to most, some of us still haven’t jumped on the water wagon – yet! I hope by the end of this post, you’ll be so thirsty for water, you can almost taste it (or.. kinda.. since it’s just, ya know, plain water and all.. haha!). Water has tons of benefits not only for your skin and hair, but for your whole body in general. Especially if you are one to hit the slopes in the winter like I enjoy doing, you MUST stay hydrated. Between the sun reflecting off the snow and working up a sweat gliding through fresh powder, your body will be depleting tons of water and will need that replenishment.
Quick Facts
Our bodies are at least 60% water Water flushes out impurities and helps prevent wrinkles Trapped happily in a middle layer of the skin, water is evaporated during forms of exercise to aid the cool down of the body through sweat Water is essential to kidney functions and other healthy bodily functions The feeling of hunger sometimes can be the feeling of thirst because the brain receptors cannot tell the difference between thirst and hunger Drinking a full 8 ounces before each meal aids in not overeating and encouraging you on your journey for weight loss and healthy living For those of you who like to have a nice drink on special occasions, having soda water with lemons/limes between drinks not only helps keep you very hydrated, but also helps prevent over drinking
Protein
Once upon a blue moon, I was “that girl” who read somewhere that breaking eggs on your head would help hair growth. Well, that resulted in me hunched over my Bathtub rubbing two or three cracked eggs in my hair, and hoping my shower water wasn’t too hot where my hair would become over easy washing it out. Thankfully, there’s a much better (and less messy) way of getting that protein where it really counts – inside your body. Great protein choices include chicken, fish, turkey, and eggs. For vegetarian options, legumes and nuts are great sources as well. Making sure there’s enough protein in your diet is crucial to strong, shiny and lush hair as well as bright, and healthy skin.
Iron
Another crucial puzzle piece to luxurious hair is iron. Iron can be found in chicken, red meats, and fish if you wanted to go more of a wholesome route instead of a supplement. I personally use an iron supplement by Nature’s Bounty which I have loved and trusted for years . There are plenty of options for vegetarians as well including a variety of spinach, lentils, and other leafy green vegetables including broccoli and kale. I know for me personally, I don’t intake as much greens as I need to, so I supplement with Garden of Life “Perfect Food Super Greens” and can definitely notice a difference in low energy or bloat when I don’t use it for a couple days.
Vitamin C
Simply a must for bright skin whether you injest it via fruits and veggies, or you pamper yourself with a Vitamin C facial – or both! You are a queen, beautiful. Treat yourself! Top Vitamin C sources include blueberries, oranges, broccoli, strawberries, and many more. Plus, Vitamin C helps with collagen production which is a huge help in encouraging hair growth. WHile I use natural sources like fruits and veggies, I also supplement with this unflavored collagen powder by putting a scoop or two in my daily smoothie.
Omega 3
About 3% of the hair shaft is made up of omega 3 fatty acids. Clearly, it’s an essential part of having healthy, strong hair. However, our body does not create the essential fatty acid, so we need to consume it through either whole foods or supplements. Whole foods to go to include salmon, mackerel, anchovies, or also avocados, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts for vegetarian options.
Biotin
This is a big one for me. I have taken Biotin for years and I can honestly say that you need to find the right product for your body. The one I am currently using has been working great for me and is the Nature’s Bounty Hair and Nails . This particular blend has a little bit of everything mentioned above plus more to aid in healthy skin and hair growth.
Tea
My favorite daily addition to my health and beauty goals – TEA! Traditional beauty staples are making a comeback and one of those biggest staples are teas. Because of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties teas offer, teas help the skin and hair. The go to brands I trust for various reasons are Traditional Medicinal and Yogi.
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