In collaboration with Tropicana
Even though I have a pretty extensive skincare routine including some fantastic products, I've noticed that lately my skin has been looking a little dull and blemished. My workload has had me reaching for convenience a little too often, and not filling up on the fruits and veggies that we all know we're meant to be eating for the health of our hearts, to avoid certain types of cancers and so on. So I've been trying to seek out the nutrients that I know will help my skin, not to mention energy levels. If you follow me on Instagram you may have guessed this has involved a lot of watermelon and avocado, but I've also been reading some research from the field of neutraceuticals (that is, how food and beverages affect 'beauty from within').
The research has honed in on some particular micronutrients that can help improve the appearance of hair, skin and nails:
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps protect against the damaging effects of free radicals as well as being key to the production of collagen which gives skin firmness and strength. It can be applied topically or, when a good source such as high quality orange juice is ingested, delivered to the body's cells via the digestive system.
- Potassium is an electrolyte important to the maintenance of optimal fluid balance, which helps prevent puffiness.
- Water we all know we should be drinking lots, as well hydrated cells may help the skin to look as smooth as possible. Melons and oranges naturally contain lots of water.
- Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in citrus fruit which facilitates the formation of a vitamin C complex which helps zap skin-damaging free radicals.
- Lutein is a carotenoid antioxidant which has been linked to helping reduce sun induced skin damage. It can be found in spinach, red peppers and oranges.
- Folic acid can help reduce the feeling of tiredness and it is found abundantly in leafy vegetables as well as in oranges and grapefruits.
Other beautifying nutrients include Vitamin E, Betacarotene, Bioflavonoids, Vitamin A, Anthocyanins, Selenium, Isoflavones and Silica.
I'd love to know what changes you've made (or keep meaning to make!) to your diet for the sake of health and beauty. Tropicana have given me a a hamper containing fruit and beauty treats to give away, so I'll pick somebody at random from the comments on November 7th 2012 and get the goodies to you.
The fruit and beauty hamper is available to UK residents only due to the perishables and import restrictions.
The fruit and beauty hamper is available to UK residents only due to the perishables and import restrictions.
In collaboration with Tropicana
I am doing this competition for my sister(maeve). She changed her diet and now she is eatting more protein because she doesnt eat meat.
ReplyDeletelilacandflowersx@gmail.com
Interesting post! I hadn't really thought about how the things I eat can affect my beauty. Perhaps I'll start making fruit smoothies with more citrus fruits in them, can't hurt! x
ReplyDeletei recently cut out dairy from my diet after reading an article on the relationship between eczema and dairy. not only have i lost 3kg, but my skin is brighter, less dry and i haven't had a patch of eczema since!
ReplyDelete♥
I've been making so many changes lately to try to improve my health and love the fact I'm actually seeing results! I've increased the exercise I do which helps me to feel less stressed and am trying to add lots of veggies to all my meals. Eating healthier has definitely imporved my skin and I love watermelon so will be adding that to my diet too after reading this!xx
ReplyDeleteI think what you eat/drink can have a massive effect on your skin. I recently started juicing (about 2 months ago) and the impact it's had on my skin has been amazing. Definitely a juicing convert!
ReplyDeletei keep meaning to actually eat breakfast - i am always in such a rush (the usual excuse!) that i just forget. a fruit smoothie in the morning could be the answer i am looking for...grab and go! i could even make them the night before?! its all very well saying this, i actually need to put it into practise!
ReplyDeleteI just try to make sure I eat at least 3 servings of veggies and 2 servings of fruit per day. I eat lots of nuts and avocados, etc... I also don't eat meat and I've noticed since going veg several years ago I don't have a lot of the skin issues I used to (though that's not why I gave up meat)! xx
ReplyDeletewww.bohoglow.wordpress.com
www.youtube.com/user/bohoglow
I've been meaning to eat a lot less gluten and dairy in my diet, and eat more fruit/veg and superfoods- like I've been meaning to try black rice in my meals for ages now!
ReplyDeleteDaniella x
http://daniella-r.blogspot.co.uk
I have started eating more veggies recently - and steaming them too - as I have had a cold for at least three weeks that I cannot shift and I am sure this will make a difference to my well being generally! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never been a fan of drinking water but started forcing myself to have a few glasses a day in the hope that it'd make a difference to my hair health (it's quite long and I want it to get longer!) and it definitely does. My skin feels softer and brighter and my hair looks much less dull. I also suffer from stomach problems so have started eating less dairy, swapping red meats for alternatives like pulses and the occasional nuts, swapped most of my carbs to whole wheat alternatives, and finish every evening with a cup of peppermint tea (which eases digestive disorders).
ReplyDeleteI've felt miles better since I changed my diet!
I just graduated this year from uni and in that time I drank more pepsi max than I have ever thought possible. It was becoming something my friends would joke to me about. I had previously drank a lot of water but the water where I went to university was very differant in taste so I drank it less.
ReplyDeleteNow, after putting on a small amount a weight I decided to change my diet. i stopped dinking it and although it didn't directly affect my weight as there is no fat or a lot of calories in it I started to feel better, healthier. I feel less bloated and my skin seems to like it too :)
love your blog!
Nafisah x
www.bamblingsofnaffy.blogspot.co.uk
every day I make fresh juice in the morning to have a boost of nutrients!
ReplyDeleteI can't seem to shut up lately about the miracle elixir that is coconut oil. I use this topically to moisturize my skin (head to toe), deep condition my hair, rub into my scalp & cuticles, etc. I also add 2 big spoonfuls per day to a smoothie as coconut oil contains the kind of saturated fats that are good for you, helping me stay lean, but also creates lauric acid, which is toxic to bacteria, so it really boosts my immunity.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, I take folic acid, a multi-vitamin with minerals, & vitamin c everyday.
I bought a teeny smoothie maker a few months ago, & have been cramming more fruit & vegetables in that way. I had veg boxes delivered for a couple of months which was great (mud, bugs & everything!) but it was quite expensive so I've cut that for now. I'm still getting food delivered though rather than shopping because the ease is amazing, & I can buy more (heavy) healthy food than I can carry home on a bus.
ReplyDeleteLemon & ginger "tea" is my morning thing, and I have minimal dairy anyway which is good cos it makes me spotty.
I'm trying to eat more fats (olive oil on EVERYTHING, proper butter) which stops me getting hungry & seems to be keeping my skin nicer now it's cold.
snap! lately as i've been so busy, the convenience of buying a sandwich rather than preparing a salad has won! i really need to take the time to get a bit more organised during the working week! xxx
ReplyDeleteI have switched my morning coffee for mint tea, and I've been drinking at least 1.5 litres of water every day :)
ReplyDeletedara__355@hotmail.com
:) xx
Great post! I've been changing my diet a lot recently to help stop me breaking out as much. I've started making sure I drink more water during the day, having green teas instead of coffee (this was a hard one!)eating more fish such as salmon, having more greens such as spinach and the main thing was cutting out dairy. I've definitely seen an improvement in my skin and when I have something 'naughty' it definitely shows in my skin!
ReplyDeleteI really want to get a good blender next so I can start making my own juices and smoothies to help increase the amount of fruit and veg I eat.
I'm trying to cut out the mass amounts of Diet Coke in favour of water, and I always eat a lot of fruit and veg :-) Yummy whole foods like porridge and fresh yoghurts are always good for getting calcium down you too.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to eat less 'diet' foods and instead concentrate on real, wholesome stuff over processed. I've been eating lots of veggies, nuts, olive oil etc but am still struggling to kick my cake habit!
ReplyDeletehttp://talesofapaleface.blogspot.co.uk/
I absolutely love this post Meg. I too am the same as you, with reaching for convenience over health at times of stress etc. I try to drink lots of water and orange juice but my skin seems to be constantly suffering at the moment. I don't know whether it's a change in hormones, as I don't regularly change up my eating habits, but it's very frustrating!!
ReplyDeleteI recently invested in signing up to graze.com to help replace any unnecessary treats with a little nibble from them, which feels surprisingly good :)
Definitely going to eat some grapefruit as I feel constantly tired at the moment.
Thanks again Meg, always a pleasure reading your posts :) xxx
Lovely post, very interesting. I try to drink water more as I rarely do, and my mum always told from a young age that I need to eat lots of colours!she said I should aim for a rainbow on every plate :P So I try to get colourful veggies and fruits in when I can! xx
ReplyDeletemagpiebox.blogspot.co.uk
megan.wsburrows@gmail.com
My one big change is drinking lots of water. I keep big bottles dotted around the house to remind me to drink - it is so easy to forget to drink - I mean, what is that about?! I try to keep my Vitamin C levels up to ward off colds and boost my immune system. I have recently changed to drinking Tropicana - it literally tastes like it is freshly-squeezed compared to other brands. I like to mix the Smooth Orange variety with White Grapefruit - gives just the right amount of tang. Echinacea tincture for the whole family every week day morning and that just about does it in this house! :o)
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to 'supplement' my beauty lately with plenty of fruit (bananas and oranges usually) and juice but I have such a sweet tooth! I could eat salad and stir frys for my dinner everyday but I always follow with a few biscuits or spoonfuls of ben and jerrys' argh! ;)
ReplyDeletexo
I can always tell from the condition of my skin when my diet has been healthier. The difference drinking more water alone has is incredible!
ReplyDeleteI have recently been taking vitamin tablets on top of trying to eat all my fruits and veggies for the day. I always feel like I need a bit of a top up in the winter months when my skin starts to get a bit dry and dull looking xx
ReplyDeleteSince the days are getting colder, I've been trying to eat more slow-releasing foods such as oats and lentils, to make sure i'm full and warm, but don't get hungry at 4pm!
ReplyDeleteMy diet is completely horrendous. I put all these lovely products on my skin, yet I treat my stomach to Pringles and bars of Twix. Shameful. Looking after my insides is my next beauty resolution x
ReplyDeleteI do try to eat healthy and when I do it definitely shows! My skin is so much better.
ReplyDeleteablogbyabbie.blogspot.co.uk X
Although they say that diet doesn't really affect your skin, I do find that if I've been quite bad and include a lot of processed/refined sugar in my diet my skin will become a total mess. Then when I'm drinking lots of water, green tea, fruit and vegetables and generally eating clean, my skin is much clearer and nicer looking with very very few blemishes.
ReplyDeleteI found this article on the Glamour website the other day that's really interesting and useful if you want to find more natural ways of making your skin better via what you eat :) (http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/love-sex-relationships/health-fitness/2011/02/top-20-skin-clearing-foods#!image-number=1)
Lucy xxx
I've been using a lot more fish oil- thanks to caroline, skincare guru. But in general eating healthy things that I like as there is really no point in forcing your body to eat foods for the sake of health. Oh and telling myself it is okay to eat chocolate in moderation!
ReplyDeleteeating lots of fruits especially those with high vitamin C. Drinking tea, especially matcha and eating high omega fatty acid foods (salmon, avocado, etc).
ReplyDeleteThis give away came just in time, about a week ago I decided that I needed to make changes to my diet. I've been taking cod liver oil capsules for just over a year now and I've definitely benefited. I used to have an average of three colds a year but since taking them I have had only one cold and even that only lasted a couple of days :) paintedlikethewingsofbutterflies@hotmail.co.uk xxx
ReplyDeletei used to drink only about 1 litre a day, as i just wasn't thirsty, i didn't feel the need to drink. but i tried to change that and i'm getting better now! i prefer running to the toilet every now and then at school hahah
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post Meg! I should really try to eat more fruit and veggies, but I'm so lazyyy! At least lately I've been drinking more and more water!
ReplyDeleteI'm quite good at eating vegetables with my meals but i'm awful for eating fruit because i tend to snack on chocolates instead for that instant sugar rush. I'm going to try and stock up on smoothies, fruit juice and easy to pick at fruit so that I reach for those instead! Hopefully it'll brighten up my skin a bit more! xo
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this hamper! Loved this post and would love to see more like it :)
ReplyDeleteWish I could cut diet coke out!!
ReplyDeleteGlossyboutique.blogspot.com
Enjoyed reading this post - I always need to be reminded to drink more water and eat more fruit and veg! Whenever I follow a 'clean' diet, my skin always looks great because of it so I need to do it more often! x
ReplyDeleteAmazing Post and the first picture is soo pretty!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! I never think to myself my skins bad because of food and blame it on my skincare! xxx
ReplyDeleteBeing coeliac I can totally appreciate how diet affects your body. I sometimes struggle to be good with an already restricted diet but when I am I can definitely see the benefits in my skin. My biggest downfall is home made gluten free cake but I try to balance this with lots of fruit and vegetables and plenty of water. Great post, really interesting
ReplyDeleteI love this post. It's a really different side to beauty that I wouldn't have thought about particularly. I'm always drinking as much water as possible and forever trying to eat all the fruit & veg I should...!
ReplyDeleteOoh I love the idea of this! I have always been a big water drinker and love fruit. But living away from home, at uni, I find I tend to eat a lot less fruit because I never realised how expensive it can be! However, you have inspired me to seek out some deals ;)
ReplyDeleteMy skin always looks a million times better when I'm on a healthy eating kick but sometimes its hard to resist the allure of junkfood!x
ReplyDeletehttp://luxenoirbeauty.blogspot.co.uk
I drink lots of green tea (peppermint is my favourite), I eat wholemeal pasta, often have cereal with plenty of fruit in and I'm constantly sipping on water.
ReplyDeleteGem x
http://www.gemmameansjewel.com
I've been going down the whole food for beauty route as well! I try to eat avocado everyday and drinks lots of water! Tomatoes are great for the skin as well. I find that when i overindulge in sugar ie chocolate and cakes (my weakness) in one go, it shows on my face :( So far so good. cutting down on them has helped, and also using AHAs on my face has been the best thing! great giveaway would love to win :) xxx
ReplyDeleteOooh this sounds lovely. I've been making a real effort to drink more water and eat more fruit. Do toffee apples count at this time of year?! xx
ReplyDeleteI really should make the effort to do this. But fruit is so unappealing in the wintertime! Hand me the pastries!
ReplyDeletex x
this is such a great post, and something i should really take note of. but i think i love chocolate too much... oh well! you look very cute with your watermelon :) x
ReplyDeleteI've just started uni and noticed that my skin has not been loving the endless trips to the kebab shop on the way back in from a night out. Last weekend I went out and bought lots of fruit and some nice dried carbs (noodles, couscous etc.) without any weird flavours and I'm on a mission to make the nicest tasting, good for you food that can be made when your only cooking facilities are a kettle. This is my promise to my body. We will be nicer to each other in future.
ReplyDeleteI've been drinking peppermint as it helps with digestion and clears cold .. something i get every winter without fail! ... it also taste pretty good and is a healthier alternative to milky/sugary tea and coffee! x
ReplyDeleteLove this. I always notice my skin palying up when I let my diet go. Especially in winter. I've got a hectic couple of months ahead, this was a good reminder!!
ReplyDeletexxx
This is such a good idea! I haven't honestly made huge changes to my mail meals because I'm a bit lazy with them, but I always make sure to have healthy snacky bits. My favourite things to have around are almonds for nibbling and dried mango for a sugar kick (: x
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab give away :)
ReplyDeleteI try to drink as much water and I want to start drinking some peppermint tea or something like that
Laura xxx
Unlovedbutton.blogspot.com
I am a juice addict! I often bake healthier treats instead of overloading on chocolate as well. I've tried to get into fruit tea but I just can't!
ReplyDeleteWonderful giveaway
livgkovacs@gmail.com :)
I'm not the best for doing this myself but my boyfriend eats oily fish and it definitely makes a difference to your skin. He just eats tinned mackerel, sardines or salmon, you can really see the benefits, feels soft and moisturised, looks plump and supple. It's the Omega 3. Just wish I could make myself eat more of it!
ReplyDeleteLolly
Lots and lots of water, plus trying to go for a walk everyday. It keeps me healthy and the cool breeze gives my skin a nice rosy glow :)
ReplyDeletexxx
So many intentions to whack up the fruit and veg in my diet, I find generally being healthier helps my skin. Haven't managed that very well but I am getting back to drinking lots of water :)
ReplyDeleteI've recently started a healthy eating plan after watching 'The Food Hospital' - I suffer on and off with acne and insomnia and didn't realise just how much what I was eating was affecting both issues. Since then I've taken it upon myself to snack more on dried fruits, I'd really recommend cranberries - they are delicious, and fresh fish and fruits and I've really seen a difference and feel much better for it! x
ReplyDeleteThe amount of college work I have right now is unbelievable! My skin is pretty decent if I do say so myself but recently, it's started to look a little lack-lustre and greyish (?) I'm not eating/sleeping well at all so I suppose that's contributed to my now, crap skin. I'm definitely going to start eating and drinking as I should. Thanks for the heads up Megan! :) xxx
ReplyDeleteBy drinking a lot of water and green tea. Simple but it works! x
ReplyDeleteI'm so obsessed with what I'm putting in my body and it really is noticeable in my skin and hair when I've been eating well and when I'm eating crap. I drink loads of water and always try to get so called 'super foods' into my diet: broccoli, blueberries, whole grains etc. I also make a conscious effort to eat a lot more fibre after watching the food hospital on channel 4 and doing the fibre challenge!
ReplyDeleteRozi xo
the-blonde-rose.blogspot.co.uk
Hemsley & Hemsley Quinoa Salad, check out the recipe here: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2012/06/06/hemsley-hemsley-quinoa-salad-and-basil-brazil-nut-pesto - great source of protein!!
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered puy lentils and have been having them with sun-dried tomato, herbs and roasted red pepper with a little sprinkling of crumbled goats cheese on top, tastes lovely and fills you right up for the day whilst being a much healthier alternative for lunch :)
ReplyDeleteI've just moved out and into my own flat and my diet has taken a turn for the worst! This post has given me the kick up the backside I need, because I keep moaning that my skin has gone horrible. I'm definitely going to eat more fruits and veggies and stop snacking on things that trick me into thinking they're healthy! Thanks Meg!
ReplyDeleteI've started drinking more fruit juices but after reading your post I think I might try some fruit ive not tried yet. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to improve my overall health (and beauty) at the moment, and it's nice to see a blog post of this kind. Looking at beauty from a different angle :)
ReplyDeleteI love Kiwi fruits. Buy a not-quite-ripe-yet pack and keep them in the fridge so they last longer. And also I used to get a *lot* of headaches, and now I always keep a bottle of water in the fridge and a bottle of squash by my desk and always make sure it's topped up. It's completely cured my headaches!
ReplyDeleteI have been squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water every morning for a few weeks now and my skin has cleared up loads. I think this is due to the cleansing effect on the liver.
ReplyDeletebailey.hayleylouise@gmail.com
Xxx
This is something I have really been trying to do more of at the moment, not just buying pricey products to patch myself up on the outside, but eat/drink healthily and exercise to help clear up my skin too - often a challenge when you're in your final year of uni and would rather be munching on chocolate! This has given me some new ideas to try, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteOoh this looks like a lovely treat :) I find it hard to keep healthy in the winter but I lost weight over the summer and I'm determined to keep it up! Recently I have been replacing potatoes for butternut squash as I think it's tastier and it doesn't need butter! I also tried Kale for the first upon your suggestion and it's lovely, I've been having a lot of that too! And I've been having so much water, i find drinking a lot of water flushes out winter colds, hydrates my skin and it's obviously rather healthy :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
gmhmeredith@gmail.com
I drink less caffeine as it's dehydrating. I buy 5 pieces of fruit on a monday morning and make sure I have 1 everyday in work lol
ReplyDeleteI saw a noticely difference in my skin condition when eating mackerel, but haven't been very good at keeping that up.
Exercise is great too for how you look and feel about yourself :)