It has been awhile since I have posted about fitness, beauty, fashion or other things that I am passionate about.  I have always read articles, books & blogs about these topics as well as using much of what I learn in my own life.  I do not profess to be an expert, just a passionate learner and sharer.  I have been sharing a lot lately on my Facebook pages, and since I am getting more and more questions about the things posted I thought it might be good to do blog posts about them.  Please feel free to share your thoughts and tips in the comments 🙂  Some of you might wonder..why share on your photography blog right?  Well the way I see it is this… if you feel a bit better about yourself and your appearance, you will enjoy the photo sessions even more.

About 3 months or so ago, I decided it was time to change a few things in my diet.  While I eat my veggies and drink loads of water, I still LOVED having Cheez-Its on a regular basis.  Apparently my body did not like that at all and was retaliating in its own ways.  One of those ways was bad belly aches and yucks.  My friend and ex-trainer that lives in Colorado where I lived previously, saw my Facebook status and called me.  He pretty much told me to cut out the crap. LOL.  It was tough at first but WOW what a difference when I stopped the processed and packaged goodies.  Oh and I lost 6 pounds which was a pleasant side effect.   Could I cut back on my Starbucks intake?  yes.  Maybe only enjoy a glass of wine here and there?  yes.  But I figure a couple BIG javas and a nice glass of vino is pretty ok if that is really my only vice.  Enough about me.  Here are some things I have found to work for getting that outer glow.

I asked on my Facebook page about this very thing.  I thought most everyone knew to drink water.  Well the comments came back with “yes we know…but don’t follow it like we should”.  So, you probably don’t need to be told to drink it and drink lots.  Keeps your skin hydrated.  OH and add some lemon too.

Walnuts.  They contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which can improve skin’s elasticity.  Walnuts also have copper which is a mineral that boosts collagen production.

   Green Tea – It helps fight inflammation and it’s very high in antioxidants, particularly one named EGCG, which is proved to reduce redness.

Cucumbers.  They are loaded with the mineral silica which is an essential component for healthy connective tissue (muscles, ligaments, cartilage, bone, & skin). It is also full of ionic potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C which give it a powerful alkalizing effect within the body. Additionally, cucumbers are particularly rich in fluids that hydrate the skin, joints, and tissues.  Be sure to try and buy organic.  (This was found on Natural News)

Avocados.  They are a great source of biotin which is great for hair, skin and nails.  They also help prevent dry skin.

Fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, lake trout, and herring have the highest quantity of skin enhancing omega-3 fatty acids.  I need to eat more myself.  It’s good for your heart too.