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You already know that eating a clean diet fuels your active lifestyle and makes your muscles look strong and lean. But for an all over glow, stock your fridge and cabinets with these 10 beauty foods that will keep your skin and hair looking just as good as your toned body.
1. Eggs. Eggs are loaded with protein and vitamin D, and have been shown to improve muscle power, but they also pack biotin which helps to nourish your scalp. The yolks contain vitamin A which impacts the immune system, and keeps your nails strong.
2. Green Tea. If your used to drinking a cup of coffee in the morning to get you going, try substituting Green Tea instead. Not only does it give your metabolism a lift, but it also contains antioxidants that help to keep your skin cells from aging too quickly.
3. Almonds and Pumpkin Seeds. These high protein snacks will keep you feeling full (so you don’t reach for the chips or crackers) but they’re also full of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin cells. Go light though because they aren’t low in calories. You only need about a handful. Have them alone or throw them into your salad!
4. Olive Oil. Low in fat diets can take a toll on your skin. In moderation, olive or canola oil can help protect your heart, and because they contain fat, can help you feel more full so you’ll stay on track with your diet.
5. Salmon. Salmon has one of the highest quality of lean proteins you can find. Diets high in the leucine that is found in salmon can help people lose more weight without sacrificing protein. Not to mention the omega 3’s that will keep your skin and hair glowing.
6. Avocados. While avocados are not a low fat choice when pairing them with some tortilla chips and the added mayo that goes into making guacamole, throwing a half of one on a salad or whole grain sandwich is a wonderful source of monounsaturated fat. Since your hair can get brittle from a low calorie diet, a heart healthy fat, like those found in avocados, can fill your follicles with lots of nutrients.
7. Lean Red Meat. Red meat is a great source of iron which is imperative for building red blood cells which deliver oxygen to where your body needs it.
8. Bulgur. Bulgur is a great protein and whole grain. Not only does it contain loads of B vitamins, but eating whole grains can improve your fluid balance. Replace your white pasta, rice and bread with the healthy whole grain variety.
9. Citrus. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C. And when you’re sick, lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges have antioxidants and immunity building properties that can get you back on track. In addition, vitamin C also helps to produce collagen, which keeps your skin supple and beautiful.
10. Water. Water keeps your metabolism kicking, helps your cells to function properly and keeps your immunity on track. Drinking water has its beauty benefits too. Since it hydrates your cells, it keeps you radiant from inside out.
Tags: Antioxidant, Citrus, Green tea, Health, Immune system, Monounsaturated fat, Red blood cell, Wine tasting descriptors
