Shop Color! Antioxidant Foods | An Antioxidant Diet Is An Anti Aging Diet
By Jill | February 16, 2010
Topics: Antioxidants, Superfoods | No Comments »
Eating An Antioxidant Rich Diet
Antioxidants are anti agers. Antioxidants are immune system boosters.
Eating a diet rich in antioxidant foods is an essential part of feeling young and looking young. If you want younger looking skin you need to nourish your body and I guarantee you antioxidant foods will show on your skin. While this may sound like just good common sense there are many people who don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables (5 and 5 daily). They get very few antioxidant rich foods and opt for quick processed foods instead. It’s simple to get enough antioxidants in your diet if you shop color, shop fresh and with a high antioxidant diet in mind. You can prepare quick delicious meals (even cooking for kids) with fresh ingredients. I’ll share some really quick and delicious menu ideas with you too.
Antioxidants are vitamins and other nutrients that boose your immune system and help prevent damage to the heart and other tissues.
An antioxidant rich diet includes plenty of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Cartenoids, Bioflavinoids, and Beta – Carotene.
I’m sure most of you have heard of all these antioxidants and are aware they are supplements you can take, but they’re in your food. There’s no need to take, what do we have there, 6 or more supplements a day. You can get all of them in an antioxidant rich diet full of fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, herbs and tea. You do need all of these because they work together and on different parts of the body, but with a varied diet and a focus on color you’ll get what you need.
When you go to the store put the most colorful fresh foods you can find into your basket. Once you get to checkout your little pile of food will look so healthy the check out gals will want to come for dinner. What do you have? Lots of delicious food that are high in antioxidants. Your antioxidant rich diet.
Things to include in your antioxidant diet
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
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Berries – blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries – when fresh are not available choose the frozen or stock up in the summer months and you can freeze berries easily.
Apples – red delicious, granny smith and gala in order of highest amount to lowest amount of antioxidants, but all are great.
Plums and Prunes
Black and Red Grapes
Pomegranates
0ranges
Pineapple
Cantalope
Peaches
Pears
Kiwi
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Asparagus
Avocado
Alfalfa sprouts
Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Green beans
Dark green lettuce
Spinach
Cayenne peppers
Green chile peppers
Sweet peppers
Russet potatoes
Tomatoes
Nuts, Teas and Herbs
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Teas – black, greens and oolong
Herbs – garlic, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, oregano
Nuts – pecans, hazelnuts and walnuts are especially high in antioxidants
Quick and Healthy Ways to Eat Those Antioxidant Rich Foods
Breakfasts
Whole grain cereal with fresh fruit
Plain yogurt mixed with fresh fruit
Wheat bagels with low sugar plum jam
Fruit Smoothies
Omelet with veggies – peppers, tomato, mushrooms, onions
Jello – I almost always have jello mixed with fruit around. My favorite is with crushed pineapple, whole berry cranberry sauce and walnuts. Add nuts and fruit of your choice.
Beverages
Drink tea instead of coffee – There are tons of wonderful varieties and all contain antioxidants.
Fresh squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice or good unsweetened apple juice – the juice section of your grocery store has some great organic juices that aren’t full of sugar. Some are more affordable than others.
Lunches – you can easily pack these.
Whole wheat veggie bagel – include cream cheese, poupon mustard, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, cucumber and spinach (you can easily add tuna to this and swap out for the cream cheese)
Fresh veggies and garlic spinach dip – carrots, celery, broccoli, peppers, cucumbers
Sliced apples and pears with cheese, add some pecans and fresh figs
Fresh fruit salad with honey lemon poppy seed dressing
Yogurt with fruit, nuts and granola
Celery and peanut butter – I like to mix ground flax seed in the PB and top with dried cranberries
Green salad topped with olives (black or green) feta cheese, dried cranberries and walnuts with vinagrette dressing
Homemade vegetable soup – you can make a big batch of this quickly on the weekend then freeze and microwave
Dinners
Chicken fajitas – top with peppers, onions, black beans and avocados and salsa
Black Bean Quesadillas with tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and olives
Broccoli stir fry with walnuts, red pepper and sesame seeds
Red Cabbage and carrot asian slaw
Baked potato topped with broccoli and cheese
Pasta with clams and tomatoes, olive oil, garlic
Wild rice pilaf with veggies and spices
Salmon with cucumber, yogurt and dill sauce
Chicken strips sauted with colorful peppers, garlic, olive oil with spinach linguini
Spaghetti with homemade marinara sauce.
French bread with olive oil mop with tons of garlic, oregano and romano cheese and a green salad loaded with veggies
Green Chile Stew – You can make this with or without meat. I like both ground beef and cubed beef, potatoes, green chiles, garlic, onions, tomatoes, pinto beans, a bit of oregano and a tortilla for sopping up the broth.
Desserts
Fresh Fruit!
A bowl of fresh pineapple, berries, banana topped with lemon curd is my favorite. We can eat this most any night of the week.
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Got Racoon Eyes? Here’s What Causes Those Dark Circles Under Eyes and Some Natural Ways to Get Rid Of Them | Reduce Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags
By Jill | January 27, 2010
Topics: Dark Circles Under Eyes, Younger Looking Skin | No Comments »
While under eye bags and dark circles are not due only to aging it is a problem most people face as they age. As we age our skin thins and under eye circles and bags tend to become noticeable and permanent.
There are plenty of young people looking to remove dark circles under the eyes too so this article is for everyone. It discusses the causes of dark circles under the eyes and those annoying under eye bags that make us look like we should go back to bed after just waking up.
Causes of Dark Circles Under The Eyes and Under Eye Bags
Aging – As we age our skin thins and loses elasticity and becomes translucent.The skin under the eye is very thin and sensitive to begin with. The fat under the eyes bulges out causing those under eye bags. As your skin ages bags can go from just a slight under eye bulge to an under eye carry on bag to a bag you may need to check at the gate.
Heredity – If your parents have/had dark circles under the eyes there’s a good chance you inherited the condition. These dark circles do tend to run in families and can be hereditary. All is not lost though. Read on for some things that might help.
Medical Conditions like poor circulation or anemia can cause dark circles under the eyes. Sometimes just increasing circulation with regular exercise will help the problem.
If you’re anemic you are low on iron. (***do not take iron supplements without a doctors advice***) You can get plenty of iron in foods like clams, oysters, shrimp and sardines (yum!) and chicken and beef liver (eww!) also cooked beans, enriched cereals and pastas, dark green leafy vegetables like spinich. Check iron content on labels.
There are other medical causes to dark circles under the eyes so check with your doctor if you think there’s more to your case.
Dehydration can cause dark circles under the eye. Make sure you drink plenty of water every day. 6-8 glasses should do you. People who drink only when thirsty are probably not drinking enough water.
Hyperpigmentation – Some people, usually those with darker skin tones, have dark circles under the eyes caused by to much melanin (pigment) under the eyes. You can tell if your dark undereye circles are caused by hyperpigmentation by pressing your finger on the dark circle. If the area doesn’t lighten it’s pigment not thinning skin or dehydration.
Bad diet and other bad habits can be the cause of dark circles under the eyes. Eat a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes and some meat if you wish. Limit the amount of processed foods, sugars and bad fats in your diet. Don’t drink too much coffee or replace with tea if you can, don’t smoke or drink alcohol especially in excess.
Lack of sleep – Plain old tiredness can cause dark circles under your eyes. Getting a good nights sleep can help.
Some Natural Ways to Reduce Dark Eye Circles and Under Eye Bags
TEA TIME! – Black tea contains tannins (tannic acid). Tannins are found in plant bark, seeds, leaves etc. They are astringents and are used to treat burns, seal wounds and they reduce inflammation. They also form a protective layer on the skin (seal wounds) They will help reduce puffiness under the eyes although I’m not at all sure about dark circles. Often reducing the puffiness will help with appearance of the dark pigmentation simply because there is less shadow with reduced puffiness. You should certainly give tea and tannins a try for dark circles and puffy eyes. Brew a cup of strong black tea (not green, not decaffinated) Let the bags cool and then place on the eyes and relax for about 25 minutes. Tea is not going to remove the dark circles under the eyes. This is temporary and you’ll need to continue to use it. I would take a luxurious bath in the morning and relax with the teabags. This should help your eyes with puffiness and you’ll look rested all day.
Random thought of the day on black tea and tea bags….Teabags are also helpful for cases of conjunctivitus (pink eye) Use as above.
Potato – Shred up some raw potato and apply to the dark circles under the eye area. I have heard this is a good remedy for dark circles under the eyes although I have no idea why it works.
Cucumber and Lemon Juice – Cucumber is used in skin care to sooth, soften and hydrate skin. It can help with the puffiness under the eyes. Mix it with some lemon juice which has a bleaching effect and will help lighten the dark circles under the eyes. You might also add some vitamin E oil to this cucumber and lemon mixture. You can pop open a vitamin E capsule and add a bit then just swallow the rest of it.
All of these treatments above need to be done on a regular basis. I would suggest at least 3 times a week to see a reduction in the dark circles and puffiness.
If you’re looking for an eye cream there is one study that suggests that vitamin K may help. I did find only one study. I’m not sure if that ONE study and limited results would justify the price.
Try the home remedies for dark eye circles here first and let us know results.
You may need to also use a concealer to help cover up dark circles. Look for tones of peach or yellow and dab under eyes gentle. Pat in. If you go with a pink color you only bring the bluish tint out. You can also look for a mineral based (mica) concealer. The minerals deflect light which helps to conceal the shadows.
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8 Great Recipes For Exfoliating Your Face Using Natural AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
By Jill | January 26, 2010
Topics: Age Spots, Get Rid of Wrinkles, Younger Looking Skin | 1 Comment »
Natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids Can Help Remove Fine Facial Wrinkles and Age Spots
Part of your daily skin care routine should include exfoliating your face. There’s no reason to put those expensive moisturizing creams on dead skin cells where they can’t penetrate to do their intended work.
When you exfoliate your face you’re loosening and washing away dead skin cells in order to expose the fresh new skin cells beneath. Natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids are excellent for exfoliating your face. These acids are found naturally in fruits (citric acid)and , sour milk (lactic acid) and sugar cane (glycolic acid).
Natural Alpha hydroxy acids also enhance new skin cell growth thus allowing the skin to better retain moisture which will plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Lactic acid in sour milk, cream and yogurt softens skin and cleanses pores. Glycolic acid like in sugar helps to loosen ceramides which are substances that hold skin cells together. Once dissolved, healthy new skin cells beneath are exposed removing the fine lines and wrinkles and age spots. The citric acid in fruits acts as a bleaching agent for age spots and skin discoloration. Fruits are also full of powerful antioxidants that help fight free radical damage caused by sun and wind. Citric acid also stimulates collagen production.
The recipes that follow all use alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate your skin. Choose your favorite or use several depending on what you have on hand. People with sensitive skin may find one irritating while another isn’t so I’ve included several. You’ll also need to see just how often to exfoliate. I suggest a couple times a week minimum.
You can use any of the following to lighten age spots as well.
Aloe and Milk Sugar Scrub – This sugar scrub is very moisturizing for dry and also sensitive skin.
1 T Aloe Vera Gel
1 T heavy cream
2 T sugar
Mix heavy cream with half the Aloe Vera Gel. Heat to just warm in microwave. Apply to face and neck area and leave sit for 15 minutes.
Next take the remaining aloe vera gel and mix it with the sugar. Gently massage the sugar mixture into face using small circular motions. Rinse with warm water. Your face will feel silky soft and smooth. Follow with a toner and your favorite moisturizer. The lactic acid and sugar will exfoliate your face to help remove fine lines, expose fresh skin and stimulate new cell growth.
Egg On Your Face Lemon Face Mask – This mask is nourishing and toning for dry mature skin.
1/2 lemon
1 egg yolk
Cut lemon in half and scoop out just enough for the egg yolk to fit. Plop in unbroken egg yolk. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning spread the egg yolk over your face and neck. The yolk will have absorbed some of the lemon oil and juices. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water.
Creamy Strawberry Mask – Do NOT use if you’re allergic to strawberries.
3-4 strawberries
2 T plain organic yogurt
1 T raw honey
In a blender combine 3-4 strawberries, 2 T organic yogurt, and raw honey. Apply to face and neck avoiding eyes. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse gently with tepid water.
Papaya Scrub
1/2 ripe papaya,
2 T heavy cream,
juice of 1 lemon
1 T raw honey
Scoop papaya out of skin. Plop in blender with remaining ingredients. Process to mix. Apply to face and neck – leave for 10 minutes and rinse off gently with warm water.
Brown Sugar and Cream Face Scrub
1 T cream
2-3 T brown sugar
1 T fresh lemon juice
Mix together and rub onto damp skin. Leave for 5 minutes or so then gently massage in to loosen dead skin and gently exfoliate. Rinse with warm water.
Simple Sour Milk Face Exfoliate
2 T heavy cream
1 T fresh lemon juice
Mix together. Yes this is going to get lumpy as the cream will sour with the lemon. It doesn’t smell real nice either, but I do love this one. Spread over face and let dry. Usually about 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse and massage gently with warm water. As you rinse you can also apply some plain sugar to help exfoliate.
Plain Old Grapes
Red or Green Grapes
Mash them up and apply to face and neck. Leave on 10-15 minutes then rinse with warm water. I like to use this time to complain to my husband. I tell him I’m just feeling sour grapes. He hates this mask!
Honey Lemon Rooibos Tea
Rooibos Tea is a red tea from Africa that has 50 times the antioxidants of green tea. You’ve all heard how good green tea is for you right? Try rooibos now in addition. Rooibos also has alpha hydroxy acid. So I make a cup to drink and one for the face.
2 Rooibos Tea bags
3 cups water
honey to taste for tea
lemon for mask
sugar for scrub
Boil water then turn off heat and steep tea for 10 minutes.
Make one cup of tea with honey to drink while you relax for your facial. Let the rest cool and add 1 T lemon. apply with cotton balls to face and let dry. You can apply more and let dry again. Leave on 20 minutes then moisten some sugar, brown or white. Gently massage to help exfoliate face and reduce wrinkles. Rinse with warm water.
After exfoliating I always use a toner, then moisturizer. This is my favorite toner and it’s simple.
Green Tea and Herbs (you can vary the herbs depending on what you’re after. Roses and rose hips soften skin and are good for aging skin, chamomile is soothing and moisturizing, lavender is good for acne and oily skin)
Chamomile Flowers
Green Tea
I use a tea frog and bulk green tea leaf mixed with chamomile flower. I pack the frog with both. Boil a cup and a half of water with frog in place. Continue to boil low until reduced by about 1/3 about 15 minutes. Let cool. Pour into a spritz bottle. You can spray this on or just apply with cotton balls and let dry. Don’t rinse off. Chamomile is soothing to the skin and green tea provides antioxidants.
If you have recipes to share please feel free!
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