Photo: Anthony Hoang of Lover of Mine
Getting married is indeed a stressful time that can lead to skin break outs. From finding the perfect dress to dealing with friends and family whining about seating arrangements, a girl could wind up in the pimple zone. While you may not be able to achieve complete Zen before sashaying down the aisle we can help you achieve skin that says “I have not a care in the world” in just 10 days. Here, your 10 day diet to flawless wedding skin.
Day #1: Start Drinking
No not vodka — H2O. “The number one rule to radiant skin is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily,” says NYC-based nutritionist Lorraine Kearney. She also recommends eating cucumbers, oranges, lettuce and watermelon, which are hydrating and packed with phytonutrients that help to protect our face from the damage that oxidation causes to our skin.
Day #2: Be Nutty
Experts have been telling us to eat a handful of nuts daily for years. This is so we can reap the benefits of their powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory factors. Nuts like almonds contain vitamin E which studies have shown can reduce the signs of aging, and linolenic acids which helps to fight breakouts. Enjoy this smoothie for breakfast to reap maximum benefits: Blend together a cup of Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk, 2 tablespoons of Justin’s Almond Butter, a ripened banana, a cup of vanilla flavored Greek Yogurt, and ice.
Day #3: Go Fish
In a recent study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was found that a regular dose of fish oils can help to fight off the damage caused by sunlight. “Eating salmon, tuna, or mackerel can help to protect your skin from environmental stressors,” says Kearney. “Stick with wild caught, the farmed versions are often exposed to pesticides,” she says.
Day #4: All Hail Kale
A recent report in USA Today found that kale appears on 400 percent more restaurant menus than it did before 2009. And why not when one cup contains over 100 percent of our recommended daily allowance of vitamin A — which is our skin’s best friend. Use it instead of lettuce in your salads. Toss a cup of baby kale, sliced green apples, pomegranate seeds like POM Arils, and parmesan cheese with balsamic vinegar then top with 3 ounces of cooked salmon.
Day #5: Magnificent Mangoes
Called a beauty fruit by the National Mango Board, they contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, beta carotene and folate. All three respectively can help to decrease the appearance of wrinkles, dryness, redness, and the impact of UV radiation. Substitute it in recipes that call for peaches or nectarines.
Day #6: The Power of Green
Spinach and Spirulina are antioxidant rich so they are great for detoxing before the big day, says Lizz Starr, Executive Director of Origins Global Product Development. “The prescription for removing stress from the skin is a cocktail of antioxidants”, she says. Though they can be often enjoyed in salads for an extra boost on your big day apply Origins’ By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleansing Mask the night before.
Day #7: Ditch the White Stuff
“Eating salt and processed foods can cause your body to retain fluids making your face appear bloated, ” says Pilates guru Rachel Speck. “Also, limit sugar and carbs because they can lead to excess pounds.” she says. Instead try “Salt For Life” which has 75 percent less sodium than regular salt. Sweeten your coffee with maple syrup and tea with honey, which all have anti-inflammatory properties.
See More: 50 Pre-Wedding Skincare Products for Every Complexion Type
Day #8: Berry, Berry Good
Berries are rich sources of a wide variety of antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids, stilbenes, tannins, and phenolic acids. “These compounds may help delay the onset of aging, and provide antimicrobial benefits,” Alexandra Miller, RDA, Medifast. “Plus they have a high water and fiber content which can reduce bloat,” she says. So ditch chips and snack on grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and mulberries.
Day #9: Silky Smooth
The benefits of soy have long been touted and a recent study of middle-aged Japanese women found that those who consumed daily 40 mg of an isoflavone found in soy, had fewer fine lines. It seems that isoflavone can help stop collagen from breaking down, which is what leads to sagging and lines. Substitute soy milk in recipes that calls for milk.
Day #10: C The Difference
The British Journal of Nutrition recently published a study that found that those who ate the most green and yellow vegetables had fewer wrinkles. This may be due to their high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that fights aging of the body. “A half cup of raw red bell pepper provides 159 percent of the daily value for vitamin C,” says Miller. Additionally, their high water content also helps to keep our skin looking and bodies functioning at its best, says Miller.