Eat to Stay Young

As we get older, we start to ask important questions about our lives.  Some wonder if they are in the right career or not.  Some question if they are living in the right city, or with the right person.  Some ask if they are making a difference in the world, or if when they are gone, will people remember them.  People like me, however, wonder if they are looking older.  Call me superficial, but I don’t want to grow up!  I don’t want wrinkles and sun spots and yellow teeth.  So instead of freaking out, I’ve done some research on natural ways to stay young.  And as it turns out there are some pretty tasty ways to combat aging.

Wild Salmon
Salmon and other cold water fish are great sources of protein.  These proteins help to maintain skin cells and help promote cell regineration…which means they are anti-wrinkle!  The omega-3 fatty acids in Salmon help keep skin radiant and fresh and also helps brain function…bonus!  The dark pink color in salmon comes from an antioxidant called astaxanthin, which is an anti-inflamitory…goodbye fine lines and wrinkles!

 

Wheat Grass
Wheat grass and barley are close cousins of all dark leafy greens, but wheat grass packs a much more nutrient dense punch.  Green foods help to detoxify the skin to keep it looking radiant.  Because of the high levels of chlorophyll, wheat grass has positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, and the immune system.  The chlorophyll also fights against bad breath…who knew?

 

Olive Oil
Every diet needs good fat to help absorb the nutrients from our fruits and vegetables.  Olive oil keeps our cells supple which translates to smoother skin.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains oleic acid which helps us absorb omega-3’s and other nutrients in our food.  The acid keeps our cells outer walls supple allowing nutrients to enter easily and waste to escape.

 

Blueberries
These little blue balls (don’t be gross) are full of anti-inflammatory properties.  Inflammation causes sagging and wrinkles and we don’t want that.  Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and improve memory and brain function.  Anything that is good for the brain is good for the skin.

 

 

Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols which help to get rid of free radicals that cause inflammation.  New studies also show that polypphenols help protect cells from cancer causing DNA damage.  Another new finding suggests that the green tea polyphenols, also known as EGCG, reactivate dying skin cells, in turn, making us look younger!

 

 

Grapefruit
Sour citrus fruits, including grapefruit, lemons, and limes contain antioxidants called limonoids.  These limonoids help prevent cancer by boosting detoxification in the liver, lower blood cholesterol, and inhibit cancer cell growth in skin.  A study conducted for Bordeaux Medical also found that the proanthocyanidins (say that 3 times fast!)  found in sour citrus strengthen capillaries which maintains the elastin of our skin keeping it healthy and youthful.

Top 5 Favorite Snacks

Top 5 Favorite Snacks

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If you prefer to read, I’ve also included pictures and text below 🙂

 

 I’ve had a few people ask me what I like to snack on, so I thought I would share with you my top 5 favorite snacks!  I know that we are all in a hurry, all of the time, and it’s hard to find foods that we can grab and go.  If you are like most people, you probably fall into the trap of purchasing prepackaged snack foods at the grocery store.  While these foods are convenient and easy, they are loaded with preservatives, chemicals, sugar, salt and fake coloring.  Over the past couple months I have found some great foods that make awesome snacks, so hopefully you enjoy!

1.  FRESH FRUIT

I know that you are probably thinking, “We already know that, Sarah”, but you would be surprised at how many people don’t consider fruit a real food.  The great thing about fruit is that you can grab it and go.  It doesn’t need any preparation or refrigeration.  My favorites are apples, bananas, peaches, oranges and grapefruit.  Put a piece of fruit in your purse, your car, your book bag, at work, anywhere you go!

 

I also LOVE grapefruit.  My favorite way to eat grapefruit is to cut it in half, cut out the sections and drizzle a little honey on the top.  The honey melts down into the grapefruit and sweetens up the tartness of the fruit.  Honey is great because it is a natural sweetner…the only ingredient in honey is honey!  I eat a grapefruit every morning or sometimes at night when I want a sweet treat.

 

2.  HUMMUS AND VEGGIES

Hummus is a Mediterranean dip made out of garbanzo beans (chickpeas).  It is usually made with olive oil, tahini (spice) and other natural spices and flavors.  It comes in many varieties, including, original, spinach and artichoke, greek olive, and red pepper.  Hummus is usually served with pita bread, but I eat it with bell pepper slices, celery and carrots.  Hummus is full of fiber and protein and is light and fresh.

3.  FROZEN GRAPES

If you have never tried frozen grapes before, you are missing out!  I wash a bunch of grapes, take them off the vine and put them into plastic freezer bags.  I keep a few bags in my freezer at all times.  They are perfect for snacking on a hot day, to take to the movies (don’t tell anyone!) or just to eat on the go.  The grapes take on an ice cream like texture when frozen…they are SO good, you have to try this.

4.  CHICKEN SALAD WITH LETTUCE

I like to make a chicken salad mix to keep in the refrigerator for a quick healthy snack.  I make this and put in romaine lettuce leaves for a fresh, protein packed snack or lunch. 
Sarah’s Chicken Salad Recipe:
Boneless skin-less chicken breasts
Red bell pepper
Celery
Pickles
Mayonnaise made with Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together and put in lettuce leaves or use red bell pepper, celery, or carrots to dip.

5.  DRIED FRUIT

I always have a bag of dried fruit in my purse. My personal favorites are: apricots, cherries, apples, and peaches.  The great thing about dried fruit is it’s exactly that; fruit that has been dried.  A warning though, some dried fruit has lots of added sugar and chemicals to preserve color etc.  Always read the ingredients label.  You only want the fruit, whatever kind it may be, to be on the ingredients list.