I’ve come a long way from the pizza-faced person I used to be, and while my skin looks great now I’ve still got one problem:  it doesn’t glow!  You know what I mean… the natural glimmer your body gives off.  Glowing skin indicates good health and a stress-free life.  I’m constantly snacking on cookies and chicken wings so I decided this summer is the time to swap the junk for some fruits and veggies (which I only eat on occasion).  So, now that we’ve gotten to the point lets talk about what foods are great for healthy looking skin and why:

• Drink lots of water.  This has always been an old rule but it’s probably the most effective one, even if you don’t eat your fruits and veggies.  Water helps to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
• Foods rich in vitamin B2 help your skin to maintain a glow.  Eating foods like beef, eggs, and cheese can help keep your glow lasting long!
• Foods rich in Vitamin C help to produce collagen.  Try eating blueberries, strawberries, sweet potatoes, kiwi, papaya, and broccoli.
• Dried apricots help to improve your skin tone because of their iron-rich properties.  If you’ve ever eaten prunes, you can probably eat apricots!
• Try adding a little garlic or onions to your normal meal to give it a little flavor.  They are rich in sulphur and keep the skin smooth.  Plus, they add a little flavor to a ordinary dish!

Now let’s take a second and get real… I’m not very good at going on challenges and making promises to myself about changing up a regimen.  I normally forget, or get too lazy!  Sad, but true… so instead of going on a strict regimen switch-up, I’m going to come up with fun ways to incorporate these foods into my diet.  For instance:

• I like to drink water only when it’s ICE COLD and got a squeeze from a fresh lemon wedge.  The lemon makes it crisp and the flavor is addicting.
• Make a smoothie with your favorite fruits and add a cup of flavored yogurt.  This way, you get your probiotics and your vitamins all at the same time.
• Make your own knock-version of P.F. Chang’s Beef and Broccoli.  Use lean meat and broccoli florets that are big.
• Go for the standard veggies-n-ranch as a snack.  For something different, try a raspberry vinaigrette or make your own Italian vinaigrette.

Check out this article from Good Food and get started to creating your own regimen!