5 FOODS TO AVOID THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
- Posted on: Dec 6 2017
The holiday season stretches from November through January and we are just at the beginning! These are some of the toughest months to be mindful of what you are eating and drinking. Festive parties and get-togethers, as well as all the running around to get things done, can lead to poor food choices. We know that many holiday foods are not great for our waistlines, but our skin can take the brunt of bad choices, too. You don’t have to skip the fun all together, but slowing down and practicing moderation can lead to a happier new year.
“Choosing healthy, nourishing foods is essential to skin health. In many ways, we are what we eat, and our outward appearance reflects our inner health. Take time this season and be mindful, while still enjoying all the wonder this time of year has to offer.”- Dr. Asarch
Here are 5 Foods to Avoid this Holiday Season.
FRIED FOODS
Fried foods are high in fat content, which can have a negative effect on your internal circulation leaving you looking and feeling puffy. A good rule is to avoid anything breaded or fried, choosing instead grilled meats or raw veggies. If the food you are eating leaves a grease stain on your napkin, don’t put it in your body ;o)
CARBONATED DRINKS
Frequent consumption of carbonated sodas and beverages with high sugar content can damage the formation of collagen, the connective tissue that help keeps skin firm. These high sugar drinks also are high in calories. Carbonated drinks can also trap gas and lead to belly bloating and discomfort. Try peppermint tea for a festive alternative. Research shows peppermint can help calm stomach muscles and reduce gas. If you need the bubbles to feel festive, choose calorie-free options like sparkling water or seltzer.
SALTY FOODS
Salty snacks such as chips, pretzels, and dips loaded with sodium will quickly max out your salt intake for the day. This can lead to water retention and puffiness that you feel all over, including your skin. Since most of these snacks are readily available at parties and get-togethers, don’t go to a party hungry. Eat before you go, so you are not as tempted to over-indulge once you get there.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol has a diuretic effect and can suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving you dull and dehydrated. This doesn’t mean you have to eliminate alcohol from your holiday diet. You just need to make better choices, practice moderation and drink water as you go.
“When it comes to skin health, red wine may actually be good for your skin when consumed in moderation. It is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids, resveratrol, and tannin which can help fight aging by restoring collagen and elastic fibers.”– Dr. Asarch
PROCESSED SUGARS
Avoiding cookies, candies, cakes and other processed sugars is nearly impossible during the holidays, but all those delicious treats can promote inflammation that is damaging to your skin. The good news is you can still reach for the dark chocolate if you need something sweet. Dark chocolate contains flavonols and antioxidants that help your skin protect itself from UV damage and fight free radicals. The key is you must choose chocolate with a cocoa percentage of 70 or more to get the benefits.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
We offer Nutritional Counseling at DermaSpa, because we understand that the health of your skin is affected by many factors such as lifestyle, environment, and diet in addition to your skin care regimen. We also offer body contouring treatments for those stubborn fatty areas that just won’t go away even with a good diet and exercise.
Posted in: Blog Post