True beauty comes from within. And that is why I have made this page on anti aging nutrition and anti aging foods because when you start to eat these foods regularly, you can literally change the make up of your body and feel your best.
Growing up, my mother made healthy meals so I always knew that good food was important… but my first real "ah ha" moment came in my early twenties when I was living in Vancouver and starting going to Japanese restaurants a lot. I was also eating lots of junk food being away from home. Every time I ate Japanese food, I felt amazing both physically and mentally and whenever I ate junk, I felt lethargic and cranky. One day I made the connection between anti aging foods and my state of mind.
"Hey… this really does work!"
(You know how your parents tell you stuff but you never really listen and have to figure it out on your own? That's what happened to me.)
A few years later, I actually moved to Japan… but that's another story.
Anyway, what I am trying to say is that when you are healthy on the inside, it will show on the outside. By getting back in line with what nature intended, eating anti aging foods and anti aging antioxidants, and following some basic anti aging tips, you can reverse the aging process and have beautiful skin naturally.
A few common sense tips to get you started on the road to anti aging nutrition and living your best life, without having to drastically change your lifestyle are…
1. Eat a nutritious breakfast. In Japan, we ate a lot of anti aging foods, and our breakfast was things like fish and salad. But if that is too extreme, then try eggs, oatmeal, or green smoothies as some examples. Eating a nutritious breakfast helps you start the day right and fills you up so that you don't get the urge to snack. I always have a smoothie in the morning so that I can get my protein, EFAs, and superfoods all in one place. As a busy mom, convenience is important to me and if I can get my kids to fill up with nutrition in the morning in a simple way, I am happy!
2. Cut out refined sugar and sugar substitutes. It's not really as hard as you think because Mother Nature supplies the most delicious sweeteners anyway. Maple syrup, molasses, and honey all have health benefits while refined sugar actually strips nutrients away, and chemical sweeteners are harmful. There really is no need at all for any refined sugar in your life.
3. Eat more raw foods. Again, you don't have to switch immediately to a total raw foods diet now, but if you try to eat more than 50% raw food you will find you have more energy and your skin will look better too.
4. Reconnect with Mother Nature. Before you prepare any food, ask yourself "Did Mother Nature make this?" and if the answer is yes, then it is most likely an anti aging food that is full of both nutrients and micronutrients that will help you reverse aging and find your ideal weight. In Japan, we ate a mother nature based diet and I have not struggled with weight or worried about calorie intake since then. When you eat according to nature, your body will naturally find it's perfect balance.
5. Follow the 80/20 rule. As long as you are putting 80% goodness into your body, then you do not have to stress over the small pleasures you add on holidays and special occasions. For the most part though, avoid chemicals, dyes, and anything else manufactured or processed by humans as much as possible. Become an expert label reader and know how to tell anti aging ingredients from aging one. I do most of my shopping on the outside aisles of the supermarket because really… almost everything you need can be found there.
Common sense can really simply your life when it comes to anti aging nutrition and finding YOUR inner beauty.
