Forget lotions and potions – the most effective way to get gorgeous is to work from within! Add these superfoods to your pre-wedding diet and you’ll be glowing in no time…
For glossy hair… eat flaxseed oil
Along with eating plenty of tress-loving protein and leafy green vegetables, the best way to bag some supermodel shine is to add a glug of flaxseed oil to mealtimes.
“Flaxseed oil is an essential fat our body can’t naturally make, so try adding a tablespoon to cooked vegetables or smoothies to give your hair a boost,” says nutritional therapist, Judy Watson. “But don’t be tempted to cook with it – heat will damage all the nutrient benefits.”
For a bright complexion… eat berries
Waging war against your first fine lines? You could reach for an anti-wrinkle cream – or raid your fruit bowl!
“Berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which have been found to boost collagen formation, plump up the skin and help support circulation,” says Judy. “Buy them frozen – it works out cheaper than fresh, and they often retain more nutrients.”
For a flat tummy… eat natural yoghurt
Left it too late for sit-ups? Fast-track your way to a washboard stomach by loading your plate with bloat-busting foods.
“Natural, live yoghurt is a great addition to your diet in the run-up to your wedding as it packed with good bacteria that will help reduce the unhealthy bacteria linked to bloating,” says Judy. “Eat one small pot with breakfast to reduce bloating throughout the day and stay clear of fruit varieties – fruit combined with sugar will actually have the reverse effect on your tum!”
For dimple-free thighs… drink water
Dreaded cellulite can plague even the slimmest pins and it is estimated that 90% of women have it. Caused by pockets of trapped toxins and fat, slapping on an expensive cream may help to minimise its appearance, but the best remedy is much easier on the purse strings!
“Upping your water intake will give skin a smoother appearance,” says Judy.
For a radiant glow… eat sweet potatoes
We all love our tatties, but in order to bag complexion perfection, we’ll be swapping the usual Maris Pipers for the sweet variety!
“Sweet potatoes are full of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, which help to keep skin looking radiant by sapping free radicals that make the skin look dull and life less,” says Judy.
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Great in soups or as a tasty alternative to your normal baked potato, you’ll be benefiting from all the skin-boosters you’ll find in leading radiance serums – at a fraction of the price!
For strong nails… eat oats
Madonna has long sung the praises of eating good old porridge to keep her figure looking svelte (porridge oats release their energy slowly, which helps you to feel fuller for longer) but the beauty benefits don’t stop there!
“Oats are also rich in silica, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium, which are all great news for brides wanting to strengthen their nails in time for W-Day,” says Judy. “Start the day with a bowl of porridge or have oatcakes and hummus for lunch.”
For spot-free skin… eat pumpkin seeds
Dreading an outbreak on the morning of your big day? “Eating lots of zinc-rich foods, such as pumpkin seeds, will help to keep skin clear,” says Judy. “Zinc is a key mineral for maintaining a healthy immune system, wound healing and balancing the hormones, which can cause spots. Have them as a snack or add to salads or cereal.”
Too much like bird food for your taste? Meat, shellfish, almonds and peanuts are also good sources of zinc.
For a super-charged metabolism… drink green tea
Love a cuppa? Go green! Clinical studies suggest that drinking green tea can help to burn fat by boosting metabolism thanks to the brew’s high levels of polyphenol antioxidants.
“Aim to drink two or three cups a day to aid weight loss,” says Judy. “If you are struggling with wedding stress, there’s more good news as green tea contains theanine – an amino acid believed to have a calming effect on the brain.” Far more virtuous than a glass of vino in those bridezilla meltdown moments!
For a trim waist… eat nuts
When you’ve got a florist, venue and favours to organise, you can forgive a girl for reaching for the biscuit tin, but by snacking cleverly you can keep those cravings at bay!
“If you feel your tummy rumbling mid-afternoon, try snacking on a handful of nuts, which should stop you munching on naughtier treats by stabilising blood sugar,” says Judy. “Nuts contain protein, healthy fats and many minerals which take longer to break down than a bag of crisps or a chocolate bar.”
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