Healthy B.P.M.

Some things bear repeating. There’s been a lot of talk lately about the problems associated with processed food. I think that lots of them are the bane of our existence, but that’s just me. We’re now being told that eating unprocessed and even raw foods can help us be healthier, happier, and live longer, as well as make us look better. That should be a no-brainer. And guys, this is for you also. Having clear skin is not just a “girl” thing.

No doubt, having an effective and consistent fitness plan will transform your body. Having healthy beautiful skin is also a plus. Processed foods can definitely wreak havoc on your skin. All the chemicals and preservatives floating around in them can dull your skin faster than a New York minute. So doesn‘t it stand to reason that if you want to look younger and healthier, you should add more raw foods to your diet?

When food is cooked and processed, it loses vital nutrients. When you eat processed food, you don’t get the nutrients your body needs to function efficiently. This leaves you less healthy, and one of the first places it can show up on is your skin. If your skin cells aren’t properly nourished, they don’t look as good. You’re also more prone to acne and other embarrassing infections; there are lots of adults who wake up with pimples.

Some raw food advocates believe that just cooking your food is too much processing. Raw foods contain live, active enzymes, and aid in digestion which improves your body’s functioning, efficiency and overall health. I’ll say it again; the healthier you are, the healthier your skin is. Raw food can help to reduce wrinkles, age spots, eye bags, even those dreaded adult pimples, leaving your skin beautiful and radiant. (That sounded like a commercial didn’t it?) We all know that when we’re tired, we also tend to look it. Fatigue often brings with it dull skin and a haggard appearance. The right amount and type of digestive enzymes you get from eating raw, live fruits and vegetables helps speed digestion and gives us more energy from our food.

A steady supply of energy works wonders in making you look less tired.

Ok, so we know what food loses through processing, what might be more important to this topic is what is added, to food during processing. Most companies aren’t concerned about keeping you healthy; they’re concerned about selling their product. This means they add chemicals to keep food fresh longer, change its color, change its texture, or even to make you more hungry or thirsty after you eat or drink it. These chemicals can be toxic to your body. They build up in your cells, which does not, make them function properly. Also, if you have skin ailments, your breakouts may be due to an allergic reaction to these chemicals.

Self preservation shouldn’t come from pickling ourselves with a who’s who line up from the periodic table. In order to look good, your skin needs to be healthy. This means proper nourishment and fewer toxins. Before you start declaring your allegiance to all things boxed and prepackaged; I’m not saying YOU should never have them. Just ease back and include more whole, natural foods.