It goes without saying; everyone is looking for things that can help slow the aging process and discover the elusive “Fountain of Youth”. With the many options currently available, most would say that the best-kept secrets lay in the availbility of one’s finances. Hollywood lays the ground work to some of the best plastic surgery in the U.S. and with the swipe of a credit card, you can transform 10 to 20 years magically off your appearance. But is that the answer for internal youth one would need to maintain what the rest of the body must keep up with?
Let’s take a look at just a few things one could do to restore a youthful appearance even before choosing to go under the knife.
There is no secret that working out keeps you younger both in terms of the energy you have and your physical ability to keep doing the things you love.
But there must be the right combinations of exercise as well as eating habits that being the process of changing the age process in the body vs. accelerating the process.
And even if you do strenuous cardio workouts each week, just based on what you are missing in your diet, you may be missing out on potential anti-aging body benefits if your schedule doesn’t include yoga, weight training, and rest. For example, if you only do cardio at the expense of other types of exercise, like yoga and strength training, you could be missing out on skin-protective benefits. Just a few changes in your diet could make a major difference in your appearance.
Morning Tea vs. Coffee
Research suggests that green and black tea contain protective compounds—like EGCG and theaflavins—that help prevent skin cancers and the breakdown of collagen, the cause of wrinkles.
Adding Weight Training vs. Cardio Only
Following a regular strength-training routine that creates better, more supportive muscle tone will help you firm sagging skin from the neck down. “I am religious about strength-training.” And I have seen the many benefits of incorporating this with my clients instead of cardio workouts alone.
Organic Meat vs. Cheaper Brands
Yes, organic does cost more but what is the price of your health when you can’t afford not to change? Hormones that are injected into meats drastically age the body and even effect how our body operates. While it may seem like no big deal and budgets may have the final say, it is always best to eat organic non hormone injected meats. You will also find this has a great effect on the look and feel of your skin and acne breakouts.
Alkaline Foods vs. Acidic
If your body is too acidic, which can happen when your diet is unbalanced, it leaches the alkaline minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, that allow us to have strong, healthy bones, teeth, and hair can be depleted. Making small changes and adding alkaline water to your diet is a big plus for your skin and hair. Remember, the skin is the largest working system in your body, so what you put on it, matters as much as what you’re putting in the body. Try adding more alkaline-forming foods, such as parsley, almonds, kale, pears, lemons, and apples.
When the Body Says Rest, Do It
When your exercise routine is so intense that you’re tired all the time, can’t sleep at night, you’re setting yourself up for overuse injuries—not to mention dark circles and bags under your eyes from those sleepless nights. These symptoms could be a sign of over exhaustion. You have to give the body balance between intensity and rest periods. Professional athletes or people who are in competition or training in this arena can handle more, but the average person should start slow and build their way up in tolerance.
Consistency is the key.