photo by African Fi
The concept of what is ‘beautiful’ changes from person to person, and culture to culture. Many would agree that beauty is—or should be—more than just outward appearance; it comes from inside and shines out. I don’t just mean being beautiful in spirit and action (although that is important, too!). I mean making sure you put the best things in your body, so you can get the best things out of your body. Taking care of, appreciating and loving your body is one of the best things you can do to achieve your most beautiful self.
Here are three ways you can love your body from the inside, out:
Hydrate. Our bodies are mostly water, and every cell inside of us depends on H2O to function properly. Staying hydrated can fight of headaches and drowsiness, as well as improve skin, banish bloat and even make the whites of your eyes brighter! The amount of water you should be drinking will vary depending on your activity level. However, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests drinking 6 to 8 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
Happy stomach: I’m sure you’ve heard of probiotics before. The dairy industry is always touting the high probiotic content in yogurt. A probiotic is healthy bacteria that promotes the health of and balances out the intestinal tract. It also helps fight illness and disease, improves digestion (bye bye, bloat!) and allows you to better absorb vitamins and minerals, kickstarting your immune system. Yes please! Miso and Tempeh are natural sources for probiotics. You can also get probiotics in supplement form, but be sure to do your research so you know your probiotics are vegan. Companies like New Chapter, Vitanet and Now Food make vegan probiotic lines.
Skin-boosting nutrients. I like to think I get enough nutrients through diet. However, as someone who has dealt with acne in the past, I like to give myself a double-dose of skin happy vitamins. Borage seed oil, which contains Gamma-Linolenic Acid, is fantastic for your skin. I take this supplement, along with a combo of zinc and vitamin A.
How do you make yourself beautiful from the inside out? Share your secrets, please!
