The question on everyone's lips is...how do those celebrities look so darn good all the time? Well, with personal trainers, personal chefs, personal make-up artists and hairdressers, the Hollywood A-list are at a bit of an advantage. You can still have flawless skin like Nicole, gleaming hair a la Angelina or sparkling eyes like Cameron Diaz - with a little bit of nutrition know-how…
Looking for radiant skin?
Nicole Kidman is renowned for her perfect, alabaster skin. But if your skin is dull and dry, this could be a sign that your diet is low in protein, B vitamins, iron, copper or water. A sluggish blood supply that allows toxins to accumulate shows on your face!
Having a bad hair day?
If you envy Angeline Jolies mane but are stuck with dry, lackluster hair, your diet might be low in protein, the B vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid, iron, vitamin C or water.
Protein, B vitamins and iron are all involved in maintaining a healthy blood supply. A deficiency limits the supply of oxygen to the hair and scalp, resulting in slower hair renewal. With low vitamin C intake, hair can tangle and break more easily.
Nailing the problem…
Brittle nails and slow nail growth can be signs of insufficient zinc, selenium, calcium or vitamins C, E and K in the diet. Without these, nail growth and circulation to the nail bed will be hampered and you’re left with brittle nails that chip easily or nails that just won’t grow!
The eyes have it!
They say that Irish eyes smile but Cameron Diaz' all American eyes certainly sparkle! A diet rich in anti-oxidants such as lutein will help keep eyes healthy while vitamin A in the from of retinol is needed for proper eye function.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found in dairy products, meat and eggs, while beta-carotene – another form of vitamin A, is found in green and yellow vegetables and orange-coloured fruits. These foods will also provide a healthy does of anti-oxidants.
The solution?
Good diet is the key. Eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day will have visible results. Drinking plenty of water is vital for flushing out those toxins, clearing skin and giving vitality to hair. And going for wholegrain varieties of bread and breakfast cereal will increase your vitamin intake in one easy step. Breakfast cereal with semi-skimmed milk is a great way to get iron and calcium and remember that cheese is a great source of calcium as well as B vitamins, and if you stick to low fat, soft cheeses, your diet won’t falter.
Try to incorporate these dietary changes gradually and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel - and look - after just a couple of weeks. Who says you need to be in Hollywood to have A-list looks!