ALCOHOL - Why giving up alcohol keeps you young

Nutritionist and Ocsober ambassador Lola Berry reveals the secrets of youth...

We all want to retain our youthful looks, and I myself have just turned 28 and am doing a range of things from avocado face masks to cutting back on alcohol to keep my skin looking fresh and glowing.

As great as the avocado masks are, ageing has so much to do with what we fuel our bodies with and also what we don't put into our bodies.

Don't be afraid of good fats

Incorporating good fats are a great start and will help to keep us looking young and glowing. However, this doesn't mean loading up on fatty foods! No, you've got to be smart about your choices, go for things like walnuts, avocado, coconut oil, flax seeds and eggs. These are the good healthy ways to keep you looking young!

Stock up on antioxidants

These help to prevent free radical damage and ranging of the body. This is where your blueberries, garlic and broccoli come into play, and why you always see them on any "superfood list" as they keep you feeling and looking great!

Avoid the bad and the ugly

Now for the stuff to avoid, starting with trans fats. That's the stuff in many take away foods, chocolate bars and most processed junk food. Next up, refined white sugars, these guys kill white blood cells which are your body’s natural bodyguard.

Go alcohol-free once in a whileAnd finally alcohol, this stuff not only places loads of stress on the liver (which is our main organ of elimination) but it also ages us, and quick! I try and drink as little as possible and partake in alcohol free months such as Ocsober to give my body a break and detox before the summer months.  So swap those G & T's for something a little lighter like sparkling water and lime. They may not be quite as enjoyable but once Ocsober is over, the odd glass of red wine is OK and will give your body a nice hit of polyphenols, which is another goodie when it comes to heart health.

And finally...

This may seem all too hard, and even I (a certified health nerd) struggle sometimes. However, it's great to know your taste buds change every 14 to 21 days so it won’t take you too long to get used to a new clean way of living. Your body with thank you by giving you a more youthful look, so it seems pretty worth it to me!

Find more about Lola Berry - Ocsober ambassador, author and nutritionist at www.lolaberry.com.au.

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/