Beauty from the Inside Out

This  is part 2 of Emma’s Fall Special. See part one here.

When I became a vegan it changed my life. I truly understood the concept that beauty starts from the inside out. Our skin, which is our largest organ, is simply a reflection of what is happening on the inside. My body amazes me – and when you really get to know it and how magnificent it is and what it can do, you just want to love and support it on every level. The side benefit of this love is gorgeous glowing skin. So let’s rock flawless skin as we step into a brand new season….

My approach to life is holistic. Before I share some rather fabulous products, I’m going to give you some basic everyday adjustments that will support your skin. I’m so inspired by the love of my life and I’ve found myself drinking less because of him. Now I have to confess, I do love a fine glass of Pinot Noir. However I’ve found that I do not even crave a glass when out to dinner now….Also when you are happy and just high off of life itself why drink – I’d rather have a rehab shot of ginger, lemon and cayenne at JuicePress (my favorite juice bar in NY –www.juicepress.com). And don’t forget alcohol is full of sugar. Just take a look at someone who really drinks and the quality of their skin is awful. Enough said.

Which brings me onto sugar. Simply put, it is poison. Sugar is involved in three of the aging processes; it can create acidity, cause inflammation and disturb the hormonal balance of the body. Eating a diet full of highly sugared foods slows down the body’s ability to regenerate itself and so speeds the aging process. On a daily level sugar can cause the following; flabby belly, inability to lose weight easily, lowered mental alertness, mood swings, puffy eyes, sagging skin, spots and acne, tooth decay, cravings. I could talk about this in such depth but I want to move on so just be aware and watch out for hidden sugar in unexpected places like breads, cereals, even at the salad bar in wholefoods! I’ve found they add sugar to their kale salad! Why? To beat sugar cravings, eat a bit of protein instead – try nuts, soya/edamame beans or tofu. And lots of savory foods are sweet too: beetroot, sweet potatoes, almonds and pistachios for example.

Let’s talk salt. I always remember my gorgeous friend Wai would avoid anything with salt the night before a photo shoot because it retains water, causing swelling and creating puffy eyes. It also creates sore cracked lips, fatigue, dry lined skin, kidney stress, thinning hair and high blood pressure to name a few. If you enjoy salt then try unrefined, traditionally harvested salt such as ‘Himalayan Rock Salt’ or ‘Celtic Sea Salt’. They contain ten or more mineral ions, which help nerve and muscle function, compared to table salt, which only has two. They also taste much saltier, so you need less.

Ok I’ve said this before and I will say it again. Cows milk is for calves, not for humans. Which is why it causes acne, pus filled spots, cellulite, weight gain, wrinkles, constipation and digestive disorders, asthma and eczema, low energy to name a few. Cut out dairy and notice the difference in your skin – when I eliminated dairy from my diet my skin just glowed.

Now I know some of you love meat and I would certainly not want to turn this into an anti meat preach. So please know I am sharing what has worked for me and because I have this knowledge it is a joy to tell you. Meat is one of the most acid forming foods. It causes chronic inflammation, red meat (especially beef and pork) contain high levels of saturated fats, a sugar molecule (Neu5Gc) and a fatty acid called arachidonic acid, all of which provoke inflammation. It disrupts the digestive system and a healthy digestive system equals clear and radiant skin. I could go on and on. Relying on meat as a source of protein comes at a very high price so I want to share how I get my protein.

First of all protein is necessary for beautiful skin, hair and nails. Please note, I will talk more about the impact of protein on hair growth in my next beauty essentials. It’s important to understand the value of protein in the diet. Proteins are necessary for tissue repair and for the construction of new tissue. Every cell needs protein to maintain its life. Protein is the primary substance used to “replace” worn out or dead cells. For example those with thinning hair or too many wrinkles for their age may lack protein. Next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance in your body. I think my opinion on protein is clear now let’s get some. I am a huge fan of VEGA. Before I work out I make a Vega nutritional shake in my NutriBullet. ‘Vega One’ gives you so much in one glass; 20 grams of premium plant based protein, 6 servings of greens, 50% daily intake of food-based vitamins and minerals, 25% DV fiber, 1.5 grams of Omega-3’s, Probiotics (1 billion CFU) and antioxidants. It is an incredible start to the day. I use it with organic, non GMO soy milk and organic fruit (pineapple or raspberries are my current faves). After my workout I have another shake using the Vega Protein and Greens. It really sets me up for the day and I do not get hungry in between meals. My baby is using the VegaSport, which is great following a workout and contains 25 grams of complete protein (so it’s a good choice for men). It is formulated to improve strength, repair and build muscle and reduce recovery time between training.

To support my skin I am also using the ‘Antioxidant Omega Oil blend’. Think of these oils as an internal moisturizer. I will either have a tablespoon on its own or simply add it to my morning smoothie. This oil gives you 3 grams of Omega-3’s, 6 grams of Omega-6’s, 3 grams of Omega-9’s and 77% of DV vitamin E, 22mg of Phytosterols and chlorophyll. These truly moisturize your skin and hair from the inside out and the result is glowing skin and lustrous hair. Chlorophyll is an internal deodorant, it is a natural odor neutralizer and also supports clear, even toned skin.

Vega Maca is known to energize and I’ve recently started using it and the benefits are endless. Our focus is on skin so let’s start with that, it helps reduce cellulite, improves skin elasticity, tone and heals burns. It also increases metabolism, stimulates rapid weight loss, returns hormonal balance and helps reduce stress.

Another must have to beautify the skin is Coconut Oil. I have multiple uses for this. From a face moisturizer to a body moisturizer to a hair mask to an internal moisturizer (I add it to my Nutribullet), and even use it as a topping on a baked sweet potato. I use ‘Natures Gate, Pure & Unrefined Extra Virgin Coconut Oil’.

Another internal moisturizer that we can all drink more of is mineral water. add fresh lemon (it alkalizes the body). I aim for an absolute minimum of 1.5 liters a day.

You are what you eat and it really does affect your mood. On a day to day basis I am happy (of cause we face challenges in life but the core of who I am is very happy). Look around you, are you surrounded by people that lift you up, support you and encourage you to fulfill your potential? “You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with” so be extremely selective with who you let into your life and spend your precious time with. Negative people drain your energy…life is too short to be anything but happy. Have the courage to make bold choices, step out of your comfort zone and live the life you dreamed of. No-one wants to grow old and look back and say I wish I’d done that…this is life not a dress rehearsal. And happy minds create happy bodies create happy skin…Sending so much love to all your gorgeous beauty lovers. Until next time….

Www.myvega.com
All products are available at your local Wholefoods.

Emma is represented by The Mary Anne Claro Talent Agency in NYC.

You can read all of Emma’s posts here.