Your health: Attack acne with diet
Clear skin diet
Women's magazines are riddled with diets promising weight loss. The November issue of Glamour has a different idea: It's promoting a diet to clear up acne.
The Great Skin Diet claims to diminish the appearance of pimples by as much as 62 percent “just by changing what you eat.” Glamour readers who tried the diet were encouraged to give up processed foods, dairy and alcohol, and to eat a dermatologist-designed menu of vegetables, fish, lean meats, whole grains and healthy fats.
While the American Academy of Dermatology doesn't support the idea of a connection between food and acne, Glamour found that “of the seven women who tried our diet for the full seven weeks (most of whom had severe, persistent acne), six saw noticeably better complexions.”
For those who doubt the food-pimple connection — or who don't want to wait more than a month to see if the diet works for them — Glamour shares tips on how to fake perfect skin with makeup.
Helpful eating habits
Smart eating habits help you feel satisfied, according to website FabFitFun. They offer some natural ways to curb your appetite:
Fiber: According to nutritionist Lisa De Fazio foods that are high in fiber and water expand in your stomach and make you feel full on fewer calories. Think fruits, veggies and whole grains. Veggies with hummus, for example, is an excellent snack choice.
Keep it lean: Lean protein, such as fish, poultry and eggs, slows down digestion of carbohydrates and keeps blood glucose levels steady. Translation? You're satisfied longer. Try incorporating more protein into your meals. For example, snack on low-fat cheese and crackers.
Brush: Nutritionist Alyse Levine said that brushing your teeth cleanses the palate. You're less likely to feel hungry if you can't still taste the marinara sauce from dinner.
Skip liquid calories: Eat your calories as opposed to drinking them. Many people experience more satisfaction from chewing food, Levine said.
Mind games: Hunger can be imagined and more psychological than real. Instead of reaching for that Snickers bar the next time the afternoon munchies hit, Levine suggested downloading a five-minute podcast or getting some fresh air. Oftentimes, those couple of minutes of distraction make you realize that you're not actually hungry.