5 Ways A Poor Diet Can Affect Your Appearance

When trying to lose weight or improve their appearance, most people turn towards exercise and expensive cosmetic products or procedures, but rather than focusing on external forces you should try to look inwards. Your diet has a huge impact on how you look in more ways that you likely realise.

Whether it is because you are consuming too much sugar, not eating enough veggies or if your diet is too greasy, the effects of this will be written all over your face, and on your body and in your hair… If you want to look healthier and younger, you should first start with the foods that you eat. There is reason the saying “you are what you eat” is such a popular phrase.

1. Eyes

Poor nutrition can dull the sparkle in your eyes and promote undereye circles, making your look tired and haggard.  Whilst your diet can cause eye bags there are also many other contributing factors such as lack of sleep. Check out how to get rid of bags under eyes for some expert advice on how to combat them. Veggies like green peas, spinach, kale, and summer squash contain carotenoids which act as an antioxidant to improve eyesight and help bring back that healthy sparkle.

2. Lips

When suffering from chapped, dry lips you will likely turn to chapsticks or overnight moisturising treatments to remedy this but the best way to keep your lips moist is by keeping your body hydrated. Make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water a day and avoid drinking too much caffeine and foods that are overly salty. Some foods that encourage healthy lips are almonds, chia seeds, spinach, and broccoli.

3. Hair

Your hair says a lot about your general health and a nutritious diet can keep your hair looking luscious and feeling strong. No matter how much you dye it or style it, a nutrient rich diet can help you maintain that healthy shine. Although genetic factors can come into play here the best nutrients for your hair are vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Try foods such as tangerines, strawberries, fish, and eggs.

4. Skin

We all know that a poor diet can contribute to acne and trigger breakouts, but it can also affect the production of collagen. Collagen is responsible for your skin’s elasticity, if you skin loses this elasticity then it can cause sagging and wrinkles. The biggest culprit is refined sugar that breaks down your skin’s collagen. Aside from refined sugar you should also be mindful of white bread and pastries – all in moderation!

5. Weight

Finally, we get to the most obvious effect of food, your waistline. Exercise and keeping active is an important part of maintain a healthy weight but this can all be for naught if you are not eating right. Try to eat foods that are loaded with nutrients and will keep your fuller for longer such as leafy greens, boiled potatoes, salmon, chicken breast and lean beef.