1. Pre-packaged foods – The silent enemy of your skin
During the Lunar New Year celebrations, pre-packaged foods such as candies, sausages, and fast food tend to make frequent appearances on the dining table. However, these are some of the “culprits” that accelerate the aging process. Pre-packaged foods often contain large amounts of additives, salt, and sugar, which not only increase the risk of inflammation in the body but also weaken the immune system. This leads to dry skin that lacks vitality and is more prone to wrinkles.
These types of pre-packaged foods also tend to contain high levels of preservatives, which burden the body as it works harder to expel these toxins.
As a result, the skin cannot maintain its natural moisture and becomes more susceptible to damage. To protect your skin, opt for freshly prepared dishes made from natural ingredients, ensuring your body receives sufficient nutrients without the “overload” of unnecessary additives.
2. Refined sugar – An indispensable enemy during the holidays
The Lunar New Year is a time when sweet treats such as candies, cakes, and sugary drinks become indispensable on the dining table. However, if you consume too much refined sugar, you will encounter a significant issue: the process of glycation. This occurs when sugar in the body combines with protein, forming harmful compounds called “advanced glycation end products” (AGEs), which damage collagen and elastin in the skin. These are the two key elements that help maintain the skin’s elasticity and smoothness.
Consequently, your skin loses its natural elasticity, becoming dry, prone to wrinkles, and sagging. Especially when we consume excessive amounts of sugary treats, these products stimulate the body to produce free radicals – the “agents” that inflict damage on skin cells.
Therefore, even during the festive season filled with sweet delights, it is essential to be mindful of your sugar intake. Opt for low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives to protect your skin and maintain its youthful appearance.
3. Deep-fried foods – The destroyer of your skin
Deep-fried foods are a common delicacy during Lunar New Year celebrations, such as spring rolls, fried meat, and fried pastries. While these dishes are mouthwatering, doctors warn that deep-fried foods can have severe consequences for your health and skin.
The process of deep-frying generates free radicals, causing the skin to lose its moisture-retaining ability and weakening skin cells. This leads to an increased appearance of wrinkles and accelerates skin aging.
Additionally, the grease in deep-fried foods can easily form inflammatory compounds in the body, increasing stress levels and cellular aging. However, you don’t need to avoid fried foods entirely, but it is advisable to opt for dishes that are fried with less oil or choose grilled or steamed alternatives to minimize the harmful effects.
How to adjust your holiday diet to maintain healthy skin
1. Incorporate “good” oils into your diet
While holiday foods can be detrimental to your health if consumed in excess, you can still maintain your well-being and slow down the aging process by including beneficial oils in your diet.
Oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, rice bran oil, and tea tree oil are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, providing healthy fats that protect cardiovascular health and benefit the skin.
For instance, in the Mediterranean region, the local population has a long life expectancy and good health due to their regular consumption of olive oil throughout their lives.
Similarly, the Japanese enjoy good health thanks to their intake of omega-3-rich fish oils. You can add a small spoonful of olive oil to your breakfast or use avocado oil in your daily cooking to provide your body with these precious nutrients.
2. Drink plenty of water to detoxify your body
During the Lunar New Year celebrations, it is easy to indulge in foods rich in fat, sugar, and salt. This not only burdens the body but also affects the skin, making it more prone to acne, dryness, or the early appearance of wrinkles. One simple and effective way to address this issue is to ensure you drink enough water.
Water helps detoxify the body, eliminating toxins and maintaining the skin’s moisture, ensuring it remains soft, supple, and radiant.
3. Limit pre-packaged and deep-fried foods
Pre-packaged and deep-fried foods are common during holiday feasts. However, these foods contain high levels of unhealthy fats that can cause skin inflammation and reduce skin elasticity. To maintain healthy skin, replace these foods with fresh, low-fat options such as vegetables, fruits, or steamed and grilled dishes instead of fried ones.
4. Reduce sugar and sweet treats
Sweet treats are abundant during the Lunar New Year celebrations, but if consumed in excess, the high sugar content can stimulate glycation, reducing the quality of collagen and elastin in the skin. This leads to a loss of elasticity, making the skin more prone to wrinkles and premature aging. It is crucial to control your sugar intake during the holidays, limit sugary treats, and opt for natural, low-sugar alternatives to maintain youthful-looking skin.
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