Fit Skin Food Shopping List

While some folks subscribe to the "Eat to Live" philosophy, I most certainly "Live to Eat"! If there is one facet of my life where I lack self-restraint, most certainly that would have to be at the dining table. Particularly when I'm surrounded by close family and friends, there is just no excuse for not indulging in good food and fine wine. You must understand. I come from a very large Asian family, so you really have no choice: food is always front and center in my family. It's where stories are told, memories are made, and traditions are formed... Food always brought us together, and it continues to keep us together.

Beyond my own personal and intimate relationship with food, the topic of food (in my research) has also provided me a lens to understand human behavior and the marketplace—from understanding how differently we eat when alone vs. when eating with others, to understanding how food deserts (i.e., urban areas in which it is difficult to buy affordable fresh and healthy foods) can exist right here in the U.S., to understanding the impacts of gentrification on food pricing hikes, etc. However, what is most interesting to me regarding the topic of food is how much we focus on rising obesity statistics in the U.S. and the depiction of this love-hate relationship with food. While not usually explicitly communicated in the media, messages under-toning food deprivation implicitly communicate the secret to beauty in our society.

Immersing myself in food rituals (i.e., eating of course), literature and research over the years, I've come to realize that the attitude and belief systems towards food have yet to consider the most basic approach to beauty: eating well. Simply put, eating well means not eating junk! It means embracing your health in such a way that focuses more so on eating whole foods rather than packaged and processed goods. This means eating tons of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing sugar intake. Not only do eating these whole foods give you your best skin, but also it gives you a ton of energy while also helping to prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Isn't that a lovely coincidence?... Eating well means leaving calorie and fat counting behind for the pure enjoyment of food for its natural full flavors and nutritional value. And get this, you're also supporting the earth's sustainability by doing so, particularly when you're eating organics.

You see...food continues each day to give me an understanding of the world and human interactions; equally as important, it continues to allow me the ability to connect to my own personal and social identity as a woman, a career-mom, and scientific researcher. In my eyes, food is the gift that truly keeps on giving. And, I'd like to share my love of food and eating well with you and your family.

I totally get the reality of everyday life, work and family. It can become rather daunting to even think about which foods you should consider each week at the grocery store for your (skin) health and beauty. Even I went bananas in the beginning trying to figure out this shopping list. But no worries, I got cha'... Because now I'm sharing my list with you. Here is my Fit Skin Food Shopping List to help make your life a little easier while also making your skin glow a little happier :)

FRUITS

__ Apples

__ Berries

__ Grapefruit

__ Kiwi

__ Melons

__ Oranges

__ Peaches

__ Pears

__ Plums

VEGETABLES

__ Avocados

__ Beans

__ Bell Peppers

__ Broccoli

__ Brussels sprouts

__ Cabbage

__ Cauliflower

__ Cucumber

__ Eggplant

__ Garlic

__ Kale

__ Lettuce

__ Lentils

__ Mushrooms

__ Onions

__ Soybeans

__ Spinach

__ Tomatoes

WHOLE GRAINS

__ Almonds

__ Barley

__ Brown Rice

__ Cashews

__ Couscous

__ Flaxseeds

__ Oatmeal

__ Pine nuts

__ Sesame seeds

__ Walnuts

__ Whole wheat bread

__ Whole wheat pasta

MEAT & POULTRY

__ Organic grass-fed beef

__ Organic free-range chicken

__ Organic free-range turkey

FISH

__ Albacore tuna

__ Anchovies

__ Flounder

__ Mackerel

__ Sardines

__ Scallops

__ Sea bass

__ Trout

__ Wild Alaskan salmon

DAIRY*

__ Feta cheese

__ Parmesan cheese

__ Manchego cheese

__ Organic eggs

__ Organic Greek yogurt

SNACK FOODS

__ Cherry tomatoes

__ Hummus

__ Olives

__ Sunflower seeds

__ Wheat crackers

* Some research indicate associations between dairy intake and allergic skin reactions. If your skin responds negatively to dairy, just minimize/eliminate from your shopping list. Alternatives to dairy milk include the following non-dairy options: soy milk, almond milk, hemp milk, rice milk, and coconut milk.

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