Finally I am coming across more and more articles that say the same thing I have been saying for years. Skin Beauty is more than skin deep. It involves keeping your liver, colon and lymphatic system detoxed, and that is just the beginning. How do you achieve this...by eating vegetables and fruits, especially deep green leafy vegetables.

"In a recent study, German scientists from the Institute for Experimental Dermatology at the University of Witten-Herdecke, discovered that the participants' skin condition drastically improved and appeared thicker and more hydrated, when given a fruit and vegetable concentrate. The results followed an in-depth look into skin density and thickness, measured by ultrasound, and skin hydration, where scientists used a Cornometer(R) to assess transepidermal water loss. The study found that the skin benefits from an optimal supply of fruit and vegetable-based nutrients and oxygen to facilitate the skin cell metabolism, producing visible skin improvements in hydration, density and thickness."

Every day, people come to me for help with their skin. The first thing I address is what they are using topically, and I recommend products that I believe will be beneficial to achieve their desired results. The second question I always ask is, "What is your diet like?" Most people are starting to realize the importance of diet with regards to the appearance of their skin. And if they don't, when they try my suggested diet for their skin, which is about omitting bad foods and adding more nutritious ones with a few supplements, they will begin to see the difference in just a few short weeks. Trust me, I can make a believer out of you!!

Many people may argue that genetics is to blame for the condition and quality of their skin. While I will agree to some degree that this is true, you contribute to your overall appearance by the choices you make. Take me as an example. I do LOVE food and there is hardly a new restaurant or an old dive that I will EVER miss even if their menu is mostly fried. However, this is not my ordinary routine. I save these restaurants for the occasional "once in a while" cheat. Also, I tend to give myself the weekends for eating and drinking what I want-and yes, that means you will most likely find me at Maple & Motor on Sunday!

That being said, if you followed me around Monday thru Friday, you would see that in the morning I always start my day with a fresh vegetable juice that is made at home, which I drink within 10 minutes, so the enzymes are still alive. This consists of mostly green vegetables like kale, spinach, celery, cabbage and I add in beets, carrots, ginger, cilantro, parsley, apple, lemon and so on. Each day I make a new concoction, but the base is always green vegetables. In the afternoon during the time when I am feeling that "afternoon lull" and I am without my juicer, I opt for a green food drink made from Ultimate Living Green Miracle to give my body the pick up it needs, and the veggies it craves. Plus, I am getting the added bonus of green grasses and herbs that are essential for optimum health to keep my liver and organs clean and healthy. During the week I avoid sugar, and opt for Stevia in my tea and coffee. Also, I drink my "spa water" each day so I can get in my 8 glasses. I add fruits and veggies to my water with a little stevia, and it tastes so refreshing that you almost forget it is mandatory to drink 8 glasses, thus I call it "spa water". In addition to these "choices" I make, I also make the choice to avoid white flour, eat 2 fruits per day, make sure my diet is 75-80% vegetables and beans and balance out the rest with lean proteins, nuts and seeds. I use olive oil, vinegar, mustard, sea salt and pepper along with a host of herbs and spices to season my food.

For my skin I do a few things each day. I take 1 tablespoon of fish oil (3 grams is what is recommended in the clinical studies for reducing inflammation in the skin which is beneficial to ward off aging, acne, eczema and other skin maladies). I take 2 Neem tablets OR 2 Dermacare capsules, both of which are made by Himalayan Naturals. I also take 2 of Ultimate Living's Hair Skin and Nail formula and 2 of the Anti-Aging formula. In addition to this I also take 1 ounce of the Ultimate Living ORAC drink. This is chock full of antioxidants like goji berries, mangosteen, acai, grape seed extract etc.---all very beneficial to the skin.

You may think that this all sounds like a lot to manage, but once you are "in the groove" it just comes natural. In fact, when I miss my juicing and normal alkaline diet (which happens some when I travel) I crave the veggies and fruits my body is used to and start hunting down the nearest salad or juice bar for my fix! I am off to have my next glass of  "spa water".  I have to get it in because it is almost the weekend!!