Mom was right, you are what you eat and what you eat has a tremendous impact on your skin. Winter is here and so is dry, flakey skin. You can do something about it because what you put on your face is as important as what you put in your mouth. Samantha Heller, MS, RD, clinical nutritionist at NYU Medical Center says that “everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well.” A well balanced diet can mean skin is able to hold in moisture, giving you fuller, younger looking skin.

Most experts recommend eating a balanced diet as the ideal solution for healthy skin and a good complexion. Foods that are particularly healthy for skin are fruits such as blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and plums. Their high antioxidant content can protect skin cells and guard against premature aging according to the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. Given that these fruits are not in season, many of these berries are available frozen and are terrific when mixed into cereals, yogurt, or smoothies.

Heller states that healthy oils and fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, aid in keeping the skin lubricated by helping cell membranes hold moisture. Foods with a high content of omega-3s include ground flaxseed, soybeans, salmon, sardines, walnuts and canola oil. [Editor’s Note: Zoe’s Cereals and Bars contain 60% to 100% of the daily value of ALA omega-3s depending on the product.]. Selenium also promotes skin health and can be found in foods such as whole wheat bread, muffins, and cereals. Of course drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated and helps the cells move nutrients in and toxins out.

The benefit of healthy eating is unquestionable - so this winter, don't just eat well to feel good, but also to look good.