Let’s face it, there’s only a handful of those who are able to inherit good genes and never need to worry much about their appearance and body after becoming a mom. Then there are also those who resort to relying on cosmetic surgery and technology to keep and bring back their youthful looks.

Then there’s the majority of us. A collective of those who resort to doing things the natural way by exercising to keep ourselves fit, mindfully eating, and simply trying our best to live our lives the best way possible, and of course, some others who have given up and don’t care much. I hope you aren’t one of those. Always have the spirit to be your best. We only have one life, they say, so live it the best as you can!

There are so many kinds of diets nowadays to choose from but being a Filipina, who was brought up loving rice and meat, I choose to eat mindfully instead of restricting myself in eating different kinds of food to follow a specific diet. This way, I still get to enjoy the food I love eating without compromising my health.

That being said, I always resort to choosing the right kinds of food for my body to be able to use to rejuvenate my body and be what it is today, especially after being a mother. Trust me, a lot has changed!

From my hips not going back to what they used to look at, to my pregnancy appetite which doesn’t seem to wear off even if the last time I’ve given birth was 8 years ago, and let’s not forget, perhaps, also a sign of aging, my metabolism has drastically slowed down!

Anyways, not here to complain. Just stating the facts which I know most of you can relate to. So here is the list of food I try to consume and include in each meal I make at home.

1. Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, contain omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and keep skin moisturized.
2. Avocado is a great source of healthy fats and vitamin E, which helps protect skin from oxidative damage.
3. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds, are rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants that can help protect and nourish the skin. My youngest is allergic to nuts, hence, our home has always been nut free since she had the prick test. I resort to having sunflower seeds instead!
4. Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body and is important for skin health. I’ve always loved sweet potatoes! Eating them as an unhealthy snack deep fried with coconut sugar in a skewer, or simply boiling/ baking them always makes my day!
5. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help support overall skin health. Not much of a green-leafy person growing up but I’ve totally stepped up my game on this!
6. Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are high in antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage and aging. Strawberries may be quite pricey here in Singapore so when we often resort to buying blueberries. I love putting them on smoothies!
7. Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from sun damage. I’ve always loved tomatoes but since having Urticaria 3 years ago, I try not to consume tomatoes.
8. Green tea is high in polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can benefit the skin. I used to be a coffee addict but due to its high histamine content, I needed to give that up. Tea has been my go-to nowadays!
9. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and flavanols, which can help protect skin from damage and improve skin hydration and texture.
10. Water is essential for healthy skin, as it helps to hydrate and flush out toxins from the body. Drinking plenty of water can help keep skin looking healthy and radiant.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body. Being human, we often include defining ourselves through our appearance. Taking care of our skin shouldn’t only be done by applying different creams on the outside. It’s always how we nourish it from the inside that we’ll be able to have that glowing skin we all want to achieve.